Winter Wonderland
by Laura Knauth (1999)
Genres: Children's
Fantasy
Seasonal

Young Gretchen could have only imagined the fanciful events that were to occur before finding herself lost in a winter wonderland.

action: %
response: with a set color scheme, a compass rose, and occasional ASCII graphics?

If you would like to try a more embellished presentation, you might try running in 'frills' mode by typing FRILLS at the prompt. At any time, you may return to the 'bare bones' setting by typing BARE.

Release Version 2.0

Copyright 1999 Laura A. Knauth
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In a far off land, there lies a little village nestled in a snowy mountainscape. As the townsfolk joyously prepare for the coming winter solstice, a young girl living with her family in a humble hut at the outskirts of town gains no comfort in the festivities. Her closest companion, her younger brother Sander Bales, has fallen seriously ill with a fever and can barely lift his head from the bed upon which he lies. Young Gretchen could hardly have suspected that such circumstances would cause the fanciful events that were to occur upon this solstice eve.
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NOTE: At any time, you may view HINTS, CREDITS, or read some words about the MAKING of Winter Wonderland by typing the all-caps word on the command line.

   PROLOGUE   

Standard interpreter 1.0

A small, sickly boy is lying on a bed that takes up most of the space in this room. Light filters in through drab curtains hung around the only window in this bedroom. A long dark drapery hangs down over a portion of the east wall.

Small, disheveled shoes lie at the foot of the bed.
action: You examine boy
response: Your younger brother, Sander, became very ill many weeks ago and has yet to show signs of recovery. He looks feverish and uncomfortable as he lies asleep in your parents' bed. You become very forlorn as you stare at him. This used to be your favorite time of the year when the two of you would brave going into town and partake in the numerous solstice festivities with the other children.
action: You look at the drapery
response: It is just the separation between the living room and the bedroom.
action: About yourself
response: You are a young girl by the name of Gretchen Bales.
action: You examine the shoes
response: Sander has had to wear these same shoes for years. They have so many rips and tears that you wonder how they are able to hold together at all. This solstice eve, your family was only able to afford one new pair of shoes between the two of you, and being the eldest, you were the fortunate beneficiary. Poor Sander!
action: You open the curtains
response: You push aside the thin curtains and peer out of the window. In the distance, you can see your father chopping wood at the forest edge.
action: Go east
response: You push the drapery aside and move into the adjacent room.

This is the main room of the house. The drapery to the bedroom hangs in the west wall. A lighted hearth takes up most of one wall, and your mother prepares food in one corner of the room for what will be a meager solstice dinner. The room is sparsely decorated save for a little spruce tree that stands near the door to the north, your family's only token to the winter celebration.
action: You examine the tree
response: Although you delight in having the spruce tree in the house as a reminder of the nearing solstice celebration, you cannot help but be saddened that it is undecorated with any of the marvelous ornaments and trimmings of the trees in the village. Your mother notices you staring at the tree and remarks, "Gretchen, if you go into town today, remember to stop by the tavern and ask Hanna-Mae if she has a candle to spare so that we may at least have something to adorn that tree."
action: You look at the mother
response: Your mother is chopping vegetables for tonight's dinner.
action: You ask the mother about Sander
response: She looks down at you and musters a smile, "With all of our thoughts and well wishes, he's just got to get well soon. Be patient, and let him have his rest."
action: Pray
response: Nothing seems to have changed.
action: You examine the vegetables
response: Although a vegetable feast is incredibly meager compared to the feasts in town, it will be one of the most lavish of the year for your family.
action: You ask the mother abouHanna-Mae
response: "Please be very careful if you go into town today, Gretchen dear."
action: You examine hearth
response: You stare mesmerized by the fire for some time.
action: You ask the mother about the shoes
response: Your mother seems preoccupied with her chores.
action: You hug mother
response: Your mother gives you a warm hug in return. "Poor Gretchen, I know it must be lonely for you. But, try to cheer up," she says with a smile. "I'm sure Sander will be back to normal in no time." She looks worried though, and busily occupies herself with tidying the room.
action: You go outside
response: You open the front door and step outside.

The air is cool and brisk this evening. Menacing storm clouds loom over the mountaintops to the east, but on the opposite horizon are the beginnings of a fantastic sunset. The door to your family's house lies to the south and a well-worn trail leads northeast to the village.
action: You examine the house
response: Your family lives in this meager structure indeed, but it has been a safe and secure harbor all of your life.
action: You look at the sunset
response: The sun is setting in the western sky in a wondrous display of color.
action: You go northeast
response: A large, bustling community lies to the north. Cheers of merriment can be heard even at this distance. The terrain along this part of the path is particularly mountainous, and the trail leading into the village is carved into a moderately steep incline. The path home winds to the southwest.
action: Go north
response: This is the main road through town. This road continues deeper into the village when traversed to the north, and leads back down the mountainous path to home when traveled south. Peals of laughter can be heard from the tavern to the east. Tantalizing and delicious smells beckon your poor, hungry belly toward the open tavern door.
action: Go east
response: This tavern is a popular meeting place for the townsfolk especially at this time of year. Peels of laughter can be heard over the din of so many voices telling stories from past years and hopes for future seasons. Nearly every table is occupied with groups of villagers drinking, feasting and laughing. The smells of lavish dishes sorely tempt your empty stomach. Musicians walk through the crowd singing carols and playing their instruments for the diners. A roaring fire adorns the back wall of the tavern. A large pot hangs on a rack squarely over the flames. Many of the villagers take their bowls over to the hearth and fill them with the traditional plum pudding that is being cooked in that large pot. Peering through the smoky air, you recognize a woman scrubbing a counter stretching along the back wall.
action: You look at the woman
response: Which do you mean, the villagers or Hanna-Mae?
action: Hanna-mae
response: You recognize the waitress as Hanna-Mae, a long-time acquaintance of your family. She has been working in this tavern for as long as you can remember. She looks up and gives you a warm smile as you approach.
action: GreeHanna-Mae
response: Hanna-Mae smiles, "Why, hello there, little dear. How is your family? Be sure to give my regards to your brother. I hope he is doing better!"
action: You telHanna-Mae about Sander
response: One of the villagers waves at Hanna-Mae from across the room. As she starts across the tavern floor, she calls back to you, "Sorry, Gretchen! Back in a moment!"
action: You asHanna-Mae about the candle
response: "Oh, sure. I can probably find a candle to spare," Hanna-Mae explains as she walks around to the other side of the counter and picks up a candle from an empty table. She returns to the counter where you are waiting and gives the candle to you. "I'm sure your tree will be beautiful. Now run along, and be sure to give my regards to your family!"
action: You examine the pot
response: You walk over to the fire and peer into the large black pot that hangs over the yellow flames. A delicious-looking plum pudding is being cooked in the pot. As the yearly tradition would have it, whomever finds the single silver coin that is placed in the large pot of plum pudding will be blessed with a season of unparalleled prosperity. Ah, if only you could afford a bowlful.
action: You get the pudding
response: It would be very rude to simply take a handful of the pudding directly from the large vat. Anyway, you would most likely be burned attempting to take the pudding by yourself.
action: You asHanna-Mae about the pudding
response: Hanna-Mae looks at you for a moment and then says, "Why ... sure, it is solstice eve after all! I'm sure no one will mind if I give you a small serving of that plum pudding. Wouldn't that be nice?" And with that, Hanna-Mae finds a bowl and fills it with the plum pudding from the large pot over the hearth. She brings it back over to you, "Eat up, Gretchen. That batch is especially tasty this year!
action: You buy the pudding with the candle
response: (the large vat of plum pudding with the candle stick)
Nothing appears to be on sale.
action: You eat the pudding
response: (the tiny bowl containing a small serving of plum pudding)
You devour the plum pudding, downing spoonful after spoonful in hungry gulps. Suddenly, your teeth clamp down on a hard, flat object. Your initial discomfort turns rapidly to glee when you pull a silver coin from your mouth! It has always been the tradition in town every winter solstice that the person who finds the coin in the plum pudding will be blessed with a coming season of prosperity. Hanna-Mae runs over to you and hugs you joyfully. "You found it, you found it!" she cries. Many of the townsfolk turn to look at you and clap politely.
action: You look at the coin
response: Even though most townsfolk would find this silver coin more valuable for the traditional superstition of future good fortune, this coin is the most money you have ever had in your possession. You imagine yourself to be the richest girl in all of the world.
action: You go outside
response: This is the main road through town. This road continues deeper into the village when traversed to the north, and leads back down the mountainous path to home when traveled south. Peals of laughter can be heard from the tavern to the east.
action: Go south
response: As you begin to start back home, you feel a pang that compels you to stay in town a little longer. You would so much like to return home with something to cheer up your brother.
action: You go north
response: Further down the road, you see children playing some sort of game in the town square. Beyond them, a small theater production is taking place. You pass a window of one of the shops filled with a dazzling display of dolls and toys of all shapes and sizes. Your favorite place in town, the toy store lies to the west.
action: You examine the toy store
response: You might occasionally become lost in other parts of town, but you know the path to the toy shop well. The window facing the main path through town is a delight for the senses and the imagination.
action: You go west
response: Stepping across the threshold into the toy shop, you are overcome by a stunning display of all the toys a child could want. Filling the shelves are colorful stuffed bears, bouncing balls, games and puzzles, shiny trinkets and gizmos, dolls of all shapes and sizes, and even a polished red wagon. There are racks full of frilly dresses and boxes brimming with fancy bonnets and ribbons. The old shopkeeper peers at you curiously from behind his desk.

As you gaze in awe from one toy to the next, your eyes come to rest upon a strikingly pair of fine leather shoes on a pedestal in front of the clothes display.
action: You look at the shoes
response: Quite simply, these are the finest, most handsome pair of shoes you have ever laid eyes upon. You could not imagine a more perfect solstice gift for Sander who has had to wear his tight and tattered old shoes for so long.
action: You examine dresses
response: Which do you mean, the toys or the fancy clothes?
action: Clothes
response: On many an occasion, you have wished that you could dress up in those fancy dresses, ribbons, bonnets, and bows instead of the plain garment you wear to work in the field.
action: You look at the toys
response: You have had many dreams and fantasies about the hours of fun you could have playing with all of these toys.
action: You ask the shopkeeper about shoes
response: The shopkeeper smiles, "Ah, they are a fine pair of shoes, aren't they? Those shoes were specially made by the best shoemaker in the village for a special solstice treat. It is very lucky for you that they are still in the shop tonight! Eh," he pauses and rubs his chin looking suddenly forlorn, "You do have something to buy them with, yes?"
action: You play with the toys
response: Alas, that only seems possible in your imaginings.
action: You show the coin to the shopkeeper
response: "Ah, now you've really got something there!", the shopkeeper grins. "Anything you would like to buy with it?"
action: You ask the shopkeeper about the toys
response: The shopkeeper does not respond, but merely keeps looking over his notes and ledgers. All the young children know the old man has been going deaf for years now. You shrug your shoulders and continue inspecting the shop.
action: You buy the toys
response: What do you want to buy the toys with?
action: Coin
response: Your heart delights that you could finally buy something from this toy shop, but you suddenly remember Sander. It would mean so much more if you could cheer him up this solstice eve.
action: You go east
response: Further down the road, you see children playing some sort of game in the town square. Beyond them, a small theater production is taking place. You pass a window of one of the shops filled with a dazzling display of dolls and toys of all shapes and sizes. Your favorite place in town, the toy store lies to the west.
action: You examine the children
response: Looking down the village street into the town square, you see a group of children merrily around a tall pole.
action: You look at the pole
response: In keeping with tradition, sheaves of grain are placed on a pole and set up in the town square on solstice eve. In the morning, the dozens of chirping birds hungrily eating the grain will make the celebration all the more merry.
action: Dance
response: You begin to sway from side to side, humming to yourself. Then you twirl 'round and 'round making your dress billow.
action: Sing
response: Your sing joyously into the open air.
action: Play
response: What do you want to play with?
action: Pole
response: Alas, that only seems possible in your imaginings.
action: You look at your dress
response: Your dress is simple and plain.
action: You get the grain
response: You are not in the town square. Besides, you are much too fascinated by the toy shop to pay it any more notice.
action: You go west
response: Stepping across the threshold into the toy shop, you are overcome by a stunning display of all the toys a child could want. Filling the shelves are colorful stuffed bears, bouncing balls, games and puzzles, shiny trinkets and gizmos, dolls of all shapes and sizes, and even a polished red wagon. There are racks full of frilly dresses and boxes brimming with fancy bonnets and ribbons. The old shopkeeper peers at you curiously from behind his desk.

As you gaze in awe from one toy to the next, your eyes come to rest upon a strikingly pair of fine leather shoes on a pedestal in front of the clothes display.
action: You buy the shoes with the coin
response: The shopkeeper takes the coin from you and looks back and forth upon it and the fine leather shoes. "Well my dear, I have to tell you that this silver coin does not quite equal the price of these shoes ... " The shopkeeper pauses as you stare at him with disappointment brimming in your eyes. "But after all, it is solstice eve ... Ah, very well then. Here, take the shoes to your brother. Now run along back home, it is getting late!" And with that, the shopkeeper gives you the pair of leather shoes.
action: You wear the shoes
response: They are a present for your brother!
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You eat the shoes
response: That would hardly agree with you.
action: Go south
response: You begin the trek back home with the sun already sinking below the horizon. You will have worried your poor mother sick!

As the wind picks up and begins whipping your hair and dress furiously about, you cover your face and try to hurry back faster than ever. Suddenly, the black storm clouds that had been threatening the horizon for so long swoop down at an alarming rate that completely engulfs the valley leaving you no choice but to stumble on in darkness. Cold, wet droplets suddenly pummel your skin as a furious snowstorm erupts. Thousands upon thousands of snowflakes swirl about in a blinding blizzard. You stumble off of the path in blindness and tumble down the side of the mountain ...

You awake finding yourself staring at a silvery round orb in a midnight blue sky. You are lying on your back in a small forest clearing covered for the most part in soft, powdery snow. Shivering, you stand up, swat the snow from your dress, and shake icy droplets from your long hair. The snowy forest landscape appears completely foreign, as if you have stumbled into some kind of winter wonderland.

The silvery moonlight softly illuminates the nearby branches of this dense forest and reflects from snowy patches along the cold ground. Although your range of sight is limited by the darkness, the brambles appear passable to the north and southwest. A glowing orb to the north sends streaks of yellow light through the gnarled branches.
action: You go to the north
response: This is a small clearing in the dark wood which is singular for a large beautiful oak tree growing here. The moonlight filters through the dark bare branches and makes unusual patterns on the snowy ground. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.

A lit lantern hangs just within your reach from one of the long twisted branches of the oak.
action: You examine the lantern
response: The lantern emits a bright and glowing yellow light.
action: You take the lantern
response: Just as your hands are about to touch the glowing lantern, the branch upon which it hangs abruptly swoops up out of your reach. Only when you step back does the branch lower back to its original position.
action: You examine the moon
response: The bright and silvery full moon hanging in the night sky illuminates the snowy patches at your feet and provides the light by which you are able to view this strange and snowy world in which you have fallen.

You suddenly hear a rustling above you, but before you can react, you are pummeled by clumps of snow as the icy patches are dislodged from the branches above.
action: You look at trees
response: The forest is full of magnificent tall fir trees. They fill the wood with a wonderful fresh pine scent.
action: You talk to tree
response: Which do you mean, the fir trees or the oak tree?
action: You look at the oak tree
response: The great oak tree in this clearing is devoid of all leaves as it would be at this time of the year. The long and gangly branches are crisply silhouetted by the full silvery-white moon hanging in the dark sky. You notice some unusual folds in the bark of the oak. You imagine that these folds resemble a kind of face with two eyes and a closed mouth. As you approach the trunk to examine it further, the 'eye' folds suddenly split open revealing dark gaps, and from the opening 'mouth' a deep throaty voice suddenly booms, "Wait right there, little lass! Come any closer, and I might eat you up fast!" With that, all of the dryad's branches seem to wriggle as if he were taking a great stretch, and the lantern, in turn, bobs up and down. He stares at you with a bemused expression.
action: You smell the fir trees
response: The fragrant fir trees fill the wood with a terrific scent.
action: You ask dryad about the lantern
response: The dryad raises the lantern up out of your reach and looks at you with pity. "So sorry, young thing, but without this light, I have no solstice cheer to bring. But take heart, little sprite, the moon is full and bright on this most snowy solstice night!" Then after pausing to reflect he adds, "Now if you had a bundle of fairy glow rocks, what a find! But alas, the ore grows deep in the old dwarf's mine."
action: You ask the dryad about the moon
response: The dryad stares whimsically at the moon, "Look how it shines so pure and white as it bursts from the night. Lo, what a sight!"
action: You climb the dryad
response: You consider moving closer. But on second thought, you imagine it might be most unpleasant if the dryad were to actually eat you as he so casually mentioned.
action: You go to the west
response: As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: You go to the northwest
response: This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: You look at the stones
response: The tall rock pile is made up of hundreds and hundreds of small, grey rounded stones.
action: You get the stones
response: You take a handful of the round, grey rocks, but they soon become unwieldy. Since you cannot find a suitable place to keep any more than a handful, you have to stop at that.
action: Rub stones
response: (the rock pile)
Little is changed by this.
action: Go southeast
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: You go to the east
response: The oak dryad peers down at you as you stand in this small clearing in the dark wood. The moonlight filters through his dark bare branches and makes unusual patterns on the snowy ground. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.

A lit lantern hangs just within your reach from one of the long twisted branches of the oak.
action: Light candle
response: If you were to light the candle, the melting wax would surely burn you. Besides, the candle is small, made more for decoration than illumination.
action: Go northwest
response: As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: Go north
response: The terrain is just too difficult in that direction.
action: You go to the west
response: Inside the cave, you can barely make out the shapes within this chamber. The moonlight trickles in barely illuminating the metal tracks upon which the cart rolls. The tracks appear to originate from somewhere in a tunnel to the north and then divide here in this chamber. One set of tracks leads back out to the east while the other continues into a tunnel to the southwest. Near the junction of the tracks, you can barely see a tall metal lever reflecting in the moonlight.
action: You go to the south-west
response: Alas! It is much too dark to see deeper within the mine. The moonlight barely illuminates this chamber as it is.
action: You examine the lever
response: The long metal lever is connected to the tracks near the junction. It is tipped slightly from vertical in one direction.
action: You pull the lever
response: You grab ahold of the long lever and pull with all of your might. With the groaning of rusted metal, the lever slowly moves. You notice that the tracks are now connected from the tunnel to the north to the tunnel to the southwest.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick

You hear the faint grinding of the miner's cart on the tracks as it returns from the tunnel to the north. The cart rolls into the cave and follows the tracks which now lead into the cave to the southwest. The dwarf passes by oblivious to your presence.
action: You pull the lever
response: You hear the squeaky wheels of the miner's cart rapidly approaching and decide it best to step away from the tracks.

The dwarf pushing the old miner's cart reappears at the tunnel entrance and passes by apparently uninterested in your presence. He and the cart vanish from view into the tunnel to the north.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You look around
response: Inside the cave, you can barely make out the shapes within this chamber. The moonlight trickles in barely illuminating the metal tracks upon which the cart rolls. The tracks appear to originate from somewhere in a tunnel to the north and then divide here in this chamber. One set of tracks leads back out to the east while the other
action: You examine the track
response: continues into a tunnel to the southwest. Near the junction of the tracks, you can barely see a tall metal lever reflecting in the moonlight.

You cannot seem to find that here.
action: You look at the tracks
response: The metal tracks split at a junction in the center of this cave. Leading into the cave from a tunnel to the north, one line of tracks leads into the darkness of the southwestern tunnel, and the other leads out of the cave to the east. The dim silver moonlight reflects off of the long think metal strips with an eerie bluish sheen.
action: You go east
response: This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.
action: Go east
response: The vast expanse of snowy hills continue in nearly all directions. A tall mountain rises to the west, and you can barely make out the forest edge to the southeast.
action: You throw the stones at the dryad
response: That would hardly help the situation.
action: Go east
response: A path, outlined upon the snow-covered ground by two rows of stones, begins here and continues to the southeast. Moonbeams streak through the tops of the giant fir trees illuminating your way.
action: Go southeast
response: You are standing in the middle of a stone lined path that leads through the snow-covered forest from the northwest to the east. To the north, the ground dips down much lower than the path upon which you now stand.
action: You go east
response: The front of a small wooden cottage faces to the west on the far side of this forest clearing. Without the concealing canopy of branches, you see shiny points of light twinkle in the dark sky. The underbrush has grown thick in this area, but it has been cleared away to the east and also looks passable to the southeast. The stone-lined path leads back into the forest to the west.
action: You examine the cottage
response: The cottage is of modest size and made almost entirely of dark, coarse wood. The windows appear to be covered from the inside by thick curtains and appear very dark. Ashen-grey smoke curls up out of the chimney and drifts out of the clearing on the cool winter breeze.
action: You examine the stars
response: The midnight sky is blanketed with thousands of brilliantly shining points of starlight.
action: You go east
response: You cautiously make your way up to the front door.

The wooden floorboards creak and groan as you tread upon them. The front door is closed to the east, and a short flight of steps lead back to the forest clearing.
action: You examine the door
response: The door is made of strong, thick wood and is carved with decorative swirls. The door handle is a shiny round knob, and underneath it you spot a large keyhole from which a soft warm light emanates.
action: You look through the keyhole
response: You peer into the keyhole and see a narrow vision of the room beyond. The cottage appears cozy and well decorated with large comfy furniture and splendid knickknacks. A roaring fire casts pulsating shadows about the room.
action: You examine the floorboards
response: The wooden floorboards creak and groan as you tread upon them. The front door is closed to the east, and a short flight of steps lead back to the forest clearing.
action: You look at the steps
response: The steps lead down to the forest clearing.
action: Go north
response: The porch is surrounded by a wooden railing except for the steps to the west.
action: You examine the underbrush
response: The underbrush has grown wild in some patches throughout the forest.
action: You go southeast
response: The forest thins slightly near this side of the house, but traversal in this area is hindered by the dense underbrush. From this vantage point, you can see that the wooden cottage to the north sits up above the ground on short stilts.
action: You go north
response: You crouch down and crawl under the cottage. You soon discover a gap in the foundation that is nearly tall enough for you to stand in.

This is a dark crawl space beneath the wooden cottage. When you try to stand upright, you nearly bang your head upon a wooden surface above you. As you look up at the ceiling of this crawl space, you see faint streaks of yellow light seeping through the wooden ceiling in the pattern of a large rectangle.
action: You look at the couch
response: The couch is much more luxurious than anything that would be in your parent's house. In fact, this entire room is cozy and comfortable.
action: You search knickknacks
response: All of these items are probably very important to whomever lives here.
action: You look at the kettle
response: You try to lean over the kettle to see the water inside, but the rising steam is simply too hot.
action: You look at the dome
response: The large glass dome has an ornately carved base made up of three rings. The translucent blue spheres within click against the glass dome as they move about in mesmerizing swirls.
action: You examine the spheres
response: The small orbs are translucent fist-sized spheres that have a silvery bluish cast when light reflects from their smooth, shiny surfaces. The orbs churn about within the dome encasement almost as if looking for an escape.
action: Open dome
response: You pull upon the glass dome, but it will not budge. It appears to be locked.
action: You examine the wardrobe
response: A tall wooden wardrobe stands against one of the cottage walls. The wardrobe doors are closed.
action: You open it
response: The wardrobe doors creak as you open them.
action: You look in it
response: Peering inside of the dark wardrobe, you see several curious items of clothing hanging inside. A pair of slippers and boots have been stashed in the back corner of the wardrobe. Along the back wall of the wardrobe, you notice several rows of shelves.
action: You examine the slippers
response: The clothing most likely belongs to the owner of the house. None of the clothes or shoes stored in the wardrobe are your size. You poke about through the clothes but find nothing else.
action: You examine the shelves
response: Resting upon one of the shelves at the back of the wardrobe is a fine black top hat which seems of quite a different style then the other wardrobe items.
action: You examine the top hat
response: The black top hat is finely crafted of smooth black silk. A royal blue silk band encircles the brow. As you stare at the hat, it appears special somehow.
action: You take it
response: Taken.
action: You wear it
response: You put on the top hat and imagine yourself looking quite handsome while attending a fancy ball.
action: You remove it
response: You take off the fine black top hat.
action: Close wardrobe
response: You close the wardrobe.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: The cottage is warm and cozy. Burning candles resting in sconces along the walls twinkle brightly illuminating the room in flickering yellow light. The cottage appears to be just a one-room dwelling. The front door is closed to the west. A large walk-in wardrobe has been pushed up against one of the walls; its door is closed. The portion of the room near the trap door would seem to serve as the kitchen equipped with cupboards from which hang cups and saucers. Near the center of the room stands a modest table surrounded by a few chairs. Centered in the middle of the table is a large glass dome filled with many translucent spheres that glisten in the firelight. Aside from various knickknacks strewn about, you notice a large couch with fluffy pillows facing the fireplace. A large black kettle hangs in the fireplace above a raging fire.
action: You examine the rings
response: The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a star, the middle ring etching is a wreath, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.
action: You open the wardrobe
response: The wardrobe doors creak as you open them.
action: You look at the table
response: It is simply a plain, wooden table.
action: You look at the fireplace
response: The large fireplace is made of red bricks. A long, thin stocking has been hung from the mantle. A raging fire blazes in the hearth causing the kettle's water to boil ferociously.
action: You examine the stocking
response: The brown stocking is long and thin.
action: You get it
response: Taken.
action: Wear stocking
response: The stocking is much too big for you.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a stocking
a fine black top hat
a handful of grey stones
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You examine stones
response: The grey stones are small and spherical.
action: You examine the arrow
response: The arrow carved upon the bottom support of the dome points inward giving significance to the column of carvings centered just above the tip.
action: You turn ring
response: Which do you mean, the top ring, the middle ring or the bottom ring?
action: You look at the top ring
response: The top ring of the dome's base has four equidistant carvings around its perimeter. As you circle the dome to the right, you see carvings which resemble a star, a wreath, a candy cane, and a figure of a toy horse.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a star, the middle ring etching is a wreath, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.
action: You examine middle ring
response: The middle ring of the dome's base has four equidistant carvings around its perimeter. As you circle the dome to the right, you see carvings which resemble a wreath, a candy cane, a toy horse, and a figure of a star.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a star, the middle ring etching is a wreath, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.
action: You turn the top ring
response: You turn the top ring to the right and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the middle ring moves one quarter turn to the right as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a wreath, the middle ring etching is a candy cane, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.
action: You turn the bottom ring
response: You turn the bottom ring to the right and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the top ring moves one quarter turn to the right as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a candy cane, and the bottom ring etching is a star.
action: You turn middle ring
response: You turn the middle ring to the left and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the bottom ring moves one quarter turn to the left as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a wreath, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.

You turn the middle ring to the left and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the bottom ring moves one quarter turn to the left as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a candy cane.
action: You look at the top ring
response: The top ring of the dome's base has four equidistant carvings around its perimeter. As you circle the dome to the right, you see carvings which resemble a star, a wreath, a candy cane, and a figure of a toy horse.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a candy cane.
action: You look at the middle ring
response: The middle ring of the dome's base has four equidistant carvings around its perimeter. As you circle the dome to the right, you see carvings which resemble a wreath, a candy cane, a toy horse, and a figure of a star.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a candy cane.
action: You examine the bottom ring
response: The bottom ring of the dome's base has four equidistant carvings around its perimeter. As you circle the dome to the right, you see carvings which resemble a toy horse, a star, a wreath, and an etching of a candy cane.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a candy cane, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a candy cane.
action: Turn bottom
response: You turn the bottom ring to the right and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the top ring moves one quarter turn to the right as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a toy horse, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a toy horse.
action: Turn bottom
response: You turn the bottom ring to the right and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the top ring moves one quarter turn to the right as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a star, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a star.
action: You look at the baubles
response: Some of the bluish orbs float serenely by as if corks upon the ocean while others tumble and twirl through the air as if trying to occupy every square inch of available space in the cottage at least once.
action: You take them
response: You reach for one of the baubles floating close by, but just as you are about to capture it, the orb deftly swirls out of your grasp. It circles you almost tauntingly and then floats away.
action: You look in dome
response: The glass dome has retreated into its ornately carved base.
action: You look around
response: The cottage is warm and cozy. Burning candles resting in sconces along the walls twinkle brightly illuminating the room in flickering yellow light. The cottage appears to be just a one-room dwelling. The front door is closed to the west. A large walk-in wardrobe has been pushed up against one of the walls; its door hangs open. The portion of the room near the trap door would seem to serve as the kitchen equipped with cupboards from which hang cups and saucers. Near the center of the room stands a modest table surrounded by a few chairs. Centered in the middle of the table is a large glass dome that is now empty. Aside from various knickknacks strewn about, you notice a large couch with fluffy pillows facing the fireplace. A large black kettle hangs in the fireplace above a raging fire.

Many beautiful blue, translucent orbs float and lilt through the air inside this cozy cottage.
action: You get the candle
response: (the candles)
The candles are fixed in place by candle holders that are securely fastened to the walls. Besides, the hot wax would surely burn you.
action: You open the cupboards
response: You open the cupboards.
action: You take dome
response: You have already opened the glass dome.
action: Sing
response: Your sing joyously into the open air.
action: You look at the door
response: Which do you mean, the trap door or the front door?
action: Front
response: The door is made of strong, thick wood and is carved with decorative swirls. The door handle is a shiny round knob, and underneath it you spot a large keyhole.
action: You unlock the front door
response: What do you want to unlock the front door with?
action: Candle
response: (the candle stick)
Locking or unlocking the cottage door would seem to require a key.
action: You look through the keyhole
response: You look out of the keyhole into a snowy forest illuminated by the pale moonlight. It is a winter wonderland!
action: You look in the stocking
response: The brown stocking is long and thin.
action: You put the stones in the stocking
response: You put the handful of rocks into the stocking.
action: You get the stocking
response: But, you already have that.
action: You catch the baubles
response: You reach for one of the baubles floating close by, but just as you are about to capture it, the orb deftly swirls out of your grasp. It circles you almost tauntingly and then floats away.
action: Go downward
response: You open the trap door and climb down. The trap door closes behind you.

This is a dark crawl space beneath the wooden cottage. When you try to stand upright, you nearly bang your head upon a wooden surface above you. As you look up at the ceiling of this crawl space, you see faint streaks of yellow light seeping through the wooden ceiling in the pattern of a large rectangle.
action: You go south
response: The forest thins slightly near this side of the house, but traversal in this area is hindered by the dense underbrush. From this vantage point, you can see that the wooden cottage to the north sits up above the ground on short stilts.
action: You go east
response: The underbrush is too dense in that direction.
action: You examine the path
response: Someone has made a path through the woods by meticulously laying out two rows of stones. The stone-lined path leads back into the snowy forest to the west.
action: You look at the stones
response: (the stone-lined path)
Someone has made a path through the woods by meticulously laying out two rows of stones. The stone-lined path leads back into the snowy forest to the west.
action: Go north
response: You step over the row of stones and climb down into the forest vale. The air is much warmer here.

Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.

In the firefly light, you see a bed of strikingly beautiful white poinsettias. Little flying fairies dance and sing on the flower petals. You glance about the area and notice that this forest vale continues to the east.
action: You examine the fairies
response: The fairies dance in the firefly light playing games, singing, and laughing. You spy a group of them playing hide and seek among the poinsettias, while others seem to be having flying races with the fireflies.
action: Hello
response: A few of the fairies hear you and fly over to you. They swirl about your head in dizzying circles and play with strands of your hair, while chanting, "Hello! Goodbye! Hello! Goodbye!"
action: You ask the fairies about dryad
response: Giggles swirl through the air as the fairies dart about and circle around you. "He's big and scary, but don't let that fill you with fear. He is only brimming with solstice cheer!" The fairies scatter and fly about in different directions.
action: You examine the flowers
response: Flower fairies play gaily on the petals of the white poinsettias. When a firefly passes close by to one of the flowers close by, you notice a little wand resting on its petals.
action: You examine the wand
response: The wand resting on the flower petal appears to belong to the fairies, but none are looking after it at the moment. The wand appears to be bluish in color.
action: You get the wand
response: You reach for the little wand, but just as you are about to grasp it, one of the flower fairies darts through the air and swats your fingers with his wand. Another fairy rushes over as well and chides her companion in a bell-like high-pitched voice, "You must take better care to guard the wands!" A little later, you see the fairies become distracted by a game the others seem to be playing with the light bugs and fly off to join in.
action: You go east
response: Forest Vale (East)
The sunken vale continues back to the west. Fireflies dance about in the air on this side of the vale as well illuminating the space beneath the thick covering of branches above. Another bed of white poinsettia flowers grows here in the soft earth.
action: You look at the flowers
response: The patch of white poinsettias shines beautifully in the blue-green firefly light.
action: You get the flower
response: The white poinsettias look so fresh and beautiful that you decide to leave them to grow in peace.
action: You catch the fireflies
response: You do your best to capture one of the fireflies, but they fly away from you too quickly. They look more lovely from a distance anyway.
action: You look at the fireflies
response: The fireflies zip about this forest vale. Their illuminated bodies blink serenely on and off and bathe this entire area in soft blue-green light.
action: You look at the branches
response: The forest is full of magnificent tall fir trees. They fill the wood with a wonderful fresh pine scent.
action: You go west
response: Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.

In the firefly light, you see a bed of strikingly beautiful white poinsettias. Little flying fairies dance and sing on the flower petals. You glance about the area and notice that this forest vale continues to the east.
action: You ask Fairies,  to go east
response: They merely laugh and fly in chaotic circles around your head.
action: You take the wand
response: You reach again for the wand, but just at the last moment, one of the fairies dashes through the air and shoots dazzling light rays toward you from her green wand. The brilliant flashings cause you to take several steps backwards. The fairy twirls a few times in the air, nods in satisfaction, and flies back to the others.
action: You go to the south
response: You carefully climb up the slope and step back into the stone-lined path. The chill of the blowing breeze sends shivers up your spine.

You are standing in the middle of a stone lined path that leads through the snow-covered forest from the northwest to the east. To the north, the ground dips down much lower than the path upon which you now stand.
action: You go to the northwest
response: A path, outlined upon the snow-covered ground by two rows of stones, begins here and continues to the southeast. Moonbeams streak through the tops of the giant fir trees illuminating your way.
action: You go north
response: The powdery white snow has become slushy in this direction, and you sink in to your knees. You can scarcely make out the silhouettes of the forest trees against the starry midnight sky to the south and southwest. The gleaming snow-covered hills continue to the west.
action: You go to the west
response: Snow covered peaks and valleys continue to the horizon as far as your eyes can see while the midnight sky above is speckled with fine points of light. The snowy hills continue all across the northern horizon and the forest lies to the south.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You go to the north
response: You walk up and down the nearby snowy hills, but soon become lost and eventually find yourself back where you started.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: Go south
response: The oak dryad peers down at you as you stand in this small clearing in the dark wood. The moonlight filters through his dark bare branches and makes unusual patterns on the snowy ground. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.

A lit lantern hangs just within your reach from one of the long twisted branches of the oak.
action: Go south
response: The silvery moonlight softly illuminates the nearby branches of this dense forest and reflects from snowy patches along the cold ground. Although your range of sight is limited by the darkness, the brambles appear passable to the north and southwest. A glowing orb to the north sends streaks of yellow light through the gnarled branches.
action: You go southwest
response: As you walk to the southwest, the forest becomes much denser and more foreboding. The underbrush turns into a prickly thicket and you become hopelessly lost. You wander about for a time before finally reaching the edge of the dense forest again.
action: You go south
response: Alas! The brambles are impassable in that direction.
action: You go south
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. Three large round snowballs have been stacked atop one another directly in front of one spot along the row of hedges. Two spindly twigs jut out on either side of the middle snowball.
action: You go east
response: The underbrush is too thick in that direction.
action: You go west
response: You walk up and down the nearby snowy hills, but soon become lost and eventually find yourself back where you started.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You look at the bell
response: The little golden bell is highly polished and has a lustrous sheen in the moonlight.
action: You ask the sprite about the bell
response: The snow imp cuddles the bell lovingly, "So small, so shiny! My beautiful ... beautiful ... bell." He lets out a sudden giggle and starts waving it over his head tauntingly.
action: You ask the sprite about the snowman
response: The snowsprite stares at you with great attention as you speak. When you finish, he straightens up very seriously as if about to give a prophetic oration but says only, "What?"

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You take the stones
response: You retrieve the handful of rocks from the long, thin stocking.
action: You put hat on the snowball
response: You lay the black hat atop the snowman's bare head. He now looks much more handsome, but alas, he has no face!
action: You put the stones on the top snowball
response: On second thought, that just does not seem to be quite right.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You examine the hedges
response: The hedges that have grown to approximately twice your height have been formed into a neat row which runs northwest to southeast.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You go to the south-west
response: Alas, the snowman is blocking your way.

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: You give the stones to the snowman
response: The snowman does not seem interested.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You examine the top snowball
response: The snowman is made up of three stacked snowballs. Two twigs jut out of either side of the middle snowball to form his spindly arms. The snowman is now looking much more handsome now that you have adorned him with the fine black top hat.
action: You go north
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: You go to the west
response: The underbrush soon becomes too thick in that direction.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You go southwest
response: The underbrush soon becomes too thick in that direction.
action: You ascend
response: You push open the trap door and climb up into the cottage. The trap door swings closed with a thud behind you.

The cottage is warm and cozy. Burning candles resting in sconces along the walls twinkle brightly illuminating the room in flickering yellow light. The cottage appears to be just a one-room dwelling. The front door is closed to the west. A large walk-in wardrobe has been pushed up against one of the walls; its door hangs open. The portion of the room near the trap door would seem to serve as the kitchen equipped with cupboards from which hang cups and saucers. Near the center of the room stands a modest table surrounded by a few chairs. Centered in the middle of the table is a large glass dome that is now empty. Aside from various knickknacks strewn about, you notice a large couch with fluffy pillows facing the fireplace. A large black kettle hangs in the fireplace above a raging fire.

Many beautiful blue, translucent orbs float and lilt through the air inside this cozy cottage.
action: You examine the fire
response: Within the fireplace, long fingers of orange flame lap at the bottom of the large black kettle inciting the water within to boil and churn.
action: You take the kettle
response: You are unable to move that.
action: You put the stones in the kettle
response: You toss the grey stones into the kettle. The water froths briefly, but nothing else seems to change. You try to lean over the kettle to see the grey stones inside, but the rising steam is simply too hot.
action: You pour the kettle on the fire
response: Alas! That sentence is not understandable.
action: You put the stocking in the kettle
response: You worry that putting the stocking into the boiling water would destroy it.
action: You empty kettle
response: Alas, the black kettle is scaldingly hot.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: Go downward
response: You open the trap door and climb down. The trap door closes behind you.

This is a dark crawl space beneath the wooden cottage. When you try to stand upright, you nearly bang your head upon a wooden surface above you. As you look up at the ceiling of this crawl space, you see faint streaks of yellow light seeping through the wooden ceiling in the pattern of a large rectangle.
action: You look at the snow
response: (the snow)
The ground is covered in some places and dotted in others by fluffy white snow.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of snow
a handful of grey stones
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You put the snow in the stocking
response: (the handful of snow in the stocking)
You decide to keep the handful of snow out of the stocking after all.
action: You put the snow in the fire
response: The snow instantly melts and then vaporizes in the orange flames. The fire dims briefly in the spot where the snow fell, but then quickly reignites and burns brightly.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You look around
response: The cottage is warm and cozy. Burning candles resting in sconces along the walls twinkle brightly illuminating the room in flickering yellow light. The cottage appears to be just a one-room dwelling. The front door is closed to the west. A large walk-in wardrobe has been pushed up against one of the walls; its door hangs open. The portion of the room near the trap door would seem to serve as the kitchen equipped with cupboards from which hang cups and saucers. Near the center of the room stands a modest table surrounded by a few chairs. Centered in the middle of the table is a large glass dome that is now empty. Aside from various knickknacks strewn about, you notice a large couch with fluffy pillows facing the fireplace. A large black kettle hangs in the fireplace above a raging fire.

Many beautiful blue, translucent orbs float and lilt through the air inside this cozy cottage.
action: You empty kettle
response: Alas, the black kettle is scaldingly hot.
action: You examine the fire
response: Within the fireplace, long fingers of orange flame lap at the bottom of the large black kettle inciting the water within to boil and churn.
action: You put the stones in the kettle
response: You toss the grey stones into the kettle. The water froths briefly, but nothing else seems to change. You try to lean over the kettle to see the grey stones inside, but the rising steam is simply too hot.
action: You look in the kettle
response: You try to lean over the kettle to see the water inside, but the rising steam is simply too hot.
action: Go downward
response: You open the trap door and climb down. The trap door closes behind you.

This is a dark crawl space beneath the wooden cottage. When you try to stand upright, you nearly bang your head upon a wooden surface above you. As you look up at the ceiling of this crawl space, you see faint streaks of yellow light seeping through the wooden ceiling in the pattern of a large rectangle.
action: You go south
response: The forest thins slightly near this side of the house, but traversal in this area is hindered by the dense underbrush. From this vantage point, you can see that the wooden cottage to the north sits up above the ground on short stilts.
action: You go to the northwest
response: Snow covered peaks and valleys continue to the horizon as far as your eyes can see while the midnight sky above is speckled with fine points of light. The snowy hills continue all across the northern horizon and the forest lies to the south.
action: You go west
response: The vast expanse of snowy hills continue in nearly all directions. A tall mountain rises to the west, and you can barely make out the forest edge to the southeast.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You go to the west
response: This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: You take the stones
response: You scoop up a handful of the grey rocks, but hear the gnome returning from within the mine, so you quickly step away from the rock pile.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: You put the stones in the stocking
response: (the handful of grey stones in the stocking)
You put the handful of rocks into the stocking.
action: You take the stones
response: (the rock pile)
You scoop up a handful of the grey rocks, but hear the gnome returning from within the mine, so you quickly step away from the rock pile.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of grey stones
a stocking (which is empty)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: Go southeast
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: You take the cup
response: The wardrobe doors creak as you open them.

You cannot seem to find that here.
action: You enter the wardrobe
response: The wardrobe is much too small and cluttered.
action: You examine the fireplace
response: The large fireplace is made of red bricks. A raging fire blazes in the hearth causing the kettle's water to boil ferociously.
action: You examine the ceiling
response: (the trap door)
The trap door is made of the same wood as the rest of the floor. There is a notch in one side which provides a grip so that it may be raised.
action: You examine the saucer
response: The kitchen is equipped with ordinary household items.
action: You take the cups
response: You are unable to move that.
action: You turn the bottom ring
response: You turn the bottom ring to the right and it clicks into place once offset by a quarter turn. Simultaneously, the top ring moves one quarter turn to the right as well.

The etchings of the vertically stacked rings line up in four columns at equal distances around the circumference. Looking at the column of etchings above the embossed arrow, the top ring carving resembles a wreath, the middle ring etching is a star, and the bottom ring etching is a wreath.
action: You sit on the couch
response: The couch pillows are soft and cushy. You relax and feel the warmth of the fire. You let out a blissful sigh before standing back up again to continue exploring the cottage.
action: You sit on the chair
response: You sit down upon the chair, drum your fingers on the table, and then get back to exploring the cabin.
action: You listen
response: You strain to hear the song of an owl off in the distance.
action: You listen
response: You stand perfectly still for as long as you can bear it.
action: You go west
response: Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.

In the firefly light, you see a bed of strikingly beautiful white poinsettias. Little flying fairies dance and sing on the flower petals. You glance about the area and notice that this forest vale continues to the east.
action: You ask the fairies about the imp
response: One of the fairies flies close by and crosses his arms, "That snow imp has played one too many a trick. An errant snowball buried dear Dereshel dashedly quick!" After shaking his head in dismay, he flies back with the others.
action: You go to the south
response: You carefully climb up the slope and step back into the stone-lined path. The chill of the blowing breeze sends shivers up your spine.

You are standing in the middle of a stone lined path that leads through the snow-covered forest from the northwest to the east. To the north, the ground dips down much lower than the path upon which you now stand.
action: You throw the snow at the fairies
response: The fairies dart out of the way of your flying snowball. From behind, you hear a high-pitched, "Hmph!" and are doused by a momentarily blinding ray of sparkling fairy light.
action: You take the wand
response: You reach again for the wand, but just at the last moment, one of the fairies dashes through the air and shoots dazzling light rays toward you from her green wand. The brilliant flashings cause you to take several steps backwards. The fairy twirls a few times in the air, nods in satisfaction, and flies back to the others.
action: You go to the south-west
response: The underbrush soon becomes too thick in that direction.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You listen
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You wait for a while
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You put the stones in the snow
response: (the snow)
That does not seem to be able to contain anything.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.

Your handful of snow finally melts and slips through your fingers.
action: Go west
response: The underbrush soon becomes too thick in that direction.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You take the snow
response: (the snow sprite)
The little snow sprite is much too quick for you.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You take the snow
response: You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You go south
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. A snowman stands here in front of the hedges.
action: Wait
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You wait for a while
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: Wait
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

Your handful of snow finally melts and slips through your fingers.
action: You get the snow
response: (the snow)
You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.
action: Wait
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: You wait awhile
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.

Your handful of snow finally melts and slips through your fingers.
action: You look around
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. A snowman stands here in front of the hedges.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: Wait
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You throw the snow at the sprite
response: (the handful of snow at the snow sprite)
You hurl the handful of snow at the little sprite. He lurches to the side to avoid being pelted. Even though the sprite is much to quick to be hit, he seems to have a newfound respect for you ... for a moment. But, then he pokes his tongue out at you and continues with his usual antics.
action: You get the snow
response: (the snow sprite)
The little snow sprite is much too quick for you.
action: You get snowball
response: You push and pull on round snowballs, but they do not seem to budge. You try even harder, but stop when you hear a muffled yelp.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: Look around
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. A snowman stands here in front of the hedges.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You use the stones
response: You will have to be more specific.
action: You get the snow
response: You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: You put the snow on the snowman
response: (the handful of snow on the snowman)
On second thought, that just does not seem to be quite right.
action: You look around
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. A snowman stands here in front of the hedges.
action: You go east
response: The underbrush is too thick in that direction.
action: You go north
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: Go east
response: The oak dryad peers down at you as you stand in this small clearing in the dark wood. The moonlight filters through his dark bare branches and makes unusual patterns on the snowy ground. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.

A lit lantern hangs just within your reach from one of the long twisted branches of the oak.

Your handful of snow finally melts and slips through your fingers.
action: Go east
response: A path, outlined upon the snow-covered ground by two rows of stones, begins here and continues to the southeast. Moonbeams streak through the tops of the giant fir trees illuminating your way.
action: You search the snow
response: The hills are completely covered by a thick layer of snow. You feet sink in quite a bit when you walk.

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: You examine the hills
response: The powdery white snow has become slushy in this direction, and you sink in to your knees. You can scarcely make out the silhouettes of the forest trees against the starry midnight sky to the south and southwest. The gleaming snow-covered hills continue to the west.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: Wait
response: A gentle breeze tosses about the thin fabric of your dress.
action: You go northwest
response: In the hemisphere of your sight, the horizon to your feet is a blur of white peaks and valleys, while the entire starry sky above is a deep midnight blue that is pierced by the gleaming full silvery moon.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You go to the north
response: You wander up and down the snow-covered hills, but eventually find yourself back where you started.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You go east
response: The powdery white snow has become slushy in this direction, and you sink in to your knees. You can scarcely make out the silhouettes of the forest trees against the starry midnight sky to the south and southwest. The gleaming snow-covered hills continue to the west.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You go to the north-east
response: The forest has thinned in this area at the foothills of a great mountain range that lies to the north. In the moonlight, you see that the undergrowth has thinned to the southwest which leads toward the forest. A small hole, barely noticeable in the shadows, extends into the mountain directly to the north.
action: You examine the hole
response: The hole is incredibly dark and menacing.
action: You go north
response: The hole is incredibly dark and menacing, so you decide against entering.
action: Go west
response: You see the dwarf retreat into the darkness of the tunnel to the north as he pushes the old rusty miner's cart.

Inside the cave, you can barely make out the shapes within this chamber. The moonlight trickles in barely illuminating the metal tracks upon which the cart rolls. The tracks appear to originate from somewhere in a tunnel to the north and then divide here in this chamber. One set of tracks leads back out to the east while the other continues into a tunnel to the southwest. Near the junction of the tracks, you can barely see a tall metal lever reflecting in the moonlight.
action: You wait a while
response: Time passes.

You hear the faint grinding of the miner's cart on the tracks as it returns from the tunnel to the north. The cart rolls into the cave and follows the tracks which now lead into the cave to the southwest. The dwarf passes by oblivious to your presence.
action: Wait
response: Time passes.

The miner's cart emerges from the tunnel to the southwest and rides upon the tracks until it crosses over the junction. The dwarf then hobbles around to the other side of the cart and stops its motion. He emerges from the back side of the cart and pulls the lever back. A loud clap thunders through the caves as the track is connected back to the tracks leading east. As he pushes the cart out of the mine, the dwarf curves his mouth downward in a mean pout and narrows his beady black eyes at you.
action: Go east
response: You pass by the dwarf pushing his empty cart as you exit the cave.

This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.
action: You examine the pile
response: The tall rock pile is made up of hundreds and hundreds of small, grey rounded stones.
action: You get the stones
response: (the rock pile)
You scoop up a handful of the grey rocks, but hear the gnome returning from within the mine, so you quickly step away from the rock pile.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: Go east
response: The vast expanse of snowy hills continue in nearly all directions. A tall mountain rises to the west, and you can barely make out the forest edge to the southeast.
action: You give the stones to the dryad
response: "But so dull and lifeless be the lot, you must now make them piping hot!" The dryad peers at you discriminatingly, "But what's this? You have so few! No, no little one, that will never do."
action: You put the stocking on the fireplace
response: You put the stocking on the mantle.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You look in the stocking
response: The brown stocking is long and thin.
action: You examine the mantle
response: The large fireplace is made of red bricks. A raging fire blazes in the hearth causing the kettle's water to boil ferociously. On the mantle, you see a stocking, inside which contains a handful of grey stones.
action: Tie stocking
response: What do you want to tie the stocking to?
action: You take the stocking
response: Taken.
action: You go to the north-west
response: As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

The vast expanse of snowy hills continue in nearly all directions. A tall mountain rises to the west, and you can barely make out the forest edge to the southeast.
action: You fill the stocking with the stones
response: (the rock pile)
You scoop up a handful of the round rocks, but hear the gnome returning from within the mine, so you quickly step away from the rock pile.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: You fill the stocking with stones
response: (the rock pile)
You quickly fill the stocking with as many of the round grey stones as you can.
action: Go southeast
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.
action: You go southeast
response: The underbrush soon becomes too thick in that direction.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You put the stocking in the kettle
response: You empty the stockingful of grey stones into the boiling water which instantly froths and churns. The water hisses furiously and then bubbles up over the rim of the kettle. The hot liquid flows over the side of the black kettle and falls onto the tall orange flames below. You stand back as clouds of steam and soot pour forth from the hearth. When the steam clears, you see the flames have been extinguished.

As the warm air in the room begins to escape through the chimney now that the burning fire has been extinguished, the baubles which had been placidly lilting about the room suddenly rush to the fireplace and in an instant are swept up into the chimney and out the top. You rush over to one of the windows and pull back the drape. You can see the baubles, with their perfectly rounded surfaces shining in the moonlight, up high in the air and slowly drifting to the northwest.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a stocking
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You go northwest
response: The front of a small wooden cottage faces to the west on the far side of this forest clearing. Without the concealing canopy of branches, you see shiny points of light twinkle in the dark sky. The underbrush has grown thick in this area, but it has been cleared away to the east and also looks passable to the southeast. The stone-lined path leads back into the forest to the west. The windows of the cottage appear dark, but curls of smoke billow from the chimney.
action: You ask the dryad about yourself
response: The dryad looks down at you with mischievous eyes and exclaims, "Children? Ah, yes I've seen a few. And over the years, I may have eaten one or two!"
action: You ask the dryad about the dryad
response: "A deep booming voice responds, "I am the dryad that guards this tree, now be on your way and let me be!"

You suddenly hear a rustling above you, but before you can react, you are pummeled by clumps of snow as the icy patches are dislodged from the branches above.
action: You ask the dryad about the lantern
response: "No, no!" chides the oak, "I need this pretty glowing light to show my cheer for solstice night!"
action: Go north
response: In the hemisphere of your sight, the horizon to your feet is a blur of white peaks and valleys, while the entire starry sky above is a deep midnight blue that is pierced by the gleaming full silvery moon.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: Go east
response: Snow covered peaks and valleys continue to the horizon as far as your eyes can see while the midnight sky above is speckled with fine points of light. The snowy hills continue all across the northern horizon and the forest lies to the south.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You look at the sky
response: The night sky is a marvelous shade of midnight blue. It is the perfect backdrop for the thousands of scintillating points of starlight.
action: Go east
response: The powdery white snow has become slushy in this direction, and you sink in to your knees. You can scarcely make out the silhouettes of the forest trees against the starry midnight sky to the south and southwest. The gleaming snow-covered hills continue to the west.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You go northeast
response: The snow is far too cold and wet to travel upon in that direction.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You fill the stocking with the stones
response: You have already taken a large quantity of the gnome's ore. It would be impolite to remove any more.
action: You go southeast
response: You are standing in the middle of a stone lined path that leads through the snow-covered forest from the northwest to the east. To the north, the ground dips down much lower than the path upon which you now stand.

You suddenly hear a rustling above you, but before you can react, you are pummeled by clumps of snow as the icy patches are dislodged from the branches above.
action: You go east
response: The front of a small wooden cottage faces to the west on the far side of this forest clearing. Without the concealing canopy of branches, you see shiny points of light twinkle in the dark sky. The underbrush has grown thick in this area, but it has been cleared away to the east and also looks passable to the southeast. The stone-lined path leads back into the forest to the west. The windows of the cottage appear dark, but curls of smoke billow from the chimney.
action: Go east
response: The wooden floorboards creak and groan as you tread upon them. The front door is closed to the east, and a short flight of steps lead back to the forest clearing.
action: Go up
response: You push open the trap door and climb up into the cottage. The trap door swings closed with a thud behind you.

The cottage is warm and cozy. Burning candles resting in sconces along the walls twinkle brightly illuminating the room in flickering yellow light. The cottage appears to be just a one-room dwelling. The front door is closed to the west. A large walk-in wardrobe has been pushed up against one of the walls; its door hangs open. The portion of the room near the trap door would seem to serve as the kitchen equipped with cupboards from which hang cups and saucers. Near the center of the room stands a modest table surrounded by a few chairs. Centered in the middle of the table is a large glass dome that is now empty. Aside from various knickknacks strewn about, you notice a large couch with fluffy pillows facing the fireplace.

Soft pink and blue lights emanate from the black kettle in the fireplace as it hangs above smoldering embers.
action: You look in the kettle
response: You peer over the lip of the kettle and see dazzling pastel colors emanating from the round rocks. Shimmering hues of pinks, purples, and blues brighten the darkened fireplace with magical light.
action: You take the rocks
response: You scoop the brightly glowing rocks out of the tepid water remaining in the kettle and fill the stocking with them.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a stocking
shining fairy glow rocks (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You give the rocks to the dryad
response: (first taking shining fairy glow rocks)
You wouldn't be able to hold all of the glow rocks in your hands, so you decide to leave them in the stocking.
action: You give stocking to the dryad
response: The dryad peers into your opened stocking and his gaping eyes fill with glee. He exclaims, "Well! Now there is one fine solstice treat! Oh, I'm so pleased our paths did meet! Now, take this lamp to light your way, and may the morrow bring you one fine solstice day!" You hold the stockingful of glowing rocks to the dryad, and he scoops it up with one of his gangly limbs. The dryad then flings the opened stocking with a grand swooping motion sending the multitudes of glowing rocks high into the air. Where the brightly lit rocks land, he grasps them with surrounding twigs. The oak is lit with the brightly colored stones from tip to trunk in glowing purple, pink and blue hues. The dryad's eyes curve into blissful arcs and you can see his mouth curved in a huge grin. The branch supporting the lantern dips down well within your reach.
action: You take the lantern
response: Taken.

You suddenly hear a rustling above you, but before you can react, you are pummeled by clumps of snow as the icy patches are dislodged from the branches above.
action: You go to the southwest
response: This large tunnel of rock leads out of the caves to the south and continues back into the caves to the northeast. Metal tracks line the center of the tunnel.
action: Go south
response: Dense foliage has surrounded the area at the mouth of the cave. The tracks lead out of the cave for few yards where they are buried under a large pile of coal that is illuminated in the moonlight.
action: You take the coal
response: You grab a handful of the black coal.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
lumps of black coal
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You put the coal on snowman
response: As soon as you put the coal pieces one by one on the top sphere of the snowman to form his eyes, nose, and mouth, the snowman begins to sway back and forth. A jolly voice suddenly emanates from the snowman. "Whoopee!" he cheers and begins to bounce up and down. The snowman bounces in a large circle around you singing over and over again, "Oh how jolly it is to be, a snowman so fine as you can see." He giggles and laughs and spins 'round and 'round. Then off to the distant horizon he jumps in wild zigzags and fanciful twirls. You hear his voice trail off as he dances into the distance humming "La, dee dee, dee da, dee dee!" When his figure becomes a mere speck on the horizon, you turn around and notice that a distinct hole has been trimmed away from the thicket behind the spot where the snowman was standing to the southwest.
action: You go to the southwest
response: Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: Go west
response: Snow crunches beneath your feet when you walk down the pathway. The breezes are very gusty in this area as the wind blowing down from the night sky is funneled through the twists and turns of the hedge maze. Collected snow in the branches of the hedges is continually swept up by the breezes causing little snow flurries which gradually cover the footprints you leave behind.

Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You go west
response: The row of hedges leads to the west and east.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: Go west
response: This hedge pathway has been shaped into a tidy corner leading to the east and south.
action: You go to the south
response: The only way out of this area is a pathway leading back to the north.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You examine angel
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. She gracefully kneels, looking down at you with a most serene expression.
action: You touch angel
response: The white stone is smooth and cold.
action: You go north
response: This hedge pathway has been shaped into a tidy corner leading to the east and south.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You go east
response: The row of hedges leads to the west and east.
action: Go east
response: Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.
action: You go southwest
response: Powdery snow flurries toss your hair about as you walk down this pathway that leads to the northeast and to the south.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You go south
response: One pathway through the shaped hedges leads to the north, and two more lead to the southwest and southeast.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You examine angel
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The glorious angel looks skyward with majestically outstretched arms. Her long gown swirls as if in a gust of wind revealing her dainty slippers beneath.

You hear an impish high-pitched giggle approaching from the pathway to the north.
action: You examine the slippers
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The glorious angel looks skyward with majestically outstretched arms. Her long gown swirls as if in a gust of wind revealing her dainty slippers beneath.

Footsteps softly crunch in the snow close by.
action: Clean angel
response: Little is changed by this.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They head toward the pathway to the southeast, then turn around and wave their arms motioning for you to follow. With an impish giggle, they disappear to the southeast leaving tiny footprints behind.
action: You get the slippers
response: The stone statue is quite massive and entirely to heavy for you to even budge.
action: You go southeast
response: Pathways lead through the hedge maze to the northwest, to the south and southwest.

A trail of tiny footprints lead into this pathway from the northwest, but suddenly stop here in a most peculiar fashion.
action: You look at the footprints
response: The footprints in the snow are tiny and have very pointy toes; however, they are slowly filling in with the blowing powdered snow. The trail of footprints lead into this pathway from the northwest, but then abruptly stop here. The snow is completely undisturbed any where else save for your own foot trails.
action: Dig
response: What do you want to dig?
action: You search the snow
response: When the wind gusts, the snow that has gathered on the hedges blows down the pathways throughout the maze in puffs of snow flurries. Your footsteps are quickly filled in by the gusting snow.
action: You listen
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

Alas! The tiny footprints have become completely filled in by powdered snow.
action: Go southwest
response: The twists and turns of the green hedges look so much alike, that you loose your way. After walking and walking, you eventually find yourself back at the start of the hedge maze.

Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You go west
response: The hedges arc gracefully from the southeast to the southwest. An additional pathway leads to the east.
action: Go southeast
response: The shaped hedges lead to the northwest, south, and east.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: Go east
response: You are in a small enclosed area with the only pathway leading back to the west.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You examine angel
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. With clasped hands, the angel looks peacefully down upon you.
action: Pray
response: Nothing seems to have changed.
action: You go south
response: One pathway through the shaped hedges leads to the north, and two more lead to the southwest and southeast.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You examine angel
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The glorious angel looks skyward with majestically outstretched arms. Her long gown swirls as if in a gust of wind revealing her dainty slippers beneath.

You hear an impish high-pitched giggle approaching from the pathway to the north.
action: Go southwest
response: The twists and turns of the green hedges look so much alike, that you loose your way. After walking and walking, you eventually find yourself back at the start of the hedge maze.

Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: Go southwest
response: Pathways through the green hedges lead to the north, south, east, and northeast.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You go east
response: This is a small enclosed area with the only pathway leading back to the west.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You look at the angel
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The angel looks upward into the night sky and appears to be singing a most lovely hymn.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You look at the pedestal
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The angel looks upward into the night sky and appears to be singing a most lovely hymn.
action: You turn angel
response: It is fixed in place.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You ask the sprite about the bell
response: The snow imp cuddles the bell lovingly, "So small, so shiny! My beautiful ... beautiful ... bell." He lets out a sudden giggle and starts waving it over his head tauntingly.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You take the snow
response: You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You throw the snow at the sprite
response: (the handful of snow at the snow sprite)
You hurl the handful of snow at the little sprite. He lurches to the side to avoid being pelted. Even though the sprite is much to quick to be hit, he seems to have a newfound respect for you ... for a moment. But, then he pokes his tongue out at you and continues with his usual antics.
action: Look around
response: This is a small enclosed area with the only pathway leading back to the west.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You go southwest
response: Alas, the hedges block your way.
action: You go north
response: Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You go northeast
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. At the center of this row of hedges is a neatly cut opening.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: Go north
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You go east
response: The oak dryad peers down at you as you as you stand in this small clearing in the dark wood. He seems to be humming softly with his deep throaty voice. Brightly glowing orbs of little pastel lights, accentuated against the midnight blue sky, fill the branches of the oak. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.
action: Go north
response: You crawl on your belly through the tunnel which is illuminated by the lantern you carry. After a time, you see a brighter light ahead and keep crawling until you find yourself on the other side of the mountain.

Stretching out before you is a vast expanse of flat white ice brilliantly shimmering in the silvery moonlight. Straining to see the shadowy horizon of the stark ice in contrast to the dark starlit sky, you notice a cluster of dark trees off to the northwest. A small dark hole in the mountainside opens directly south.

A long wooden pole, partially covered in powdery white snow, has been propped on the mountainside close by.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You examine the pole
response: The long wooden pole is about one and a half times your height.
action: You examine the floes
response: Large, beautiful ice floes cover the surface of this gigantic frozen lake. The silvery moonlight reflects brilliantly off of the stark white sheets of ice.
action: Look around
response: Stretching out before you is a vast expanse of flat white ice brilliantly shimmering in the silvery moonlight. Straining to see the shadowy horizon of the stark ice in contrast to the dark starlit sky, you notice a cluster of dark trees off to the northwest. A small dark hole in the mountainside opens directly south.
action: Go northwest
response: As you leave the protective barrier of the southern mountain range, the cold breezes blowing over the surface of the ice tosses your simple skirt about in great billows chilling your legs and ankles.

A gentle breeze swirls powdery white snow over the stark flat surface of the ice floes. A shadowy mountain range spans the southern horizon, and only a small island of trees barely visible to the north disrupts the otherwise flat expanse of the ice floes.
action: Go northwest
response: A gentle breeze swirls powdery white snow over the stark flat surface of the ice floes. A shadowy mountain range spans the southern horizon, and only a small island of trees barely visible to the north disrupts the otherwise flat expanse of the ice floes.
action: You go to the north
response: The wide expanse of white ice glistening in the full moon light meets the horizon in stark contrast to the inky black of midnight sky. The otherwise featureless landscape is marked by a small island to the northwest and the southern mountain range to the south.
action: You go northeast
response: At this point, you have traveled about half-way between the island landmass and the southern mountains. A moderately sized sheet of ice has broken from the main floe you stand upon. To the north of the smaller ice floe, you see a stretch of water that looks almost like a channel between other giant sheets of ice.
action: You get on the sheet
response: Which do you mean, the large ice floes or the small ice floe?
action: Small
response: You carefully step out onto the small ice floe. It tips and sways atop the frigid waters, but seems sturdy enough to support your weight.
action: Go northwest
response: Yet another water channel lies to the north. The freezing waters of the lake lap against the bank of the ice sheet upon which you stand. You are very wary to keep your feet sufficiently far from the edge so that the water does not splash upon your small feet. The southern mountain ranges are now barely visible to the south. Indeed, you would almost fail to spot them but for your keen sense of direction.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: Go northwest
response: The small forested island is quite visible to the west. Alas, the ice floe upon which you had been walking upon has broken off here, and small channel of freezing water to the west blocks your path to the island shore. The chilly water also circles around to the south where a very large waterway extends to a barely visible southern ice bank.
action: Go west
response: The water channel to the west is far too cold for swimming.
action: You jump
response: You jump up and down having a jolly good time.
action: You look at the island
response: The small island seems to be the only prominent feature of this vast and absolutely flat landscape. The mists that sweep across the ice floes and swirl in the gusty breeze make observing any more detail quite difficult.
action: Go southeast
response: You are standing on yet more ice floes far from the shore on this frozen lake. A small island is quite visible in the moonlight to the northwest. If you stand perfectly still, you are barely able to make out the sound of gay and lively music over the gentle lapping of water along the edge of the ice sheet to the south.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: You get on the small floe
response: You carefully step out onto the small ice floe. It tips and sways atop the frigid waters, but seems sturdy enough to support your weight.
action: Go southeast
response: A chilly mist rises from the surrounding ice and swirls about in the gusting breeze. An island of tall trees is just visible to the northwest and a narrow waterway extends to the south.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: Go west
response: The powdered snow that has collected on the surface of the ice sheet keeps you from slipping and sliding on the surface of this gigantic frozen lake. The large ice sheets you have been walking upon thus far however have broken into much smaller pieces beyond this area save to the north and east. More secure ice sheets lie back to the east, and a very wide and rather long water channel extends to the north. The small island to the northwest is obscured in the mist of icy droplets rising from the waterway.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the long, chilly water channel.
action: You listen
response: You strain to listen to the joyous refrains wafting over the frozen lake. The sounds are coming from the small forested island to the northwest.
action: You go to the northwest
response: The small forested island is quite visible to the west. Alas, the ice floe upon which you had been walking upon has broken off here, and small channel of freezing water to the west blocks your path to the island shore. The chilly water also circles around to the south where a very large waterway extends to a barely visible southern ice bank.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: You examine the trees
response: The tall leafy trees that circle the island just off of the snow-covered shore have a rather majestic and magical quality. You have never seen trees so lush and green at this time of year. The trees have grown very thick inhibiting your view beyond them; however, your tiny body could easily squeeze through the spaces between their wide trunks. When you stand still and listen, you hear what sounds like giggling coming from the other side.
action: You listen
response: Cheerful music emanates from behind the lush trees to the west.
action: Go west
response: A wondrous site greets your eyes as you step through the tall lush trees.

You have happened upon a magical reverie! In the open clearing encircled by the giant leafy trees, tiny fairies giggle and play as they dance on the giant petals of white orchids which grow abundantly in this soft earth. Mistletoe rich with tiny white berries, spiral up through the branches of the surrounding trees. Moonbeams streak down through the tops of the giant trees illuminating a gurgling spring that wells up warm water in a circular pond at the center of the clearing. Several small doe lie on the soft, lilting grass enchanted by the merry tunes from a company of fauns playing an assortment of flutes, lyres, and reed pipes. The wondrous scene is even more remarkable by the presence of numerous floating orbs that swirl about the clearing seemingly of their own accord.
action: You examine the orchids
response: Beautiful white orchids abound in this little clearing. Their petals, large and full, glow brilliantly white in the silvery moonbeams.
action: You examine the fairies
response: The tiny flower fairies seem to be thoroughly enjoying themselves as they dance and play about the flower petals. Some laugh and cheer as they chase each other about the clearing. As they twirl their colored wands, beautiful pastel light trails shoot through the air and illuminate the area in brief pools of light wherever they land. You notice one of the fairies with a yellow wand stand poised on the tip of a flower petal carefully holding her wand outstretched. One of the yellow baubles swirls through the air close by her and then gently lands on the tip of her wand. She waves her wand in a giant arc then impishly flicks her wand at one of the fairies hovering above the spring. The bauble soars gloriously through the air leaving yellow streaks of light behind before splashing into the spring completely drenching her unsuspecting friend.
action: You greet fairies
response: The fairies smiles back at you.
action: You ask the fairies about the imp
response: One of the fairies flies close by and crosses his arms, "That snow imp has played one too many a trick. An errant snowball buried dear Dereshel dashedly quick!" After shaking his head in dismay, he flies back with the others.
action: You look around
response: You have happened upon a magical reverie! In the open clearing encircled by the giant leafy trees, tiny fairies giggle and play as they dance on the giant petals of white orchids which grow abundantly in this soft earth. Mistletoe rich with tiny white berries, spiral up through the branches of the surrounding trees. Moonbeams streak down through the tops of the giant trees illuminating a gurgling spring that wells up warm water in a circular pond at the center of the clearing. Several small doe lie on the soft, lilting grass enchanted by the merry tunes from a company of fauns playing an assortment of flutes, lyres, and reed pipes. The wondrous scene is even more remarkable by the presence of numerous floating orbs that swirl about the clearing seemingly of their own accord.
action: You examine the pond
response: Concentric circles continually ripple over the surface of the circular pool of water fueled at the center by the warm spring. It gurgles in accompaniment to the fauns' woodwind songs.
action: You examine the fauns
response: The jovial fauns are small creatures in stature with the torso and head of a man, and haunches of a pony. The faun playing the reed pipe sits near the spring allowing one hoof to be immersed in the warm water, while the faun with the flute dances and twirls joyously about the clearing. The third faun strums a lyre while sitting placidly in the soft grass.
action: You touch the pond
response: The warm water feels very soothing against your skin.
action: Swim
response: You dip into the spring water relishing in its warmth. After splashing about for a time, you exit the spring and sit on the grass with a doe and the fauns listening to their music until your dress has dried.
action: You ask the fauns about the fauns
response: The fauns are too involved in their music to reply. They do however give you a kindly smile and a nod.
action: You look at the trees
response: The tall leafy trees encircle this magical area almost like an enchanted barrier from the stark, cold landscape beyond.
action: You examine mistletoe
response: surrounding this clearing. Their white berries glisten like pearls in the moonlight.

Mistletoe vines hang from the branches of the tall leafy trees surrounding this clearing. Their white berries glisten like pearls in the moonlight.
action: You take the berries
response: The mistletoe grows beyond your reach.
action: You take the orb
response: Which do you mean, the blue baubles or the colored baubles?
action: You look at the blue baubles
response: The blue baubles from the cottage have made their long trek across the starry night sky to this enchanted island. They swirl about the clearing with the rest of the beautifully colored floating spheres.
action: You examine the colored baubles
response: The baubles are fist-sized translucent orbs that float and swirl about in the air. Their smooth, glossy surfaces reflect wonderful shades of blue, yellow, green, pink, and silver when they pass through the moonbeams. As you watch them dance about this enchanted clearing, you notice one of the fairies hold out a pink wand. The nearest pink bauble suddenly circles about the point of the outstretched wand and then alights directly on the tip. As you observe the other fairies playing, you see that the orbs have landed upon several other wands as well.
action: Inventory
response: You are carrying:
a long wooden pole
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You wave it
response: You have fun waving the candle stick.
action: Wave pole
response: You have fun waving the long wooden pole.
action: Sing
response: You do your best to join in the fauns' little concerto first by humming in accompaniment. When you feel a little braver, you begin to sing a favorite solstice carol to the tune that they play. The creatures of the island seem to approve of your addition. The fauns smile and nod affectionately, and a few of the fairies circle close by while others braid strands of your hair.
action: Dance
response: You dance a pretty little waltz to the rhythm of the woodwinds. The fauns nod and smile encouragingly.
action: Go east
response: You wander into the wood and eventually find yourself back on the eastern shore of the island.

You are standing on the shore of a little island in the midst of a vast expanse of ice floes gleaming brilliantly white in the moonlight. A channel of water leads back to the east, and brilliantly green leafy trees nearly forming a wall grow to the west.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: You go south
response: As you crawl through the tunnel under the mountain, the long wooden pole you carry becomes increasingly cumbersome, and you are forced to retreat back to the ice floes and deposit the pole on that side of the mountain before proceeding back to the forest.

You crawl on your belly through the tunnel which is illuminated by the lantern you carry. After a time, you see a brighter light ahead and keep crawling until you find yourself on the other side of the mountain.

The forest has thinned in this area at the foothills of a great mountain range that lies to the north. In the moonlight, you see that the undergrowth has thinned to the southwest which leads toward the forest. A small hole, barely noticeable in the shadows, extends into the mountain directly to the north.
action: You show the candle to the fairies
response: The fairies is unimpressed.
action: Wave candle
response: You have fun waving the candle stick.
action: You look at the poinsettias
response: Flower fairies play gaily on the petals of the white poinsettias. When a firefly passes close by to one of the flowers close by, you notice a little wand resting on its petals.
action: You examine the shoes
response: You now hold in your hands a magnificent present for Sander that is sure to brighten his spirit on this solstice eve. Quite simply, these are the finest, most handsome pair of shoes you have ever laid eyes upon. You could not imagine a more perfect solstice gift for Sander who has had to wear his tight and tattered old shoes for so long.
action: You get the flower
response: The white poinsettias look so fresh and beautiful that you decide to leave them to grow in peace.
action: You examine the lantern
response: The lantern emits a bright and glowing yellow light.
action: You climb the trees
response: None of the surrounding fir trees seem to have good branches for climbing.
action: Poinsettias
response: What do you want to dig the white poinsettias with?
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a handful of snow
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: Go south
response: The silvery moonlight softly illuminates the nearby branches of this dense forest and reflects from snowy patches along the cold ground. Although your range of sight is limited by the darkness, the brambles appear passable to the north and southwest.
action: You go to the west
response: The oak dryad peers down at you as you as you stand in this small clearing in the dark wood. He seems to be humming softly with his deep throaty voice. Brightly glowing orbs of little pastel lights, accentuated against the midnight blue sky, fill the branches of the oak. A path runs through the little clearing from the east to the west, but many other directions appear passable as well.

As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You ask the dryad about fairies
response: The dryad chuckles, "Oh, those fairies with their tricks and lights, they are welcome on any and all solstice nights."
action: You ask the dryad about the moon
response: The dryad stares whimsically at the moon, "Look how it shines so pure and white as it bursts from the night. Lo, what a sight!"
action: You ask the dryad about the horse
response: Bark creaks as the dryad raises his wooden eyebrows, "Where is he? Have you seen him here? I have not one, but hundreds of solstice tokens this year!" The dryad wriggles his branches causing the pastel lights to dance and sway.
action: You ask the dryad about the fauns
response: The dryad chuckles in his deep resonating voice, "Fantastic creatures, wouldn't you say? They play music on through the night to the light of day."
action: You go west
response: As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You ask the sprite about the horse
response: The sprite hugs his golden bell saying, "Mine! All mine!" He then burst into a taunting singsong, "Takers, keepers! Missers, weepers!"
action: You give the bell to you
response: "No, no, no!" the snow sprite chides. He hugs the bell lovingly, "Mine, all mine!"
action: You ring bell
response: (the snow sprite at the snow sprite)
(first taking the snow sprite)
The little snow sprite is much too quick for you.

The snow sprite laughs raucously, then picks up a handful of snow and hurls it in your direction.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
action: You describe your surroundings
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You ask the sprite about the fairies
response: The sprite starts running back and forth sending snow flying through the air as he screams, "Yeh! Fairies!" The sprite stops running to crouch down, gather a huge handful of snow and toss it into the air. As the snowflakes trickle down, he adds, "I like their sparklies. Mmm-hmm!"

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You ask the sprite about the fireflies
response: The snowsprite stares at you with great attention as you speak. When you finish, he straightens up very seriously as if about to give a prophetic oration but says only, "What?"
action: You ask the sprite about snow
response: The sprite starts singing as he runs in a large circle around you, "Solstice, solstice! Solstice nights! Call in one and all snow sprites!"
action: You ask the sprite about the statues
response: The snowsprite stares at you with great attention as you speak. When you finish, he straightens up very seriously as if about to give a prophetic oration but says only, "What?"

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You ask the sprite about the horse
response: The sprite hugs his golden bell saying, "Mine! All mine!" He then burst into a taunting singsong, "Takers, keepers! Missers, weepers!"

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You get the snow
response: You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: Go northwest
response: This is the base of a giant mountain to the north. The rocky landscape continues to the west. Snow-covered plateaus glisten in the moonlight high above. The path stops just in front of the mouth of a cave in the mountainside to the west. Railroad tracks lead from deep inside the cave to a large pile of round stones a few yards from the cave entrance. Looking to the east and southeast, you see the edge of the snowy hills. The mountainous terrain appears impassable in other directions.

Your handful of snow finally melts and slips through your fingers.

You hear the faint groaning of creaky wheels echoing from within the cave. The scraping of metal becomes louder and louder, and suddenly an old mining cart filled with small grey stones emerges from the cave entrance. A stocky, pug-nosed dwarf with a lit candle on his hat pushes the cart along the tracks from behind. Quite oblivious or unconcerned by your presence, he continues pushing the cart until it reaches the stone pile where he dumps his load of stones. He then slowly marches around the cart to the other side and pushes it back into the darkness of the cave.
action: You get the snow
response: You reach down and pick up a handful of snow.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You throw the handful at the sprite
response: You hurl the handful of snow at the little sprite. He lurches to the side to avoid being pelted. Even though the sprite is much to quick to be hit, he seems to have a newfound respect for you ... for a moment. But, then he pokes his tongue out at you and continues with his usual antics.
action: You throw the snow at the bell
response: (the handful of snow at the golden bell)
You throw your snowball at the golden bell.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You throw the snow at the sprite
response: (the handful of snow at the snow sprite)
You hurl the handful of snow at the little sprite. He lurches to the side to avoid being pelted. Even though the sprite is much to quick to be hit, he seems to have a newfound respect for you ... for a moment. But, then he pokes his tongue out at you and continues with his usual antics.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You describe your surroundings
response: This is the edge of a vast expanse of snowy hills that continue to the north and northeast. The hills are completely covered in powdery white snow that glistens in the soft moonlight. A path extends from the northwest to the east. The forest continues in all other directions.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: Go south
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. At the center of this row of hedges is a neatly cut opening.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs across the snowy hills laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You go southwest
response: Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.
action: You examine gown
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The glorious angel looks skyward with majestically outstretched arms. Her long gown swirls as if in a gust of wind revealing her dainty slippers beneath.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They head toward the pathway to the southeast, then turn around and wave their arms motioning for you to follow. With an impish giggle, they disappear to the southeast leaving tiny footprints behind.
action: You examine the pedestal
response: The stone angel and the elaborate pedestal upon which she rests has been beautifully carved out of alabaster stone. The glorious angel looks skyward with majestically outstretched arms. Her long gown swirls as if in a gust of wind revealing her dainty slippers beneath.
action: You hide
response: What do you want to hide behind?
action: Statue
response: You hide behind the angel statue.

Footsteps softly crunch in the snow close by.
action: You listen
response: You hear only the whispering wind murmuring soft secrets which, alas, you cannot understand.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They both stop in the middle of the pathway and glance furtively about. With a mischievous giggle, one of the sprites hops upon the other's shoulders and they trot down the pathway to the southeast.
action: You look at the hedge
response: The hedges that have grown to approximately twice your height have been formed into a neat rows and corners to build this giant maze.
action: Look around
response: One pathway through the shaped hedges leads to the north, and two more lead to the southwest and southeast.

A trail of tiny footprints in the snow lead to the southeast.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They both stop in the middle of the pathway and glance furtively about. With a mischievous giggle, one of the sprites hops upon the other's shoulders and they trot down the pathway to the southeast.
action: You go southeast
response: Pathways lead through the hedge maze to the northwest, to the south and southwest.

A trail of tiny footprints lead into this pathway from the northwest, but suddenly stop here in a most peculiar fashion.
action: You go to the south-west
response: The twists and turns of the green hedges look so much alike, that you loose your way. After walking and walking, you eventually find yourself back at the start of the hedge maze.

Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick

You hear an impish high-pitched giggle approaching from the pathway to the north.
action: You go outside
response: But you aren't in anything at the moment.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They both stop in the middle of the pathway and glance furtively about. With a mischievous giggle, one of the sprites hops upon the other's shoulders and they trot down the pathway to the southeast.
action: You wait awhile
response: The wind whistles down the corridors of the hedge maze and blows snowflakes into your hair.

A little snow sprite wearing a green scarf comes galloping in from the north. Another snow sprite comes cartwheeling in right behind. They both stop in the middle of the pathway and glance furtively about. With a mischievous giggle, one of the sprites hops upon the other's shoulders and they trot down the pathway to the southeast.
action: You go southeast
response: Pathways lead through the hedge maze to the northwest, to the south and southwest.

A trail of tiny footprints lead into this pathway from the northwest, but suddenly stop here in a most peculiar fashion.
action: You follow the trail
response: The footprints come in from the northwest and just stop here in the middle of the pathway. They do not lead anywhere!
action: You go to the northeast
response: Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.
action: You hide behind the angel
response: You carefully hide behind the angel statue.
action: Wait
response: The wind whistles down the corridors of the hedge maze and blows snowflakes into your hair.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You give the shoes to the sprite
response: The snow sprite does not seem interested.

The snow sprite does flips and cartwheels across the top of the snow and then suddenly disappears beneath.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: The only way out of this area is a pathway leading back to the north.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to you stops just a few feet away.
action: You go north
response: This hedge pathway has been shaped into a tidy corner leading to the east and south.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.
action: You go east
response: The row of hedges leads to the west and east.
action: Go east
response: Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.

Suddenly, you are smacked in the head by a snowball. You whirl about to see a devilish little snow sprite giggling at you. It suddenly jumps up, does a back flip and then disappears into the snow.
action: You go to the east
response: Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.
action: Go northeast
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. At the center of this row of hedges is a neatly cut opening.
action: Go west
response: Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.

A little white snow sprite carrying a golden bell runs atop the snow laughing and tumbling. As soon as it spots you, it runs right up to
action: You go to the south
response: you stops just a few feet away.
action: You go south
response: Powdery snow flurries toss your hair about as you walk down this pathway that leads to the northeast and to the south.

A little white snow sprite runs right by you carrying a large golden bell in both its hands over its head. It giggles and laughs mischievously, then does a few somersaults and disappears back into the snow.

Pathways through the green hedges lead to the north, south, east, and northeast.

One pathway through the shaped hedges leads to the north, and two more lead to the southwest and southeast.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You go south
response: Alas, the hedges block your way.

You hear an impish high-pitched giggle approaching from the pathway to the north.
action: You look around
response: One pathway through the shaped hedges leads to the north, and two more lead to the southwest and southeast.

A trail of tiny footprints in the snow lead to the southeast.

A beautiful, snow-dusted, angel statue adorns one corner along this pathway in the hedge maze.
action: You wait
response: The wind whistles down the corridors of the hedge maze and blows snowflakes into your hair.

Suddenly, with a great puff of snowflakes, the snow sprites spring up out of the snow in front of the statue where you remain quietly hidden. They laugh raucously at the opening to the southeast waving their arms in jest and sticking out their tongues. They then skip merrily down the pathway to the southwest leaving tiny footprints behind.
action: You go to the south-west
response: You follow the tiny pointed footprints out of the pathway to the southwest.

Pathways lead to the northeast, to the west, and to the south.

A tiny trail of footprints in the snow lead from the northeast to the south.
action: Go south
response: The pathways through this area of the hedge maze lead to the north, east, and southwest.

A tiny trail of footprints in the snow lead from the north to the southwest.
action: You go southwest
response: Pathways have been neatly formed to lead north and northeast. To the west is a long corridor with glowing warm firelight emanating from the other side. And, you can hear joyous music and laughter over the sound of the gusting winds.

A tiny trail of footprints in the snow lead from the northeast all of the way down the long corridor to the west.
action: You go to the west
response: The large clearing is lit by a tremendous bonfire at its center. The dazzling light illuminates all sorts of magical creatures, dancing and frolicking around the flickering firelight. Many of the elves, fairies, and fauns in this clearing have instruments in their hands and with them play the most enchanting and festive music you have ever heard. A giant circle of the perfectly shaped hedges encloses this large area. Decorative boughs of holly have been draped in great sweeping arcs along the tops of the hedges.
action: You examine the holly
response: Great sweeping arcs of holly lace the top of the hedges in this jolly clearing. Their boughs are rich red berries that gleam in the bonfire light.
action: You get the holly
response: The holly boughs are much too high for you to reach. You would not wish to disrupt the festive charm of this magical gathering anyhow.
action: You get the berry
response: You are unable to move that.
action: Sing
response: Your sing joyously into the open air.
action: Dance
response: You mimic the festive dancers moving joyously through the clearing. Your dancing shadow, formed by the flickering light of the bonfire, bounces about along the circular hedges.
action: Go west
response: You walk around the bonfire to the far side of the clearing.

Much of the same revelry continues on this side of the bonfire, and tiny fairies with their flickering wands fly all about. As the dancers pass in front of the bonfire, their shadows stretch out in gangly forms that lurch about the clearing. A beautifully crafted brass horn glints in the firelight. It hangs down to eye-level by a string from one of the decorative boughs of holly.
action: You get the horn
response: You untie the bit of string around the brass horn and it easily pulls free.
action: You look at the horn
response: The horn is formed of a highly polished brass that gleams in the light. The metal has been crafted in a circular loop-the-loop. A mouthpiece forms one end of the brass tube while the other is an opened flare.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: Much of the same revelry continues on this side of the bonfire, and tiny fairies with their flickering wands fly all about. As the dancers pass in front of the bonfire, their shadows stretch out in gangly forms that lurch about the clearing.
action: You go to the east
response: Pathways have been neatly formed to lead north and northeast. To the west is a long corridor with glowing warm firelight emanating from the other side. And, you can hear joyous music and laughter over the sound of the gusting winds.
action: Go northeast
response: Paths through the neatly trimmed hedges lead to the west, east, and southwest.

A mischievous little snow sprite is standing here making faces at you and giggling.
action: You go to the east
response: Neatly trimmed hedges form pathways to the south and west. An opening has been sheared through the row of hedges to the northeast.
action: Go northeast
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. At the center of this row of hedges is a neatly cut opening.
action: You go west
response: Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.

You can see a little blue wand lying on a flower petal here.
action: You get the wand
response: Taken.
action: You examine the wand
response: The blue fairy wand glistens a beautiful pale blue shade when the light shines upon it.
action: Wave wand
response: You wave the blue wand causing sparkling blue light trails to flash through the air. The effect is quite beautiful, but nothing else happens.
action: You look at your surroundings
response: Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.
action: You go east
response: Forest Vale (East)
The sunken vale continues back to the west. Fireflies dance about in the air on this side of the vale as well illuminating the space beneath the thick covering of branches above. Another bed of white poinsettia flowers grows here in the soft earth.

In the firefly light, you see little flying fairies dancing and singing atop the flower petals.
action: You go to the south
response: Forest Vale (West)
Even though this area is much deeper than the rest of the forest, the thick canopy of branches high above has blocked the snow from collecting here. The moonlight has also been blocked by the thick covering of branches. Fortunately, dozens of fireflies have congregated here and illuminate the darkness sufficiently.

The underbrush is too dense in that direction.

You carefully climb up the slope and step back into the stone-lined path. The chill of the blowing breeze sends shivers up your spine.

You are standing in the middle of a stone lined path that leads through the snow-covered forest from the northwest to the east. To the north, the ground dips down much lower than the path upon which you now stand.
action: Go north
response: You crawl on your belly through the tunnel which is illuminated by the lantern you carry. After a time, you see a brighter light ahead and keep crawling until you find yourself on the other side of the mountain.

Stretching out before you is a vast expanse of flat white ice brilliantly shimmering in the silvery moonlight. Straining to see the shadowy horizon of the stark ice in contrast to the dark starlit sky, you notice a cluster of dark trees off to the northwest. A small dark hole in the mountainside opens directly south.

You can see a long wooden pole here.
action: You get the pole
response: Taken.
action: Go northwest
response: A gentle breeze swirls powdery white snow over the stark flat surface of the ice floes. A shadowy mountain range spans the southern horizon, and only a small island of trees barely visible to the north disrupts the otherwise flat expanse of the ice floes.
action: Go northeast
response: The vast expanse of wet ice slabs creates a warbled reflection of the silvery moon hanging above in the night sky. Several large sheets of ice have broken off from the more solid floes of ice you stand on in this area. Soft gurgling and sloshing sounds emanate from these slabs as they flex and bob up and down atop the icy waters below. The tunnel leading to the other side of the southern mountain range is to the southwest.
action: You go north
response: From this distance, you can see that the small clump of trees to the north are on a small landmass in the midst of a vast sea of ice. Off in the distance, you can hear faint sounds of groaning and popping as the sheets of ice settle. The tunnel leading to the other side of the southern mountains lies some distance away to the south.
action: You examine the floe
response: This small ice floe has broken off from the main sheets of ice that cover this terrain. The lake waters are gently pushing this small floe to the south, so it is floating very nearby to the edge of the ice floe upon which you stand.
action: You stand on floe
response: You carefully step out onto the small ice floe. It tips and sways atop the frigid waters, but seems sturdy enough to support your weight.
action: Go northwest
response: Yet another water channel lies to the north. The freezing waters of the lake lap against the bank of the ice sheet upon which you stand. You are very wary to keep your feet sufficiently far from the edge so that the water does not splash upon your small feet. The southern mountain ranges are now barely visible to the south. Indeed, you would almost fail to spot them but for your keen sense of direction.

A small floe is lodged into the ice sheet on the near bank of the chilly water channel.
action: You drop all except the wand
response: candle stick: Dropped.
handsome leather shoes: Dropped.
lantern: Dropped.
brass horn: Dropped.
long wooden pole: Dropped.
action: You get all
response: candle stick: Taken.
handsome leather shoes: Taken.
lantern: Taken.
brass horn: Taken.
long wooden pole: Taken.
action: Go west
response: A wondrous site greets your eyes as you step through the tall lush trees.

You have happened upon a magical reverie! In the open clearing encircled by the giant leafy trees, tiny fairies giggle and play as they dance on the giant petals of white orchids which grow abundantly in this soft earth. Mistletoe rich with tiny white berries, spiral up through the branches of the surrounding trees. Moonbeams streak down through the tops of the giant trees illuminating a gurgling spring that wells up warm water in a circular pond at the center of the clearing. Several small doe lie on the soft, lilting grass enchanted by the merry tunes from a company of fauns playing an assortment of flutes, lyres, and reed pipes. The wondrous scene is even more remarkable by the presence of numerous floating orbs that swirl about the clearing seemingly of their own accord.
action: Wave wand
response: As you hold your wand outstretched, you notice one of the blue baubles swirling closer and closer to you. The scintillating blue bauble twirls about the tip of your wand before gently alighting upon the point. Even when you wiggle the wand about in the air, the spherical blue orb stays fixed to the tip of your wand.
action: You look at the orb
response: (the colored baubles)
The baubles are fist-sized translucent orbs that float and swirl about in the air. Their smooth, glossy surfaces reflect wonderful shades of blue, yellow, green, pink, and silver when they pass through the moonbeams. As you watch them dance about this enchanted clearing, you notice one of the fairies hold out a pink wand. The nearest pink bauble suddenly circles about the point of the outstretched wand and then alights directly on the tip. As you observe the other fairies playing, you see that the orbs have landed upon several other wands as well.
action: You look at the blue orb
response: The small orb is a translucent fist-sized sphere with a silvery bluish cast when light reflects from its smooth, shiny surface.
action: Show bauble to dryad
response: (first taking the captured blue bauble)
You grasp the blue orb as tightly as you can and pull it down away from the wand's tip. With a tiny "bing!" the orb breaks free from the wand. The blue bauble, however, appears to have other plans then to be held in your tiny hands, for it slips from your grasp, swivels in a few tight circles around the tip your wand, and lands perfectly upon the point once again.
action: Go south
response: The forest edge lies to the northeast and the gently rolling snowy hills continue no further than a row of hedges to the southwest. At the center of this row of hedges is a neatly cut opening.

You hear a ringing bell in the distance and can barely make out a little snow sprite running across the hilltops in the distance.
action: You give the orb to the sprite
response: (first taking the captured blue bauble)
As the snow sprite stares transfixed at the beautiful blue orb on the tip of your wand, his jaw drops opened and you see his little pink tongue dangle lackadaisically from his mouth. He approaches cautiously taking slow purposeful steps on his little pointed feet. You hold the wand so the blue orb dangles tantalizingly within his reach. The little golden bell drops into the soft snow with a little "plink!" The sprite reaches out to the orb and pulls it from the wand. He mutters to himself, "Oh, what a beautiful bauble. Beautiful ... beautiful ... bauble." The sprite suddenly snaps out of his daze and runs off carrying the blue orb proudly overhead.
action: You get the bell
response: You reach down and pluck the golden bell from the snowdrift.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.

Off in the distance to the northern hills beyond, you spot a tall figure walking in front of a white horse. You can faintly hear the jingling of bells which fades away as the two of them disappear behind one of the distant snowy hills.
action: You show the bell to the dryad
response: The dryad has closed his eyes as he hums an old solstice hymn and so does not observe your offering. You might try asking him about it instead.
action: You ask the dryad about the bell
response: The dryad narrows his eyes to deep, dark slits as he peers at the golden bell. "Ah ... how shiny, look how it catches the light. Quite perfect to have on this solstice night."
action: You check your inventory
response: You are carrying:
a golden bell
a brass horn
a lantern (providing light)
handsome leather shoes
a candle stick
a blue wand
action: You go to the north
response: As you walk, the forest thins and soon, you leave it behind entirely.

Snow covered peaks and valleys continue to the horizon as far as your eyes can see while the midnight sky above is speckled with fine points of light. The snowy hills continue all across the northern horizon and the forest lies to the south.
action: You go to the northwest
response: In the hemisphere of your sight, the horizon to your feet is a blur of white peaks and valleys, while the entire starry sky above is a deep midnight blue that is pierced by the gleaming full silvery moon.

Atop one of the hills to the north, a tall figure grooms a white horse whose mane gleams in the silvery moonlight.
action: Go north
response: The soft white snow glistens in the silvery moonlight and stretches out in all directions. A tall man with his fine white mare is standing close by.
You trod through the powdery snow to the north. The beautiful white horse whinnies as you approach, and the tall man glances in your direction and smiles, "Hello there, young one."
action: Hello
response: The mysterious man looks down upon you and smiles.
action: You examine man
response: The mysterious man standing next to the finest white mare you have ever seen is very tall and thin with a long white beard. He is dressed in handsomely crafted white garments and has a long white cape that billows in the gentle breeze. His face is quite serene and his demeanor is genuinely warm and endearing.
action: You look at the horse
response: The fine white mare has been meticulously groomed. Her shiny coat gleams in the silvery moonlight, and her flowing white mane billows in the cool breeze. She seems to be a close companion to the tall, mysterious man standing nearby who is adjusting her bell-laden harness.
action: You ring bell
response: You ring the little golden bell, and it tinkles gaily in the night air.
action: You give the bell to the man
response: The man exclaims, "Why, look what you have there!" He takes the bell and turns it about in his hands. "I lost this little bell a while ago when a naughty little snow sprite ran off with it." The man affixes the bell back to the harness in the empty spot where it had been pulled off. "Could you tell? This bell is enchanted. When it tolls ... But, oh!" he stops short and reaches inside one of his pockets, "I am reminded of this magical amulet." He pulls out an amulet on a thin golden necklace and drapes it over your head. "Wear it 'round your neck, and go south to the thicket at the edge of the wood. The amulet will guide you home. Now, I must be on my way. I have much to do this night ... Go child, make haste, and take care!" The tall man mounts the white mare and gallops into the darkness.
action: You look at amulet
response: The amulet hangs from the thin golden strands of a delicate necklace. The beautifully polished medallion has grown quite cool to the touch.
action: Go south
response: In the hemisphere of your sight, the horizon to your feet is a blur of white peaks and valleys, while the entire starry sky above is a deep midnight blue that is pierced by the gleaming full silvery moon.
action: You go southwest
response: Your amulet suddenly shimmers and begins to glow with deep yellow tones.

A prickly thicket has run wild beyond the edge of the forest. The brambles which grab at your dress as you try to pass all look so much alike that you must continually struggle to keep your sense of direction. The moonlight barely filters down through the overgrowth, but you are able to spot openings in the brambles both to the northeast and the southeast.
action: You examine the amulet
response: The amulet hangs from the thin golden strands of a delicate necklace. The beautifully polished medallion has become very warm to the touch and has begun to emanate a rich golden light.
action: You go to the south-east
response: Your amulet seems to glow a shade brighter as you walk.

As the wind whistles through the thicket, the prickly tangles screech and crackle as they rub together. The sound sends shivers up your spine. The thicket has thinned here somewhat, and you will be able to continue to the northwest, west, northeast, or east.
action: You go east
response: Prickly thorns tug at your hemline as you push your way through the twisted branches. You are able to observe openings among the brambles to the north, west, and southwest.
action: Go north
response: Your amulet seems to glow a little dimmer as you walk.

Your feet are getting very cold as you walk through the slushy snow-covered ground, and you miss your little brother than ever. The only directions you appear able to traverse are to the south and southwest.
action: Go south
response: Your amulet seems to glow a shade brighter as you walk.

Prickly thorns tug at your hemline as you push your way through the twisted branches. You are able to observe openings among the brambles to the north, west, and southwest.
action: You go to the south-west
response: Your amulet seems to glow a shade brighter as you walk.

The thicket has somewhat thinned here, but the openings to the northwest, northeast, east, and southwest are dark and foreboding.
action: Go southwest
response: Your amulet seems to glow a shade brighter as you walk.

The thicket almost seems to have formed into a tunnel. The brambles form a complete arch overhead which blocks out most of the moonlight. Moonbeams shine into the tunnel from both the northeast and southeast.
action: You go southeast
response: As you walk out of the tunnel of brambles to the southeast, you are much relieved to find yourself in a wide open area with the thicket behind you. A large mountain rises into the starry night sky to the south and you see many others beyond. With a gasp of delight, you recognize that a snow-covered trail running along the mountainside is the very same one upon which you had ventured into town so many times. You scamper up the mountain side to the trail which gleams brilliantly in the full moonlight and run towards home with all of the strength left that you are able to muster.

You return home to a teary reunion with your worried parents. And to your great surprise and delight, Sander was well enough to sit at the fireside awaiting your return. When you reveal the handsome shoes you carried through the entire adventure as a solstice gift for him, his eyes gleam with giddy admiration. You feel certain that he will recover soon to join you in all of your games and mischief as once before. Your mother brings out the meager solstice feast she had been saving, and all of you sit around the hearth to celebrate the final moments of this solstice night. Sander smiles with delight as you relate all of your incredible trials and adventures in the winter wonderland, and your parents exchange bewildered glances.

Suddenly, a burlap bag tied in twine arcs through the open window to land in front of the little spruce tree with a thud. Your parents carefully open the bag and dump out the contents. They nearly fall over in shock as gold pieces spill out onto the floor. You run to the window and poke your head outside. A damp breeze rustles your hair as you look to the east. You hear soft jingling bells among the distant clop of horse hoofs and are barely able to see a fading figure on a white horse disappear into the rising dawn.
action: You drop the shoes
response: Dropped.
action: Go southeast
response: As you walk out of the tunnel of brambles to the southeast, you are much relieved to find yourself in a wide open area with the thicket behind you. A large mountain rises into the starry night sky to the south and you see many others beyond. With a gasp of delight, you recognize that a snow-covered trail running along the mountainside is the very same one upon which you had ventured into town so many times. You scamper up the mountain side to the trail which gleams brilliantly in the full moonlight and run towards home with all of the strength left that you are able to muster.

You return home to a teary reunion with your worried parents. And to your great surprise and delight, Sander was well enough to sit at the fireside awaiting your return. Your mother brings out the meager solstice feast she had been saving, and all of you sit around the hearth to celebrate the final moments of this solstice night. Sander smiles with delight as you relate all of your incredible trials and adventures in the winter wonderland, and your parents exchange bewildered glances.

Suddenly, a burlap bag tied in twine arcs through the open window to land in front of the little spruce tree with a thud. Your parents carefully open the bag and dump out the contents. They nearly fall over in shock as gold pieces spill out onto the floor. You run to the window and poke your head outside. A damp breeze rustles your hair as you look to the east. You hear soft jingling bells among the distant clop of horse hoofs and are barely able to see a fading figure on a white horse disappear into the rising dawn.