Grandpa's Fireplace

You are walking through the woods and stumble across a small cottage. There is a quaint little door, which you open. Inside, there is an Old Man curled up in a comfortable looking arm chair with a warm blanket on his lap. A fire crackles in the background The Old Man beckons you closer [[Approach]] [[Run Away]]

You turn and run out the door, you can hear the Old Man feebly begging you to return [[Return->Approach]] [[Keep Running]]

You cautiously approach the Old Man He begins to speak rhythmically, his body rocking as if to a beat only he can hear. “There is a story that was told, in the moores of old Back when the clans were young, Of magical beasts and and terrible feats Of young brothers three Before I tell you about the brothers, I need to tell you about couple of about a couple of others I ask you to listen, and I beg you to question, before we learn our lesson” Stay and listen? [[Yes]] [[No]]

You ran out so quickly, you lost your way in the woods The path is rough and uneven You trip and fall and... [[THE END->Small House]]

The Old Man's eye's light up "Child of mine", he says, "this is a sign. I have been alone so long, where should I begin?" Tell me the story of the [[Magical Beasts]] I want to hear of [[Terrible Feats]] You try to ask about his Brothers, but he does not seem to [[hear you->upset]].

You are tired and want to rest. The Old Man sighs and asks you to put another log on the fire. You sit silently across from the Old Man, and eventually fall asleep When you wake, the Old Man wastes no time begging you to stay and listen to him [[Stay and Listen->Yes]] [[Go Home->Run Away]]

Without missing a beat, the Old Man begins his rhythmic speech once more: “Magical beasts are a wondrous treat, And a mythical legend once heard Seven little babies, dream in a field of daisies “I want to be big!” yowled one little kitty, Clawing his mother, and ignoring his brothers “I want to fly,” yelled another “I want to breathe fire!” another aspires The mother cat snarled at her youthful brood, “My children, enough!” she said in a huff “To dream is one thing, to whine is another. And besides, you never know who may be listening!” As the kittens grew, and time flew Their dreams came true, and one by one they changed From griffins to tigers they grew and grew, their nature overcome, until their mother could not recognize them. This story is true, I tell you I knew But you are not the only one who did not believe me” You sit still, mesmerized by his tale Urge him to [[continue]] (set: $beasts to 1) (if: $feats is 1)[Ask to hear the rest of the [[feats->Feats pt 2]] tale]

The Old Man takes a deep breath in and begins to speak: "As tales go, they only get stranger A man fell in love, a woman pretty as a dove Despite a change in status. Since the man was young, and terribly high strung He decided to impress her. He asked her wish, and sealed with a kiss Her desire for the perfect kitten She didn't want small, nor a cute little ball. She wanted a kitten with fire. The man took heart, and began with a start” The Old Man stops and looks at you, “My child, you must understand my tales. Did I tell you the story of the beasts? If I haven't begun, I shan't say more, until that tale is done.” (if: $beasts is 1) [You may [[Move on->Feats pt 2]]] (if: $beasts is 0) [You ask him to tell you about the [[Magical Beasts]]] (set: $feats to 1)

He wets his lips with a nearby mug, and continues after a short pause, his breath starting to rattle in his fragile chest. “The man took heart, and began with a start Searching high and low, No matter his location, he searched with devotion And yet could not find a single kitten. Finally for a desperate for a rest, he calmed his heaving breast And awoke in a field of daisies. Curled on his arm, alseep and full of charm Lay a kitten, soft and sweet. But this girl had no fire, nor filled with desire She was old, and rather sad. Despite his quest, he lay on his chest And let this kitty sleep. When she awoke she purred, and then he not be heard A voice, old and frail. ‘Thank you, dear man’ the old one began ‘I miss having someone to sleep with” Man tried not to panic, he thought it quite manic To hold a conversation with a cat. But perhaps this could help him, his chances were slim, And who knows what a talking cat would know? “Yes yes” she uttered, “it is time to fess, My children are magic, now stop with the panic And I will tell you where to go, ‘cross this meadow and then down below, At least one of children is hiding. I can't tell you where, although I really do care For I am all alone here” The man thanked the kitty, and more is the pity He left her to resume his quest. When he traveled the meadow, and hiked down below, He found another kitty, This one was mean, and bit with a gleam But when he bit, it burned with fire. He snatched up the cat, and ignoring the brat Turned his gaze back homeward But blocking his path, snuck in like a rat Where creatures fair and foul. In the lead, A large Griffin, who made the man stiffen And plucked the feisty kitten away. “That's our brother you fool” it began to drool “And you shall never have him! Now run away, do not stop to play And maybe we seven won't eat you.” The man ran away, and began to pray His love would take another gift. He stopped in the field, and there he heeled And softly called for mother kitten “You tricked me” he said, “but I made a good bed, And I can understand why You protect your children, no matter how well hidden. Come to me mother cat, and I won't harm you. You may sleep on my chest, and we can both rest And then find a maiden who will love us” The Old Man stops abruptly. His voice is brittle and his chin shakes slightly. He speaks with such elegance and told the story so skillfully, that when he stopped, you were startled. "I need to rest", he says, "but I feel I am close. Pour me a drink, I seem to have a chill" Pour him a [[drink]] Beg him to tell you another [[story]]

“I would like to tell another story,” he says, despite looking tired and haggard. “some days I feel, as old as my spiel, But the information must be told. I do not think I know, what tales do I owe? The Old Man looks at you, and for the first time you realise he has no idea who you are. Remind him what stories he should tell? [[Magical Beasts]] [[Terrible Feats]] (if: $feats is 1)[Ask about the rest of the Terrible [[Feats->Feats pt 2]]]

You rise and pour the Old Man a drink and as you go back to sit down he grabs your arm and says, “The high class maiden, she had to weigh in And would not accept an old cat. The man's heart was broken, but fate had spoken And he left, kitten in tow. They wandered for hours, and were given flowers By a sweet but dusty maid. She wanted no treasure, and gave them both pleasure Three sons for kitten to sleep with." "I am well rested, now I can tell you the rest of my [[tale]] (set:$drink to 1)

You request another story, ignoring the Old Man's plea for water He sighs again, but at your urging he starts up again “What story should I tell you now? The man is tired, his face is haggard and his voice is breaking. He tries to speak, but he is so exhausted that the words barely form. He is silent for a while When he can, he speaks again, “I would like to tell another story,” he says, despite looking tired and haggard. “some days I feel, as old as my spiel, But the information must be told. I do not think I know, what tales do i owe? The Old Man looks at you, pleading you to choose, Despite all this time, he has no idea who you are and no idea what he has told you before. Remind him what story he should tell? Magical Beasts Terrible Feats [[Brothers]]

“This is the last story I must share, and thus I hope you care. When three brothers were born, they were raised in a kind and loving house But when the time was right, they fell in love. With a woman, pretty as a dove. She was raised with them, despite no relation, was left to the father to whom she would marry He struggled for ages, he asked all in stages How not to rip his family apart? Finally he decided to send his sons on a quest, to separate one from the rest He asked each son to visit a meadow, and only return with the blessing of an old friend" Before the story has begun to unfold, the Old Man asks, “are you cold?” He shivers, and pulls at his blanket. His hands are shaky, his voice is strained He beckons for you to put a log on the fire, When the fire is crackling once again, he speaks, “My child, you must understand my tales. Have I told you about the Beasts and wondrous Feats? If I haven't begun, I shan't say more, until that tale is done.” (if: $feats is 1) [He can continue the [[tale]]]

The old cat had wandered away from her home, and went back to her meadow, to roam He assumed she had died there, but in her space, her children would teach his sons their place The brothers left together, spirits light as a feather And thought at the meadow, they would go separate ways They promised each brother, no matter the harm, to meet with each other Before they went on home The eldest he wandered, and his mission he pondered Quickly he found a griffon, fierce and proud “Elegant Griffin!” He yelled and his back stiffened “I am looking for a friend, help convince my father, That the woman I love, has be my wife, before my brothers get above He pauses, taking another sip from the drink you got him (if: $drink is 1)[He blinks slowly, then [[begins]] again] (if: $drink is 0) [He coughs and looks at the empty cup longingly, he glares at you with piercing eyes before continuing the [[tale->no drink]]]

The Old man grows upset at your questions, “You are skipping some details, and missing some others! An impatient child, by gods you have me riled!” He struggles to rise, and gives up to sit back in the chair. “These are not just stories, and never just fables. I lived through it child, i've seen it, I’m able! I ask you to listen, to all, not to none, For this is my life, and I only have One!” The Old Man coughs and sputters, and then sits in silence. Refusing to speak despite your pleas. “I’ll start at the beginning, and I beg you, no questions! (if:$beasts is 0)[Ask him to tell you about the [[Magical Beasts]]] (if:$feats is 0) [Ask him to tell you about the [[Terrible Feats]]]

The Old Man starts up again, "The Griffin smelled his mother's love on the elder boy, and gave him his blessing And offered him a rug, to be sent off with a hug" The rug was magic, and with a wish it transported him wherever he wished “This is better than a friend,” the thought with a laugh “my Quest is at an end!” I will wait for my brothers, and enjoy sleeping in the sun” The middle brother instead, met a kitten with wings that he approached with dread, The kitten again smelled mother's love, and gifted the brother with a magical tube This magical tube allowed the brother to see, his beautiful love, dancing with glee The younger brother however, found a giant kitten with claws Who leapt and attacked, the brother forced to act He rolled out of the way, he lept from the attack, but he was slow, his face was scratched Humbled he walked away, and found a small mound On this mound grew a tree, with apples far as he could see Figuring he had to gain some sort of strength, he took an apple, and smelled its skin But suddenly - his wounds healed, and his skin sealed. But despite this victory, his face remained scarred.." He pauses to catch his [[breath]]

He drones on, "The Griffin attacked and the boy was quite injured, so he stole a rug, and his wounds packed The rug was magic, and with a wish it transported him wherever he wished “This is better than a friend,” the thought with a laugh “my quest is at an end!” I will wait for my brothers, and enjoy sleeping in the sun” The middle brother instead, met a kitten with wings that he approached with dread, The winged kitten leaped, and fought with a fever. But the boy found a tube and fought like a cleaver This magical tube allowed the brother to see, his beautiful love, dancing with glee The younger brother however, found a giant kitten with claws Who leapt and attacked, the brother forced to act He rolled out of the way, he lept from the attack, but he was slow, his face was scratched Humbled he walked away, and found a small mound On this mound grew a tree, with apples far as he could see Figuring he had to gain some sort of strength, he took an apple, and smelled its skin But suddenly - his wounds healed, and his skin sealed. But despite this victory, his face remained scarred..." He chokes a little and you feel a bit [[guilty]] for not getting him a drink

"The brother joined together in revels, And used the ivory tube to spy on their family The beauty was fine but they saw made them riot, the house was quiet For their father was ill - the hearth deadly silent Combining their gifts, they made their way home, and their fathers health did shift But who them should marry, his lovely dove? The father pondered, but the brothers decided, for only one had earned what they squandered The youngest brother, with his fresh scars, should marry the lady, But lady was vain - and the scars just too deep, she retreated in pain Eldest refused to marry a vain lady, he wandered forever, his dreams he fulfilled The middle decided to do his duty, and with pride married the beauty, Despite her vain claims, he loved her still, and together they kept fathers fine house The youngest Ali, he married as well, to a foolish young lady, who I will see in hell” The Old Man finished his story with a flurious shake of his fist, and for the first time almost stood. This strength seemed to all but used in finishing his story, for afterwards he crashed back down into his chair with a gasp. You wonder if you should [[check]] him Or if you should just [[leave]] him be

The Old Man seems to barely be breathing, you pull his blanket tighter and stoke the fire, but you are interrupted by a knock on the door. He turns his weary face to the door, “Let her in.” he whispers You open the door, taken by the stillness of the house for the first time. And in walks a large cat, tiger sized. The cat looks at the Old Man with intelligence in his eyes “It is time. “ the Old Man says, and the cat nods. “Thank you my child” he says to you, “you have heard my stories, now do not forget it. For this is my life, and it is time to meet an old friend.” (if:$drink is 1)[You [[step]] away] (if:$drink is 0)[You [[stand]] by him]

You cover the Old Man with his blanket and walk away. It is peaceful in the woods now, and there is nothing to fear. It has been a long day however, and you could swear you see a shadow of a large cat outside the house. Turn and walk [[away->alt ending]]

The brothers together, joined at last Thought wounded and hurting, together at last. The youngest set to healing And said out with glee, “now the only one scarred is me!” For the apple did heal them, without a trace, but the youngest was left with scars on his face Combining their gifts, they made their way home, and their luck did shift But who them should marry, this lovely dove? The father pondered, but the brothers decided, for only one had earned what they squandered The youngest brother, with his fresh scars, should marry the lady, But lady was vain - and the scars just too deep, she retreated in pain Eldest refused to marry a vain lady, he wandered forever, his dreams he fulfilled The middle decided to do his duty, and with pride married the beauty, Despite her vain claims, he loved her still, and together they kept fathers fine house The youngest Ali, he married as well, to a foolish young lady, who I will see in hell” The Old Man finished his story with a furious shake of his fist, and for the first time almost stood. This strength seemed to all but used in finishing his story, for afterwards he crashed back down into his chair with a gasp. Do you [[leave]] him? Or do you [[check]] on him?

When you step away, the cat ignores you, and places a large paw gently on the man's arm. Clearly you must be tired, because as you walk away you could swear that you can hear the cat speaking to the Old Man. The cat tells the Old Man about a lonely grave under an apple tree, a place where it's mother waits for her friend. You silently turn away, leaving the Old Man and the cat [[alone->END]]

The old man lets out another rattling breath, and then his chest rises no more. The cat checks to see if he lives, but it is hopeless. He was old, and he has lived his last breath. The cat is sitting by his side, gently stroking his head, weeping silently. You wonder if this could have been prevented. Scared, you run out the [[door->END]]

You stumble out of the cottage, how long had you been in there? Hours? Days? You are not sure. The sun is just starting to peek through the dense forest, you walk home again and wonder if this had all been a dream.

You shake your head, you think you must be seeing things. The sun is just starting to become visible through the trees and you wonder how much time you spent in that old cottage. Suddenly, a warm wind blows through the dense forest, and everything seems to be at peace.

Grandpa's Fireplace Written by: Lynsey Stewart Made in Twine by: Iliana Pappas [[Start->Small House]]