Apple's Heart

[dramatispersonae]

Your arrival is marked by the feel of sand under your feet, with the sound and smell of the ocean wafting in from behind you. A dampness hangs in the air and the sky is overcast. Directly in front of you the sand fades into a grassy hill, on top of which a white castle rests. To the left, a little ways off, you can see tall sandstone cliffs. Off to the right is a large field of sunflowers that stretches out into the distance. There are no paths or signs anywhere to be seen.

((#applecore))

Comments

THE BEACH

[appleofhiseye]

The sand beneath your feet is cluttered with half-buried objects. Though the objects vary, they are easily identifiable: gemstones, shells, wood carvings, dolls, jewelry, notebooks, and little bottles filled with light.

Re: THE BEACH

[performing]

[looking around thoughtfully, then bending to pick up one of the notebooks to page through it briefly]

Re: THE BEACH

[appleofhiseye]

It's full of sketches of a big tree that looks kind of like a pine tree.

Re: THE BEACH

[stigmateyes]

[Checking out the notebooks.]

Re: THE BEACH

[squirreledaway]

[... there is a moment of sad. I miss the beach.

Before heading towards the cliffs.]

Re: THE BEACH

[fullmoonblooms]

Goodness...

[trying to unbury as much as she can, starting with the little bottles]

Re: THE BEACH

[sirenes]

[picking up a doll!]

Re: THE BEACH

[greenthummons]

[picking up one of the bottles of light curiously]

Re: THE BEACH

[pitching]

[ooo are these gemstones, legit?]

[picking one up!]

THE CLIFFS

[appleofhiseye]

The sand under your feet turns to dark soil when you enter the shadow of the cliff. Several little sprouts are growing around there. In a crack at the base you can make out a flare of pink, easily the brightest thing around. Up close you can see that the cliffs are much taller than they ought to be, with no visible path to reach the top.

Re: THE CLIFFS

[performing]

[... :|a checking out that crack first, to get a better idea of what's inside; can it be identified?]

Re: THE CLIFFS

[squirreledaway]

[he frowns, and then goes to examine the crack in the base]

THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

[appleofhiseye]

The fields are thick and difficult to navigate. Most of the flowers are facing down. As you walk the sky grows darker, then lighter, then darker again.

Re: THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

[sirenes]

Ugh . . . what is this place?

[carrying the doll with her, tucked in her arms, and looking up at the sky to see if she can tell what's going on there, still walking]

Re: THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

[fullmoonblooms]

[droopy flowers...] Here, I'll help. First Aid!

[healing flowers helps, right?]

Re: THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

[squirreledaway]

[Are they taller than my head? Can I hide in them?]

Re: THE SUNFLOWER FIELDS

[performing]

[HEADING IN YEAHHHHH]

THE CASTLE

[appleofhiseye]

The brick of the castle is clean and white, not too blinding since its overcast. A wall covered in vines surrounds the castle, with the only entrance being the gate directly ahead. There are two guards at the gate, dressed appropriately. One of them smiles and waves as you approach. “Hello there! Who are you here to see?”

Re: THE CASTLE

[pitching]

I have no idea! Whoever owns this heart I guess!

[pauses]

Why are you wearing those ridiculous hats?

Re: THE CASTLE

[greenthummons]

Oh—u-um, I just came to look for some fresh water.

Re: THE CASTLE

[stigmateyes]

Ehh... the person who can get me a guest pass?

Re: THE CASTLE

[squirreledaway]

[BUSTLING PAST THEM]

TRUE HEART

[appleofhiseye]

Much like the last floor, this one is open and circular—with a few key differences. Instead of marble covering the floor, there is rich soil. The walls have been replaced by windows; from this vantage point you can see everything outside. Instead of a column at the center there is a huge apple tree. There is a backless couch circling around the tree, with a bright red flower blooming at the feet. Apple is sitting there, writing in a notebook. There is a mirror lying next to her on the couch.

Re: TRUE HEART

[squirreledaway]

[........................... oh i guess I am the first one here. Which is just as planned.]

[except no, I am having a minor rage fit]

[nope nope nope]

I want out.

Re: TRUE HEART

[fullmoonblooms]

[hurries over]

Oh! I'm so glad you're all right!