text: > Look around
  The tunnel ends abruptly here, its rocky floor falling sharply away to the pounding sea. Wide gaps in the stones above allow in just enough light to clearly see the masses of barnacles clustered around fissures in the stones and the slippery green algae on the tunnel floor that makes the footing treacherous.
  
  Near the opening is a flattened stone standing somewhat apart from the rest.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > listen
  The relentless pounding of the sea echos through the tunnel.
  
  > Smell
  You close your eyes and inhale deeply, savoring the briney scent of the sea.
  
  > feel
  What do you want to feel?
  
  > feel the algae
  You feel nothing unexpected.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > examine flat
  Inside the rough cut outline of a heart, carved in a childish hand, is the inscription "JS & AK".
  
  > examine the gaps
  The gaps vary from a few inches to a few feet in diameter.
  
  > Exit
  You blush when you realize that you aren't actually in anything.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > jump
  You jump into the ocean below, realizing too late that the water here is well over your head. Arms flailing, you struggle to find something to grab onto but find only sea. Moments later you find yourself dragged down to the bottom by the current and the weight of your lovely silk dress.
  
  > remove the dress
  As you go to remove the silk dress, a chilling wind causes you to think better of it.
  
  > Search dress
  You find nothing of interest.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > examine the fissures
  The fissures criss-cross the rocks and provide a foothold for the clusters of barnacles.
  
  > smell bud
  It smells of tobacco, not surprising considering it spent the last six years tucked away in a cigar box.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > examine the barnacles
  The gray scaled barnacles are grouped together in large clumps containing hundreds, maybe thousands, of individual members.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > look at the wave
  The waves are four to five feet high as they curl over then break upon the shore.
  
  > examine the shore
  Swept clear of sand by earlier winter storms, the rocky shores seem barren, inhospitable places, that even the birds pass by.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > examine the sea
  Overshaddowed by the clouds, the sea is an unrelieved blue gray.
  
  > search the sea
  The sea is empty.
  
  > rub the ring on flat
  Your voice trails off after saying you were wanting to rub the engagement ring.
  
  > examine flat
  Inside the rough cut outline of a heart, carved in a childish hand, is the inscription "JS & AK".
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > examine the ring
  A shining band of gold. It bears the inscription "EL & AK - 1876". You spin it nervously about your finger, unaccustomed to its weight and feel.
  
  > search the barnacles
  You find you haven't the heart to pester the barnacles.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > take the barnacles
  You find them to be firmly attached to the rocks.
  
  > rub barnacles
  You find you haven't the heart to pester the barnacles.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > throw the ring into the sea
  (first taking it off)
  
  You stare at the ring, suprised to find yourself reluctant to remove it. It's not like it means anything to you, not really. In fact, you hardly know the gentleman to whom it holds you bound. Still, as it is a costly thing, far more than you can afford to replace at the moment, and as you have little doubt that its true owner would expect every last penny of it reimbursed, you decide to leave it where it is.
  
  > Inventory
  You are carrying a purse (which is open), inside which is a faded white rose bud. You are wearing an engagement ring and a silk dress.
  
  > eat the ring
  You contemplating eating, but find you aren't hungry for an engagement ring.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air.
  
  > think about the ring
  Your voice trails off after saying you were wanting to think.
  
  > look at the dress
  While not at all appropriate for visiting the beach, the emerald green and white stripped silk dress with its solid green overshirt, tastefully bustled, is just the thing for going visiting - or going away - which is exactly what you should be doing right now. The silk dress is soaked.
  
  > remove the dress
  As you go to remove the silk dress, a chilling wind causes you to think better of it.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > Exits
  There are exits to the south and up.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > get bud
  You take the faded white rose bud out of the purse.
  
  > throw the bud into the sea
  You gently kiss the faded blossom then toss it out onto the sea. "Rest in peace, Jason," you whisper as you watch it bob upon the water. Moments later it's caught up in the churning waves and pulled beneath the surface.
  
  "Amelia!" comes a cry from far above, barely audible over a sudden rush of water to the south. How long have you been in here? Looking up toward the cliffs you are surprised to see a familiar coach and four standing precariously close to the edge.
  
  "Ethan, get the horses back," you yell, cupping your hands around your mouth in a futile attempt to be heard. How did he know where to find you?
  
  "Amelia!" comes the cry again, this time more frantic.
  
  The tunnel ends abruptly here, its rocky floor falling sharply away to the pounding sea. Wide gaps in the stones above allow in just enough light to clearly see the masses of barnacles clustered around fissures in the stones and the slippery green algae on the tunnel floor that makes the footing treacherous.
  
  Near the opening is a flattened stone standing somewhat apart from the rest.
  
  > go south
  The narrow opening of the sea tunnel looks out upon the beach, or what is left of it, for the tide has come in so far that some of the larger waves are spilling over the small rocks at the base of the cliffs.
  
  > Go south
  Standing at the edge of the tunnel, peering down at the sea as it surges past, you quickly realize the only way out this direction is to jump.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the shore.
  
  > go to the north
  Holding your breath, you turn sideways and squeeze past the tunnel's narrowest point, then hurry on to its northern end with the sea lapping at your heels.
  
  "Ethan, I'm here!" you scream as a wave enters the southern end of the tunnel, sweeping over your feet and pour out the northern end.
  
  The tunnel ends abruptly here, its rocky floor falling sharply away to the pounding sea. Wide gaps in the stones above allow in just enough light to clearly see the masses of barnacles clustered around fissures in the stones and the slippery green algae on the tunnel floor that makes the footing treacherous.
  
  Near the opening is a flattened stone standing somewhat apart from the rest.
  
  > stand on the stone
  After a moment's thought, you decide the flattened stone isn't something you can stand on.
  
  A wave crashes against the rocks below sending a shower of spray up high into the air. You watch as the rest of the wave continues its course toward the coast, past jagged offshore rocks jutting up from the sea, only to die upon the barren shore.
  
  > Up
  Just as you did six years before, you curl your finger around the pitted stone and attempt to haul yourself up the rocks. But this time Jason isn't there to push you the rest of the way up, and you slide back down.
  
  While you are preparing to try again, your hand is hit by a sturdy strap of leather tossed down from above.
  
  "Amelia, grab the rein," calls Ethan, his voice barely audible over the sound of the waves.
  
  Wrapping the rein around your hand, you once again scramble up the rocks. A moment later you find yourself standing on the rim of the tunnel, caught up in Ethans arms as he wraps his thick black cloak around you. Another wave sweeps through the tunnel at your feet, sending a shower of spray up high above your head. But the sea has no power over you now. This time there is no one left behind for it to claim.
  
  > remember
  When was the last time you where here? It must be going on six years now. You remember everything about that day; how lovely it was in the morning, how clear the skies and sea were, how much you had been looking foward to it. A tear forms in the corner of your eye only to be whisked away by a sudden gust of wind. If only memories could be as easily removed.
  
  > examine the sea
  In deeper waters, outside the cove, the sea is a deep, rich blue that sparkles in the sunlight. But in the shallows, as the waves curl toward the shore, it abruptly changes to a pale translucent green and is covered in a fine netting of foam.
  
  > Exits
  There are exits to the south, to the east, to the southeast, and down.
  
  A flock of sea gulls rises from the beach and flies off into the clouds.
  
  > Go southeast
  You turn your back on the sea, beginning the long dusty walk back to the city.
  
  > Go south
  You hesitate, as it seems a shame to come all this way and not enjoy the view.
  
  A sea gull's strident call echos off the cliffs.
  
  > go to the east
  You turn your back on the sea, beginning the long dusty walk back to the city.
  
  > call the gulls
  Your voice trails off after saying you were wanting to call.
  
  > attack gulls
  The sea gulls stay far out of reach.
  
  > check what you're carrying
  You are carrying a purse. You are wearing an engagement ring, a silk dress, a pair of shoes and a pair of stockings.
  
  > remove the stockings
  You take off your shoes and stockings, setting them aside.
  
  > Go south
  Lifting your skirt, you carefully pick your way down to the beach below.
  
  Stepping out onto the sand, you are immediately hit with a rush of memories; memories of time spent clambering over these rocks, of splashing in the water, and of being here with Jason. You shut your eyes and for an instant you can almost touch the past, hold it close, be part of it again, and then it's gone.
  
  Opening your eyes, you wrap your arms around yourself and squint out toward the sea.
  
  Surrounded by granite cliffs on three sides, this narrow strip of sand curves from north to south and faces a small cove to the west. With the tide this low, a marine terrace to the southwest lies exposed and accessible, though currently occupied by a large sea lion. To the north, the sea has dug a narrow, twisting tunnel through the headland.
  
  Long ribbons of seaweed strewn across the shore mark the leading edge of the surf at a quarter of the way up the beach. Additional clumps, dried and full of sand, lie tangled amongst the rocks at the base of the cliffs -- a warning of the sea's intentions.
  
  A long, slender piece of driftwood lies half buried in the sand.
  
  > examine driftwood
  Six feet long and weathered to a pale gray, the piece of driftwood probably started life as a cypress branch.
  
  The sea lion swings his head around to gaze at you with large brown eyes. Unimpressed, he soon returns to his nap. A sea otter pops up amongst the kelp, and sets to work grooming its fur. Sea gulls float by on the breeze, their wing tips within inches of each other.
  
  > remember
  Your memories are of happy times, of playing in the sea and on the sand. All happy times, save one. You swallow hard and push those thoughts away. Your time here is too short, too precious, to spend it on things you can not change, whether they be in the past or in the future.
  
  The sea lion pulls a hind flipper up and lazily scratches his side. The sea otter slips below the surface of the sea. A sea gull's strident call echos off the cliffs.
  
  > look at the lion
  The male sea lion is basking in the sun on the exposed marine terrace. Resting on his front flippers with hind ones dangling over the edge of the rock, he points his nose skyward as if to show off his impressive mane of fur. Fully seven feet long and well over 600 pounds, he is definitly not an animal to trifle with.
  
  > remember
  Your memories are of happy times, of playing in the sea and on the sand. All happy times, save one. You swallow hard and push those thoughts away. Your time here is too short, too precious, to spend it on things you can not change, whether they be in the past or in the future.
  
  The sea lion swings his head around to gaze at you with large brown eyes. Unimpressed, he soon returns to his nap. A few small plovers scurry up the beach, just in front of the the next wave.
  
  > examine plover
  The small white birds with their crisp brown markings follow the water up and down the beach, pecking at the sand.
  
  The sea lion pulls a hind flipper up and lazily scratches his side. The sea otter pops up amongst the kelp with a spiny sea urchin held tight between its paws. Using its stomach as a table, it quickly consumes its bristly meal then rolls over once to clear away the remains.
  
  > look at the sea urchin
  Your voice trails off after saying you were wanting to examine the sea.
  
  > look at the otter
  Bobbing amidst a raft of kelp, the sea otter busily grooms its fur with thick stubby paws. After every few swipes it rolls completely over, then begins to groom again.
  
  As a wave passes by, the sea lion raises his rear flippers just high enough to keep them dry, then lowers them again.
  
  > look at the kelp
  Ripped from their holdfasts during heavy seas, the long strands of seaweed are pushed along by wind and tides until they are at last flung up upon the shore. There they form tangled mophead heaps, a haven for the small flies, crabs, and the like who feed upon the decaying fronds.
  
  A flock of sea gulls rises from the beach and flies off into the clouds. A long legged plover chases after the waves, pecking at the sand as it goes.
  
  > search driftwood
  You find nothing of interest.
  
  The sea otter swipes a thick, furry paw over its stubby furry face. Plovers follow the water up and down the beach, pecking at the sand.
  
  > Examine flies
  The annoying little flies buzz continually amongst the piles of beached kelp and within inches of the sand.
  
  A small group of plovers pokes about the sea weed.
  
  > look at the crabs
  About two inches long and nearly as round, the purple crab has a lovely deep purple shell and a pair of pale lavender pinchers covered in small purple spots.
  
  A small group of plovers pokes about the sea weed.
  
  > eat the crab
  Just looking at the crabs is enough to make your mouth water, though these little fellows are too small to make much of a meal.
  
  The sea otter rolls over once, and goes back to work grooming its fur. Plovers follow the water up and down the beach, pecking at the sand.
  
  > eat the plover
  You idly wonder if plovers taste anything like chicken, but realize you have little chance of catching one to find out.
  
  As a wave passes by, the sea lion raises his rear flippers just high enough to keep them dry, then lowers them again.
  
  > eat otter
  You grimace at the thought.
  
  The sea lion pulls a hind flipper up and lazily scratches his side.
  
  > eat the lion
  You grimace at the thought.
  
  > hit the lion with the wood
  (first taking the driftwood)
  You pull the driftwood out of the sand.
  
  The sea otter rolls over once, and goes back to work grooming its fur.
  
  > hit the lion
  With surprising speed, the sea lion lumbers to the edge of the rock and dives into the water. Surfacing again some distance from his former roost he barks his disapproval, then disappears into the sea.