HENWEN

[soulping]

The walls of the hedge maze close in around you. Before you is a single stone table covered in quill pens and several sheets of parchment. Even if you normally cannot read or write, for the time being, you find that you can.

Comments

ROUND ONE

[soulping]

[One sheet of parchment before you bears a symbol much like a blank crossword puzzle.]

  000000000
   0
   0
   0000
   0
000000

[Below it are instructions:]

Fill in the blank spaces with words that fit.

DISCUSSION

[soulping]

Re: DISCUSSION

[robitussin]

It's too early for words.

[natalie it's the afternoon]

But, uh... Since our whole naming theme is metals and gemstones, maybe we could use that as a theme?

Re: DISCUSSION

[wherethewildthingsare]

That's what I was thinking.

Re: DISCUSSION

[wherethewildthingsare]

...Maybe we should have a theme.

Gemstones and metals?

[LIKE OUR NAMES?]

Re: DISCUSSION

[fairhands]

I can think of plenty.

Re: DISCUSSION

[fairhands]

Ah, it's been a while since I've seen one of these...

SUBMISSION

[soulping]

[Submit: down (6 letters), top across (9 letters), middle across (4 letters), and bottom across (6 letters).]

Re: SUBMISSION

[wherethewildthingsare]

top across: Carnelian
middle across: Lode
bottom across: luster
down: amulet

Re: SUBMISSION

[soulping]

[The words glow faintly as they settle onto the parchment...]

ROUND TWO

[soulping]

[Another sheet of parchment now offers new instructions.]

Create a saying or short story based on the puzzle you made, without using any of the words themselves. This will be the clue for your puzzle.

DISCUSSION

[soulping]

Re: DISCUSSION

[robitussin]

I say we go with a saying. Shorter and easier to come up with.

Re: DISCUSSION

[fairhands]

Hmmm.

"For his beloved, he dug it up, refined it and furnished it until it shined bright; a gift to protect her even in the darkest of times."

[ Why does anyone let him make things up. ]

...Or perhaps that may be too vague.

SUBMISSION

[soulping]

Re: SUBMISSION

[robitussin]

Reddish brown metal and ore. They sparkle and shine, and look good in a type of jewelry worn around your neck.

Re: SUBMISSION

[soulping]

[The words glow faintly as they settle onto the parchment, and then the papers around you ruffle in a sudden breeze, which whisks your crossword and your clue away...]

ROUND THREE

[soulping]

[Another blank crossword puzzle has appeared on a sheet of parchment.]

  000000000
   0
   0
   0000
   0
000000

[This one, however, is accompanied by a clue...]

CLUE

[soulping]

"But what should we wear? I don't want to get my clothes wet."
"Oh, I've got a lot to choose from across the top shelf that you can wear."
"Is that going to help in the relay later, though? Is it going to help for where I have to go?"
"There's probably something that will work for you."
"I'll be down by the pool, when you're ready."
"Just make sure not to just jump in when you get there."
"I know, it's always going to be obvious when it's my turn. That's how relays work."
"Just make sure you surprise everyone. I don't think they expect us to come from behind?"
"Hopefully the wind's blowing in the right direction. Does that even help when you're swimming outside?"
"It's for luck. Every bit matters."
"You just like that direction because of the sunrise."

DISCUSSION

[soulping]

Re: DISCUSSION

[wherethewildthingsare]

....Sounds like the 4 letter one is East.

Re: DISCUSSION

[robitussin]

Top shelf... Maybe the top word is, like, another word for wardrobe or closet.

Re: DISCUSSION

[fairhands]

It sounds like it makes the most sense...

...Is there another word for bathing suit?

SUBMISSION

[soulping]

[Submit: down (6 letters), top across (9 letters), middle across (4 letters), and bottom across (6 letters).]

Re: SUBMISSION

[wherethewildthingsare]

down: waters
top across: swimsuits
middle across: east
bottom across: pursue