Stunted and gnarled fruit trees are lined in rows. The trees have thick bases and are clearly very old but have not produced any fruit for a long time, yet they stubbornly cling to life. Unpruned, their branches stick out at all angles making it hard for a person to traverse the orchard and frequently these branches grab the loose clothing of any visitor. Wind moan through the trunks while dead leaves slowly tumble along the ground.
Haunted Orchard, Farm
visitor
thief
I live alone in a tent in the woods. I steal food from the townspeople and coal from the blacksmith. The village police can not find me to put me in jail.
Be careful where you step! This is a haunted orchard, and you can easily meet your death out here. Oh my! I had no idea. Thank you for the warning. What brings you here if it's haunted? Haha! I'm a thief- I fear nothing! And staying here means I'm not bothered by visitors. At least not ones that are alive. That's brilliant! A very smart thief you are. But what brings YOU here? That is the question. I'm good friends with the king and I was cutting through on my way to the castle. Do you stay here often? I live in a tent in the woods, but use this orchard to hide from the police. You won't turn me in, will you? No, sir. Not as long as you promise not to rob me. What made you turn to a life of crime? Here- I'll share some meat with you and tell you. My parents died when I was young, which left me a peasant. I had no food but quickly learned to pick pockets to stay alive. That led to where I am now. That's such a very sad story. Do you want a family of your own some day? I do, I would like to stop thieving, but sadly I have no skills. Hmmm...well you seem very intelligent to me. That's a great start. What else do you like to do?