The adventure begins

[Time]

Autumn is always peaceful, and Time finds that he enjoys it immensely. The winds sigh softly, the world content as the leaves begin to change, dying in a specular array of flaming colors. There’s a chill in the air that is not unpleasant, but rather the kind of chill that wakes you, that adds a spring to your step. The promise of children blooms in the wombs of many mares, and the thought of new life this spring is enough to bring a smile to many faces.
 
Ah, but Time is feeling impatient today, and besides, there are things that need to be done. He needs the attention of the residents of this land; horses who are oblivious to his presence so often. They don’t think much to Time, really. They think of breeding and politics and fighting; they think of snow and sun and water; they think of all the things that Time brings and takes. But Time itself? Oh, how they forget him.
 
So for a moment, Time simply stops. The world around you ceases to move. Perhaps you are talking to a friend, their mouth locked in the middle of a word. Perhaps you were playing a game of hide and seek, the seeker’s eye stuck shut as stays on “nine”. Perhaps you were alone, the animals halting around you, the leaves of the trees stiff, the air unmoving. Only you move, each horse stuck in a world that, for a moment, exists out of time itself.
 
And then Time flows forward, rushing headlong into winter. The air grows cold, leaves plunge from trees, the grass browns and curls away beneath your hooves. Soon there is snow coming in from the north. If you pay attention, you’ll notice that everything is dying in a progression, the world turning to winter from the northwest and northeast, leading you to a destination.
 
If you follow, there’s a cave you have not seen before. Around it, the world is still autumn, the trees still painted with fire, the cool air warm compared to the rest of the land. The mouth of the cave is wide, lit by glowing orbs that float at the entrance of the cave. A muffled sound comes from the cave, something like a scream. Do you enter?
 
If you do, you’ll see the cave splits into three openings. There are no lights to illuminate the next level of entryways though. It is dark, but you can clearly hear the screams now. They are cries for help, the sound seeming to come from all three pathways ahead of you. Do you enter? And if so, which do you choose?
 
***
Detail your experience with time stopping then rushing forward. How do you find the cave? What choices do you make?
 
This is writing quest, loosely based on a choose your own adventure. There are no wrong choices, just different paths based on each choice. Eliminations can occur, but will not be based on the choice you make.
 
You have until Monday, December 26th at 2pm EST to reply.
 
1.    One entry per player
2.   Characters must be born (i.e. no babies from this season)
3.    You will typically have about 72 hours to reply to each round. 
4.    You may choose points or a new trait (trait to be decided by Time) as your prize. You must include your choice in your entry post (an OOC note is fine).
5.    Max of 1,500 words per post. Please feel free to write shorter. Long does not necessarily equal better.
6.    There may or may not be defects.
7.    If you cannot meet a post deadline, let Time know you are dropping out.
8.    You can edit posts, just do not edit after the deadline.
9.    PM or post on OOC with questions