I was sitting in an outdoor cafe in Midoun, Tunisia, minding my own business and trying to look like I belonged there. An old man was making his way slowly down the street. Several people nodded, or gave a curt bow to him. As he got closer, I noticed just how very, very old he really was. He looked at me and paused, as if studying me. I grew nervous as some of the customers now were looking at me too. He stepped up on the patio with great effort and pointed to the vacant seat at my table. I offered it to him and he sat hard. "Just allow me to rest a moment." he said and as I was about to offer him some tea, the owner came over and set a full cup before the gentleman. The owner bowed and patted the old man's hand and wished him a good day. I told the fellow that he seemed well revered and he smiled and nodded. "They appreciate longevity." he chuckled. "How old are you, if I may ask?" I inquired. The man thought and scratched his chin. He said he wasn't quite sure, but that he recalled his 140th year not too long ago. He went on talking about the weather and other things. After a few minutes, he paused and reached in his vest. "I wish you to have something that is very important." He slid half of a coin toward me and told me I should find the other half. Taking the coin, I asked why and why had he given this to me, a total stranger. "You are no longer a stranger to me and as for the coin . . . find the other half and you will inherit my kingdom." He smiled with his sharp eyes and sat back with a deep sigh. His head dropped back as if feeling the sun on his face. I looked at the large gold coin and figured this, in itself, was worth a great deal. At the risk of sounding ungrateful, I asked him for more details and where was I supposed to look for this missing half of coin. He spoke without moving his head. "Look for the green door. Inside, you will find the missing half. Tell my granddaughter that I gave this to you and that I will miss her." "And where is this green door?" I asked rather perturbed at all the mystery. I paused and watched him resting. Finally he smiled and looked up, then said, "Look for The Giant, he will show you." he chuckled as if enjoying my puzzled look. He propped his head up with his fist and continued resting. After ten minutes, it was a bit awkward to sit there in silence. "Sir?" I called to him. "Excuse me?" I tugged on his sleeve. The owner stepped forward and put his hand on the old man's shoulder and it was clear that the ancient fellow had passed away. Chills ran up my spine and a murmur started among those sitting on the patio. "The Old Man has died." They whispered and started telling anyone who walked by and they passed the word as well. I was not even noticed in any of this and took out what I owed for my tea and laid it on the table. Slowly, I walked to the street, afraid that I might be associated with this obviously distinguished gentleman's passing. A crowd had grown in front of the cafe and it seemed wise to just leave, so I did. Tumbling the half coin in my pocket, I wondered what it had all meant. Then, as I looked up the narrow street, I saw, off to the right side, the tallest man I could have ever imagined. He had to be over eight feet tall and I blinked to make sure he was real. People walked around him as he stood at the corner of a building. We were looking at one another and I figured this was the man who might answer some questions I had. As I took a step, he turned and disappeared. In the sidestreet he had gone into, there was no sign of him. I walked briskly, hoping to find either a giant, or a green door, whichever came first.
*** This was made with ten terrains. Animax textures were used as greyscale images as well as the textures. The green door is a photo, which I separated from the doorframe and rebuilt it. The windows are separate terrains, as well.