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Author Topic: Pages fallen out of an old and tattered journal  (Read 58 times)

Storyteller, The

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    Pages fallen out of an old and tattered journal
    « on: July 16, 2005, 10:46:00 pm »
    The following pages have seemingly fallen out of an old and tattered book judging by their colour, texture and frayed edges.
     

    Storyteller, The

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      Storyteller's Night
      « Reply #1 on: July 16, 2005, 10:47:00 pm »
      The event had just begun to take shape when I silently arrived and took solace in the shadows. All told there were about 25 in the audience including those who'd be performing their services within a short while.

      There were three rows of seats fanning out in front of the stage with with plenty of room to spare. The atmosphere wasn't as claustrophobic as I had envisioned and though a little damp I felt comfortable and relaxed. With lots of merry chatter and excitement in the air Poof! Poof! two theatrical fireworks puffed their blue way into another life, queuing the master of ceremonies; Geir Sigurdson to take center stage and welcome the first performer.

      "Welcome all of you to this Storyteller's Night, here in the basement of the Wild Surge." Voiced Geir as the crowd applauded then hushed amidst the stage effects and background music.

      "Tonight you will hear a few tales that I hope will be to your liking." Geir continued.

      "But let us not hesitate to begin the show!"

      At this point I took my seat and I suppose I startled the gentleman sitting next to me as he felt the need to slosh some ale on himself and proclaimed "GAH!". I simply smiled under my hood and said nothing as Geir was announcing the first performer.

      "Please give a warm welcome to Reef O'Hagan" Geir stated as he motioned for Reef to take the stage.

      Reef was met with welcoming applause as he took center stage and without a moments hesitation drew the attention of the crowd.

      "I am Reef O'Hagan, a sailor for my sins." he began.

      "My tale happened long ago, when I was twenty. I have sailed on many ships. Only two of them sank. The last one brought me here, but my tale is of the first sinking and the events that followed.

      "We was sailing the Northern Seas, across the top of Krashin. To save us a days travel, we ventured closer to land. Close to a rocky coastline called the Bear's Teeth. It was a foolish move, some say very foolish. Aye, you've guessed it, we struck a submerged rock. Ripped the bottom out of the boat.

      "We sank in minutes. Out of a crew of sixty-five, seven survived and made it to a lifeboat. Me, Mender Pengelly, Rabbit Hoblet, Carle Loome, Mull Larki, Brin, the cook and Krosh Tak an half orc navigator. The rest perished in the cold sea, or became fish food.

      "Being the youngest I sat in the front, the rest 'round the sides, huddled together for warmth. Up there day only lasted two hours, so most of the time we spent in darkness.

      "The water was bad, sleets, snow, gales and rain made our escape miserable. And to top it all we had no food or fresh water.

      "Well the first few days passed without incident, we made plans, spoke and sang to keep our spirits up... We had no oars and no sail so we drifted on a neap tide... nowhere...

      "After three days Rabbit got sick, we reckon it was a curse, but he got delirious and kept mumbling. That night, on the third day we heard it...... a cry in the distance, not a voice, but human all the same. We shouted but got no reply, only more cries. We looked the next morning, but saw nothing. There was little else to do in the boat but talk and sleep.

      "One early morning I awoke and near the stern, that's the back for you land lubbers, I saw a hand clinging to the side, like it was hanging on. I shouted, some awoke, the hand disappeared. I rushed to the stern and looked in the icy black water.... Nothing.

      "The rest by this time had awoken and started to shout and look around. We saw now Mender, who some may know, leaned over the side, where the hand had been. There was a trail of blood, thick, dark and red smeared on the hull.

      "Put the wind up me I tell ya, never been so scared in my life! But who was it? What was it?

      "While all this had been going on rabbit passed away. There he was, all peaceful like... dead. Died of his delirium and fever. So we wrapped him in a cloak and in true naval tradition, sewed him into it with an anchor. The last stitch we passed through his nose. Just to make sure he is dead. Otherwise he would have screamed. And we sent him on his way, to the locker of a Mr. Davy Jones. Mender muttered a prayer to our lady of the sear. We said our farewells.

      "Well in our sorrow, we sat for three more days. The screams and cries would return at night, like they were mocking us. We also heard laughing.

      "I sat there and looked around the boat, not a big one, 'bout the size of this carpet, half as wide. Mender was praying, Carl, Mull, Brin, the cook, Krosh and me make seven. How could it be? We had lost one, Rabbit had gone... one, two, three, four, five, six and me made seven. We started with seven, had lost one but I still counted seven. There was no stranger here though I knew them all. I counted again. Mender, me makes two. Mull and Krosh, four. Brin, the cook and Carl make seven. I drifted off to sleep, afraid I would die of madness.

      "Thinking to myself, seven, seven, seven.

      "The next thing I heard was shouts, whistles and a bell. "Ere catch this rope lads if any of you are still alive" Looming alongside us was a Rilaran merchant man, it's crew staring down at our sorry faces. We were saved, they lowered ropes and one at a time took us on board. The lifeboat, they cast adrift.

      "As I was being helped below decks I turned to look at the slowly disappearing lifeboat. I rubbed my eyes, not believing what I saw. In the stern I thought I saw a man... Sat hunched forward, old and grey. "Have we left someone?" I screamed... looking around. The Rilarans looked at me in amazement. "No, we have six here" they said. I counted myself. Me, Mende, Brin the cook, Mull, Carl and Krosh the orc. I shook my head and in the corner of my eye I am sure I saw the old man wave. I slumped to the deck unconscious."

      Reef takes a bow and then says "Thank you my friends" as the crowd roars in applause. The crowd was most certainly entertained as the cheering persisted right up through Geir's welcoming of the next performer.

      "Onwards then to our next performer! Give a very warm welcome to Kali!" Announced Geir, to which the crowd obliged with polite and excited applause as the background music changes.

      Kali walks quietly onto the stage and sets a small instrument case on the chair behind her. Speaking in a dramatic tone her voice cutting through the music, she speaks as if she were reading from a history book.

      "It was the year 834." She began.

      "The great golden city of Port Hampshire is destroyed by Dark Elves and Chromatic Dragons." She says and then pushes her hood back slightly and pulls her violin from it's case.

      She's playing slowly. At first the song begins, a bit joyful as if it were like that that would be heard in a busy city, she begins to sing.

      "On a bright sunny day in a place on the port,
      The town buzzes happily, with people filling the court.
      There is music and dancing, simply gracing the streets
      Merchants and sellers pushing things for export.

      "The sunlight shines bright, there is nonsense in the air,
      the people are all busy and completely unaware.
      But quickly the frolic and business begins to close,
      the dancers all stop as darkness arose.

      "Slowly at first the skies darkened all around,
      Rain is coming they though it was nothing but clouds.
      But to an observant eld, her eyes fixed on the sun,
      the clouds were moving to quickly, something had begun.

      "Curiously she buries through the town
      she finds a place in the outskirts where none are around.
      She peers at the sky, knowing something's asunder,
      When there is a loud explosion, something sounding like thunder.

      "Within the town walls with eyes turned to the skies,
      There was a swift attack and from below a battle did rise.
      Women and children screaming in the streets,
      Guards gathering to attack but facing defeat.

      "Duergar and Drow from the underdark did pour,
      Raiding and pillaging, striking with vengeance and horror.
      Dark skinned creatures moving swift into the shadowy town,
      Slitting throats of victims, taking coin, causing chaos all around.

      Kali sings dramatically. Her voice braking through her violin music with her tempo increasing slightly.

      "The streets ran red with blood in that place,
      Leaving hate in the hearts of those fighting these race.
      But as it was found there was no place to hide,
      The battle raged on coming down from the skies.

      "Laying waste to attempts to defend this fine port,
      The chromatics swooped down, fiercely and some spread fire to the court.
      On Great beating wings these fierce beasts did fly
      Killing the defenders from the darkened sky.

      "Our little elf watches from the outskirts near by,
      When the battle spreads out something catches her eye.
      Ducking quickly to hide, but she was too late
      A Drow had seen her and attempts to deliver her fate.

      "Fiercely she runs trying for escape,
      Her muscles burning, her feet pounding,
      Her heart beating fast paced.

      "The Drow lunges after grabbing her arm,
      Eyes glowing red, he means pure evil and harm.
      And Struggle like no other our hero does fight
      Trying to break free and continue her flight.

      "Viciously he stares at her, a cruel smile on his face.
      He pulls a dagger from her sheath and stares her in the face."

      Kali then pulls the bow across the strings and then there is silence. Very dramatically her voice breaks the silence...

      "Heart pounding...
      Red eyes...
      A struggle...
      It begins to rain...
      Burning wrists from gripping hands...
      The spark of a blade...
      Deafening noise... a scream...
      Shooting pain...
      Feeling of warmth...
      Silence."

      Kali begins to play again, slowly, quietly and in a sad tone.

      "Cruelly the Drow tosses her aside,
      Dropping the bloodied blade on the grass where she lies,
      Glancing back up he smiles at the town.
      Stepping across her body as it lays in the mud on the ground."

      She continued as the crowd begins sobbing in empathy.

      "White Dragons from the North froze those left alive, fire, acid, and thunder then.
      Almost none could survive. Bringing hell on the town some did manage to hide.
      But to be choked by the Green Dragon's breath... almost none did survive.

      "A glorious battle, in which Evil did prevail.
      Leaving the golden Port tainted red and shrouded in shadowy veil.
      But alas my good listeners, the story is not at it's half. Not all has been told.
      A call went out seeking adventurers, the fierce and the bold.

      "All across Mistone they gathered, planning to take part.
      Gathering allies and friends, hoping not to fall short.
      Another battle would commence beyond the gates of the town.
      With Dragons and Demons and blood thirsty Drow.

      "This time those of Mistone would have the upper hand.
      Aided by crimson Knights they would send Evil away from this land.
      A truly epic battle sent them running to the dark.
      Many slain and many fallen, evil left it's mark.

      "The town slowly began to rebuild from ash and from ruin
      The peoples will not completely gone, but their hearts humming sad tunes"

      Kali plays her violin. The sound filling the air is very dramatic but with hints of hope.

      "Years later now the town prospers again but who knows once more when they will seek revenge."

      Kali finishes quietly singing, playing sadly as the music dies out.

      At this point the crowd erupts in applause and cheer. Though the tone of the poetic tale was dark and painful the audience little else but good things to say about Kali's performance. I myself was definitely impressed. Her musical talent simply augmented the emotion behind the story with humble precision though her poetic ability is lacking balanced pace. Perhaps I'm just too critical of other's poetry.

      Of interesting note is the racial apprehensions that began to percolate in discussion. Seems some feel that the Drow have been portrayed in a bad light all to often. Sadly these people so easily forget that history is a lesson unto the future to prevent the past from repeating itself. At no point did I detect any direct attacks on the Drow from Kali, I felt that she was simply relaying a dark and horrifying tale for our enjoyment. For that I am thankful. As for the racial issues raised, I wonder where this world is heading and must remind myself to look further into the darkness that seems to be dividing this society. So many interesting characters.

      After some time and a presentation of some flowers to Kali, Geir announced that Ilwe is detained and unable to perform and because Owen Lo'Kiar was running late Geir will tell a story to pass the time.

      "This tale is old and not known by many." Geir begins.

      "But tonight more will get to know it!" he says then clears his throat.

      "This is a tale of brothers three
      Who sought for a very special tree
      Their fate is not by many known
      For upon it many years have grown

      "From a land afar they did hail
      A cottage by a seldom traveled trail
      They lived in snow and bitter frost
      But alas the place has long been lost

      "Three brothers in the cottage were
      Ulf the rogue, in shadows a blur
      Bjorn the fighter with a sword so keen
      Urd the mage with spells not often seen

      "Urd then once a legend did read
      He had lust for power and much greed
      But his brothers did this not know

      "They thought his heart pure as falling snow
      Urd did them then a story tell
      As he spoke silence amongst them fell

      "For he told of a special tree
      A tree with gems for fruit he said with glee
      For some time they did themselves prepare
      With luck and skill they to the tree would fare

      "The mage, the rogue and the fighter
      Together they would make the world brighter
      They set out from their home with hope
      They would with what was on their way cope
      The path would many dangers hold
      But still they did stride froward bold

      "Across the mountains through the vales
      They went on and on sharing many tales
      As they went worries they had none
      Their spirits high as noonday sun

      "The cave they did find at last
      Urd said it would lead to a dungeon vast
      It was the place of legend old
      The tree of gems it would for them hold

      "Into the darkness they bravely went
      Into the cave they slowly did decent
      Urd a tiny light did then make
      So him and Bjorn no wrong steps did take

      "Young Ulf ahead of them did sneak
      He could without aid in darkness peek
      Around him shadows did wrap
      Then he heard on stones a gentle rap

      "Ahead he did see monsters foul
      In a great pale cavern did they prowl
      With little sound he the others warned
      But his words were by Urd the mage scorned"

      At this point Geir's voice increased in volume adding to the drama of the tale.

      "He let a spell through the cavern rip
      From the beasts flesh it did strip
      But there were more than they had thought
      And the spell had victory not brought

      "Spell, sword and shadow into the fray
      But a beast to a dark God did pray
      It cast a spell old and twisted at them all
      And surely lesser men would fall

      "The battle raged on and on
      No one knows how much time had gone
      Swords through flesh did slice
      And spells filled the cave with fire and ice

      "A chilling scream filled the cave"

      Geir's voice becomes very low now.

      "And silence filled it as if it were a grave
      For the last beast had fallen before their might
      But indeed it had been a costly fight"

      His voice returns to normal tones.

      "Wounded and battered they stood
      Gasping for air as best they could
      Never before had they seen such foes
      But no more trouble would be from those

      "They continued their decent
      Still weary from the combat recent
      Many caves they passed through
      All were covered in a pale lifeless hue

      "Many monsters they on their way fought
      But still they did not find what they sought
      For the tree of gems did them elude
      But it dimmed not their mood

      "For days they in the caverns did walk
      Only when resting did they little talk
      Each man had thoughts of his own
      Of what would lie in corridors unknown

      "As their strength from them ebbed
      Their bodies with wounds and scars webbed
      They came across a carven stair
      And Urd did this with them share

      "The tree will grow in light so dim
      Surrounded by creatures old a grim
      By the bottom of the stairs you shall find
      A tree with gems as fruit in stone entwined

      "Down many steps they quickly went
      Their minds on the tree of gems were bent
      At last they reached a cavern great
      In a pale blue light they stood to wait

      "For there the tree of gems they saw
      Their minds and hearts filled with awe
      A tree of metal pure and white
      On branches gems did sparkle bright

      "They all ran for the tree of dreams
      Ulf said "The gems so alluring gleams"
      As they plucked gems as pears
      They knew fame and fortune was theirs

      "But Urd did the others not trust
      And he said "you have taken far too much"
      "For this should be for me and only me"
      "I only brought you here my fortune to see"

      "His eyes gleamed as blazing fires
      Hands clutching emeralds and sapphires"

      Geir's voice becomes a hoarse whisper at this time.

      ""None of this you shall have brothers"
      "For I will not share with others""

      Geir's voice returns to normal again.

      "The others did with him long plead
      Shocked by how he did them mislead
      Why should we not use this for good
      With this fortune do much good we could"

      Geir's voice changes to a hoarse whisper again.

      ""Why do good when you rich can be"
      "I won't risk my life for others to be free"
      "Now give me what you carry"
      "Oh and dear brothers... do not tarry""

      And yet again Geir's voice changes back to normal in suite of the narration.

      "Ulf and Bjorn did the gems not drop
      Towards the stairs they went without stop
      But Urd was in his greed long lost
      And he would stop them at any cost

      ""Brothers stop this moment I say"
      "Or pay a dear price you will have to pay"
      "You will not leave this place alive"
      "So others can from MY fortune thrive."

      "But they did neither stop nor turn
      Before Urd had a fire among them burn
      The cave filled with the roar of fire
      Echoing in the tree as an Angel's choir

      "Bjorn was burned so be his fate
      As he turned his eyes filled with hate
      He threw his mighty sword so great
      Trying to seal his wicked brother's fate

      "Ulf did then from the shadows jump
      To strike Urd dead when he heard a thump
      He saw Bjorn to his knees did fall
      Then his heart filled with a dreadful pall

      "He saw Bjorn's sword in the air
      But he could merely blankly at it stare
      As it pierced his heart he did cry
      Cursed be your greed that made us die

      "Urd did the gems from his brother grab
      Their faces gazing lifeless pale and drab
      He took all the he could carry
      No thoughts of his brothers to bury

      "Soon he was leaving the pale cave
      Mind filled with wolds of the might he did crave
      He saw not the beast behind him lurk
      As he walked with a satisfied smirk

      "His body was torn in pieces twain
      So fast he did not feel a pinch of pain
      But he did then not leave this place
      For rest would his soul not embrace

      "Today you can hear his voice
      Cursing eternally his choice
      In the wind his words still float
      About greed and death in a place remote"

      The crowd virtually cut him off with praise and applause. I myself was left speechless. The quality of the poetry was exemplified by it's structure and pace. The rhythm and rhyme so keenly intertwined I had to review my notes just to ensure I didn't miss any lines or context.

      Over the course of some time it was decided to call it an end to the night at which point I took my leave. This event was rather well constructed and carried through with an overall enjoyable result. I'm certainly glad I took the time away from my current project regarding the failed relationship between one Rhizome and an Amelia to partake of the event. Even though tonight's tales were of far darker nature than a story of passing romance and new beginnings I congratulate all of the performers in their art. Your marks have been made within my books.

      ((edited for some typos, took out the "RE:" from the subject line))
       

      Storyteller, The

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        Prelude to a Drama of Hearts.
        « Reply #2 on: July 18, 2005, 05:57:00 pm »
        I was passing through Hlint one day minding my own business when I noticed a wonderful green cloaked lady sitting on a bench by the lookout platform out front of the Wild Surge Inn. Just then someone, seemingly a friend, from above poured a canteen of water on the lovely lady sitting below. This had obviously caught my attention and fired up my curiosity so I took to the shadows and began to tickle the pages of my book with my quill.

        Within moments there were a number of people loitering around the area with their idle chitchat, mild conversations and practical jokes. Through the chatter I discovered the names of a few of these people and noted that two had caught my eye and ear. Both seemed to be of Druidic inclination though one was obviously more experienced of the world than the other. Rhizome. Such a curious name yet so befitting. He stands tall with blond hair and a light muscular build. Luna however was wearing a green cape and hood yet through her voice and demeanor I could tell was flirtatious, attractive and certainly aware of her effect on the men she focused her attention upon.

        The skies began to fill with clouds and rain lightly.

        "So... up for some travel?" Luna asks while smiling at Rhizome.

        Rhizome put his hand out in the rain smiling absently. He turns to Luna and returns the smile with an expression that indicated he'd missed her query.

        "Oh, travel. I'm a Nomad. So, of course. Are you asking me to travel with you?" He replied.

        With a grin painted on her face, Luna answers "I wouldn't have it any other way".

        "So, you want me to show you around. What would you like to see?"

        "Everything", she replied with another grin.

        With a straight face, "Of course everything. But what first?"

        "You are the wise Druid. Where should we go first?"

        "So, basically what you are saying is that you'll leave all the decisions to me?"

        Looking right at him she states; "Humm. Not all. But since I am not nearly as worldly as you, I do not know where to start."

        At this point the two of them separate from the small gathering and begin walking on their way. A small thrush flies over to me and lands on my shoulder, beckoning me to run an errand. I note the direction the two Druids are heading in and I silently detour for my errand.

        When my errand has run it's course I return and search the two Druids out. Slipping through the shadows I subvert time and space to locate my interests whom I find nearing Port Hampshire. Traveling faster than a whisper on the wind and in careless distraction I nearly bump into Rhizome. Somehow this Druid is quite observant for he ducked low just in time to avoid the impending collision. Thankfully I retreat to their nearby shadows and tidy up my notes.

        Rhizome is looking around before standing up again.

        "What's wrong?" Queries Luna.

        "Just a feelin'. Suppose it's ok."

        While nodding, "Are you sure?", Luna adds.

        Rhizome motions his head toward Port Hampshire and they continue on their way. It's at this point I realize there are three people in this group. Strangely unaware of this third person's significance I follow in step.

        After some time Rhizome points out a boat that can be taken to Bear Island. Sounds like an interesting place for me to visit someday so I make a note of it. While I was scribbling to myself the three decide to head back to Hlint so that they may tend to the realities of life. Through this little bit of conversation I note that the other fellow's name is Jeran.

        Again another thrush takes to my shoulder and informs me of some other errands to run that are of pressing nature. After making a few final notes I am on my way.

        During the course of one of these errands I happened to pass by Luna and Rhizome walking the outskirts of Hlint. Curiously I note that Luna is looking rather flattered and almost giddy in her expressions as Rhizome mumbles things that I cannot hear. Sadly my errand calls as time presses on and I continue about my business.
         

         

        anything