The Symbol of Thought begins to burn in your mind and you hear Tanager thinking, "I ask all who seek to determine the will of Cholen in the matter of the Lysard of Celiwyn to come to the garden close near House Aspis at this time-- the location is southwest of the party tent across the bridge."
[Wehnimer's, Garden Copse]
The bushes and shrubs grow a bit wilder here, in the shadow of the
town wall. A thick clump of trees of moderate height seem to huddle
together as if concealing something. A narrow footpath through them
leads south. You also see the Jacinto disk and the Tanager disk.
Also here: Lord Jacinto, Tanager, Lord Bevan, Lady Naamit
Obvious paths: northeast.
You see Tanager Skydancing the Dark Elf.
She appears to be in her 50's, has long, braided black hair, violet
eyes, and very dark skin.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a shimmering silver scarf, some silver and amethyst
earrings, a delicate silver-belled necklace, a raven black leather lysard
case, a flame-hued watered silk cloak, an opal-trimmed pale lilac silk
bodice, a white silk blouse, a diamond engagement ring, a multi-hued shimmering
silk skirt, a silken garnet-hued bag, a silk-lined suede satchel embroidered
with colorful butterflies, and a pair of silver-clasped sandals.
(After a bit of a wait, and the arrivals of quite a few people, Lady Aramina– the presiding cleric– joined us.)
Aramina suddenly appears in a flash of brilliant light.
You see Lady Aramina Edernite the Giantman Intercessor.
She appears to be in her 50's, has very long black hair, blue eyes,
and dark skin.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a small rose, a gypsy good luck charm, a lovely light
violet ribbon, some starstone earrings, a heart-cut fire opal necklace,
a starstone wedding ring, a white rose bud, some silver and amethyst earrings,
some purple gold-tasseled boots, a shining golden armband, a shining golden
armband, a deep purple mantle embroidered with branching caribou antlers
and trimmed with violet mermaid's-tear sapphires, a caribou antler-set
holy mask, an attacking ora caribou clasp, a bright yellow sunflower, a
crystal amulet, a lacy amethyst linen skirt, a small rose, a golden Cholen
symbol, a heavy backpack, a linen pouch, an antique silver armband, and
a gold ring.
Bevan says, "Oh. There is one thing I am missing here."
Aramina clasps her hand over her mouth.
Bevan removes a violet vultite broadsword engraved with shimmering
silver runes from in his silk sheath.
Tanager curtsies to Aramina.
Aramina asks, "No one heard that, right?"
Aramina exclaims, "eeep!"
Bevan says, "NOW I am ready."
Aramina clasps her hand over her mouth.
Tanager says, "You just arri--"
Aramina's face turns slightly pale.
(Aramina waves shyly)
Tanager says, "Lord Bevan, I do sincerely and most heartfeltly ask you to wield song rather than a sword."
Aramina says, "hullo everyone"
Aramina ducks her head.
[Wehnimer's, Garden Copse]
The bushes and shrubs grow a bit wilder here, in the shadow of the
town wall. A thick clump of trees of moderate height seem to huddle
together as if concealing something. A narrow footpath through them
leads south. You also see the Jacinto disk and the Tanager disk.
Also here: Journeyman Sugo, Yumir who is seated, Kestrille, Lady Aramina
who is kneeling, Lady Ylena who is seated, Lord Jacinto, Tanager, Lord
Bevan, Lady Naamit Obvious paths: northeast.
Bevan says, "Tanager ... we shall see, and I heartily hope not. But I gave my word."
Aramina fidgets.
Aramina says, "be right back"
Aramina gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
Aramina gestures.
Aramina is surrounded by a brilliant swirling mist and vanishes!
Tanager blinks.
Tanager says, "I believe it will be a moment longer."
(Tanager glances at the moment where Aramina was.)
Yumir gazes up into the heavens.
Yumir says, "Skies seem right for such an event."
(Tanager rummages through her satchel for a moment....)
Tanager removes a bottle of dandelion wine from in her suede satchel.
(Tanager begins quietly standing bottles of wine in neat rows under
the overhang of a bush.)
Tanager drops a bottle of dandelion wine.
Tanager removes a bottle of ice blossom wine from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a bottle of ice blossom wine.
Tanager removes a bottle of dandelion wine from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a bottle of dandelion wine.
Tanager removes a bottle of red Vornavian wine from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a bottle of red Vornavian wine.
Tanager removes a bottle of red Vornavian wine from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a bottle of red Vornavian wine.
Tanager removes a cask of Erebor's Tipple from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a cask of Erebor's Tipple.
Tanager removes a flask of Cinder Wasp mead from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a flask of Cinder Wasp mead.
Palooka picks up a bottle of red Vornavian wine.
Sugo removes an exquisite Cholen symbol from in his linen ale satchel.
Sugo kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Bevan picks up a bottle of ice blossom wine.
Tanager says, "Please, feel free to take a bottle, and a drink as well--"
Tanager flashes a quick grin.
You pick up a bottle of red Vornavian wine.
Tanager says, "Though pouring a libation might be advised, as well."
Quivalin says, "heh, no need to ask twice."
Quivalin picks up a cask of Erebor's Tipple.
You say, "Dun need ta say twice there."
Tanager removes a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew from in her suede satchel.
Tanager drops a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew.
Bevan raises his ice blossom wine in a toast!
You grin at Tanager.
Tanager removes a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew from in her suede satchel.
Ylena picks up a bottle of dandelion wine.
Sugo picks up a bottle of dandelion wine.
Tanager drops a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew.
Jacinto raises his Cinder Wasp mead in a toast!
Tanager removes a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew from in her suede satchel.
Yumir says, "An' if anyone has the need for champagne, I have plenty."
Tanager drops a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew.
Sugo raises his dandelion wine in a toast!
Bevan takes a drink from his ice blossom wine.
Jacinto takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Yumir removes a magnum of silver champagne from in his traveller's cloak.
Yumir drops a magnum of silver champagne.
Tanager says, "If we run out, I'm raiding Aspis."
(After quite a bit more laying-out of drinks on my part and Yumir’s part....)
Aramina suddenly appears in a flash of brilliant light.
Aramina pants.
Aramina makes a wheezing sound.
[Wehnimer's, Garden Copse]
The bushes and shrubs grow a bit wilder here, in the shadow of the
town wall. A thick clump of trees of moderate height seem to huddle
together as if concealing something. A narrow footpath through them
leads south. You also see a bottle of Wehnimer's gold ale, a flask
of Cinder Wasp mead, a bottle of Wehnimer's gold ale, a flute of elven
champagne, a bottle of Mestanir dark lager, a bottle of Mestanir dark lager,
a magnum of silver champagne, a bottle of Naerlessin's
Brew, a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew, a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew,
the Jacinto disk and the Tanager disk.
Also here: Lady Aramina, Oneirin who is seated, Lord Palooka, Quivalin
who is seated, Journeyman Sugo, Yumir who is seated, Kestrille, Lady Ylena,
Lord Jacinto, Tanager, Lord Bevan, Lady Naamit
Obvious paths: northeast.
Aramina sits down.
Aramina fans herself.
Aramina put a sugared jelly donut in her heavy backpack.
(Tanager begins slowly pacing the points of a wide circle, placing down
candles and lighting them to cast more light through the evening.)
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
Tanager removes a golden beeswax candle from in her suede satchel.
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
Tanager removes a golden beeswax candle from in her suede satchel.
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
Tanager removes a golden beeswax candle from in her suede satchel.
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
Tanager removes a golden beeswax candle from in her suede satchel.
Tanager carefully places her golden beeswax candle on the ground.
(Tanager finally finishes her wide circle of candles.)
Tanager lights the golden beeswax candle, which flickers and begins
to burn.
A faint, flickering light emanates from a golden beeswax candle, warming
the room with its glow.
A bit of melted wax drips from a golden beeswax candle with a hiss.
The flame jumps, burning high for a moment, then settles into a warm glow.
The glow from a golden beeswax candle softly illuminates the room.
A golden beeswax candle glows warmly with a soft, flickering light.
A golden beeswax candle burns with a warm golden light.
(And they continued to burn. From here out, the messaging from the candles has been excised, to enhance legibility.)
[Wehnimer's, Garden Copse]
The bushes and shrubs grow a bit wilder here, in the shadow of the
town wall. A thick clump of trees of moderate height seem to huddle
together as if concealing something. A narrow footpath through them
leads south. You also see a raven that is flying around, a golden
beeswax candle, a golden beeswax candle, a golden beeswax candle, the Kilthal
disk, a golden beeswax candle, a golden beeswax candle, the Ahmeuseng disk,
a golden beeswax candle, a bottle of Wehnimer's
gold ale, a flask of Cinder Wasp mead, a bottle of Wehnimer's gold
ale, a bottle of Mestanir dark lager, a bottle of Mestanir dark lager,
a magnum of silver champagne, a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew, a bottle of
Naerlessin's Brew, a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew, the Jacinto disk and
the Tanager disk.
Also here: Kilthal, Ahmeuseng, Lady Aramina, Oneirin who is seated,
Quivalin who is seated, Journeyman Sugo, Yumir who is seated, Kestrille,
Lady Ylena, Lord Jacinto, Tanager, Lord Bevan, Lady Naamit
Obvious paths: northeast.
Bevan asks, "If the Ladies Tanager and Aramina concur, it would be fitting
to start this with a song ... ?"
Aramina exclaims, "oh certainly!"
Tanager smiles at Bevan.
Yumir says, "That sounds perfect."
Bevan raises an eyebrow in Tanager's direction.
Bevan asks, "By your leave, my lady?"
(Bevan takes out his enchanted lute, carefully placing his drawn sword
across his knees ... and begins a slow, somber melody ... soft, underpinning
his words as the current of a harbor does a keelson ...)
Bevan says, "I tried to give a lady a gift today, but the Gods did
not will it to be so. But in the time since, I've crafted another.
I am rather surprised myself -"
Bevan smiles sadly, a certain grief in his eyes
Bevan says, "... for this is the first song I have written and completed
in nearly four years. I've not had the opportunity to polish it as
I might - I wrote it two hours ago. But the story is true ... and
it is what I have to offer."
(Bevan gazes out at you all, his amethyst eyes deepening to pure molten
fire, elemental in a nameless emotion ...)
Bevan sings:
"She rode the winds on scarlet wings, bright magic
given form
A ship of peerless elegance, that braved both
wave and storm
The Tanager, they called that ship, a vessel
stout and true
And this - her final voyage - is the lay I
have for you."
Bevan sings:
"My ship was the White Crystal then, a full-rigged
brigantine
I sailed her over oceans fair, to shorelines
seldom seen
For magic was for me the sea, enchantment
in the foam
Of all the wind-roads borne to me. The
water was my home."
Bevan sings:
"The captain of the Tanager was Nora Dalamar.
A daughter of the waves was she, who sailed
by sun and star
Through all the trade routes of the sea and
each far-reaching realm
And feared not peril nor the Gods while she
was at the helm."
Bevan sighs sadly.
Bevan sings:
"The two of us set sail that day, agreed in company
To travel to a distant land - the Tanager
and we -
A place of crystal waterfalls, of silvered
sand and light
Where lilac filled the skies at dawn and music
filled the night."
(Bevan picks up the tune, a racing energy soaring through the night sky, his fingers dancing across the silvered strings as the starlight reflects off the crystal ...)
Bevan sings:
"For six long weeks we sailed as one, through oceans
calm as glass
For six long days thereafter, our wyrd had
come to pass
For the gales of the Eastern Sea no mariner
may ward
By prayer or hopeful wishes, nor yet by shield
or sword."
Tanager smiles very faintly as she tilts her head to study Bevan. There seems to be a certain resemblance between their features, especially in their eyes... but that might be merely the candlelight.
Bevan sings:
"The seas were full of anger, the waves were white
with wrath,
The Ocean's pinioned majesty lay twixt the
vessels' path
We sought Wavedancer's mercy then, we begged
the Gods for aid
But storm and wind cascaded down like doom
from Charl's drawn blade."
(Bevan tosses his shoulder, flinging his billowing cloak out behind him like the studding sails of a great ship of the sea ...)
You reach out and touch a silvery Charl medallion.
Bevan sings:
"Yet three points off the starboard bow! The
lookout cried "Deck, there!"
"I see a light! The storm has passed!
The winds for home are fair!"
But only for a moment brief - like amber,
caught in time -
A misted gleam, an eerie blue, shone cyan
through the brine."
Bevan sings:
"This was no light of mortal ken - who knew what
it might be?
Deliverance from wind and wave or doom upon
the sea?
But Nora did not hesitate, she put her helm
about
The scarlet ship shot for the light, with
neither fear nor doubt."
Bevan sings:
"We saw her tiering canvas in sheeted scarlet spread
We heard the long-drawn thunder 'neath her
soaring figurehead
We saw as from a misted mile her silvered
lanterns shine
We heard the sailors sing their songs like
chanters in a shrine ..."
(Bevan drops the melody to the merest breath of music, and you have to strain hard to hear it ... soft and achingly poignant ... His voice is no louder, a whisper on the breeze ...)
Bevan sings:
"By paths no gaze could follow, a course set for
the stars
A ship touched by enchantment, beyond the
reefs and bars
She left the drakes upon the moons, the demons
down below
And vanished into future seas where mortals
cannot go."
Bevan sings:
"I do not know what Nora saw, or where her ship it
went
For in that instant passed the storm, its
strength and passion spent
And in the twilit darkness of that calm and
peaceful night
Rode one ship only on the sea, with sails
of gleaming white."
(Bevan lowers his head over the lute, his silvering hair spilling over to almost obscure his features)
Bevan sings:
"I wonder at her sacrifice, and sometimes wish it
mine.
But also do I wonder, beyond the meres of
Time,
Where Nora sailed, with ship and crew, what
visions did she find?
In pearl-swept realms beyond our ken, to which
our sight is blind?"
Bevan sings:
"I honor yet her deed and life, her daring and her
crew
Remembrances and melodies, the shanteys sweet
and true.
But most do I remember her, the scarlet sails
unfurled
On her last mortal voyage, the gallant Tanager."
Bevan smiles almost savagely, his fingertips awakening the melody to
sudden radiant life ... !
Bevan sings:
"But most do I remember her, her scarlet sails unfurled
On her last mortal voyage, the gallant Tanager!"
Bevan clasps Tanager's hand tenderly.
Bevan says, "Not for FOUR YEARS have I written a line ..."
Tanager blushes a nice shade of deep red.
(Bevan gazes at Tanager, tears streaking his cheeks)
Bevan says, "You gave that back to me today"
Tanager blushes and babbles a few incoherent words, looking sincerely
flustered.
Tanager stands up.
Bevan just kissed Tanager on the hand.
(Tanager curtsies gracefully to Bevan.)
(Bevan nods almost curtly, wiping his eyes)
Bevan bows to Tanager.
Jacinto says, "From daughter to father, father to daughter in turn."
Bevan bows to Aramina.
Jacinto smiles.
Bevan stares at Jacinto.
Bevan glances at Tanager.
Tanager glances at Bevan.
(Tanager spreads her hands in a half-shrug and turns away.)
Tanager turns to face Aramina.
Tanager says, "Well. In proceeding... and thank you, Lord Bevan.
Very much."
Tanager says, "I don't know if everyone's had the chance to pick up
a bottle of drink yet--"
Tanager says, "--but if not, by all means, do--"
(And lo, they did. A group of bards need to be asked twice?)
Tanager says, "To bards everywhere, and the Highest Bard of all."
Tanager raises her Wehnimer's gold ale in a toast!
Ahmeuseng raises her elven champagne in a toast!
Bevan raises his ice blossom wine in a toast!
Tanager takes a drink from her Wehnimer's gold ale.
Naamit raises her honeyed mint tea in a toast!
You raise your red Vornavian wine in a toast!
Kilthal raises his Wehnimer's gold ale in a toast!
Aramina turns to Tanager and cheers!
Sugo raises his dandelion wine in a toast!
Yumir raises his silver champagne in a toast!
Oneirin raises his pink raspberry cider in a toast!
Eldieth raises his Cinder Wasp mead in a toast!
You take a drink from your red Vornavian wine.
Bevan takes a drink from his ice blossom wine.
Sugo takes a drink from his dandelion wine.
Oneirin takes a drink from his pink raspberry cider.
Naamit takes a drink from her honeyed mint tea.
Ahmeuseng takes a drink from her elven champagne.
(Tanager sets her ale back down.)
Tanager drops a bottle of Wehnimer's gold ale.
Eldieth takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Yumir takes a drink from his silver champagne.
Kestrille takes a drink from her elven champagne.
Tanager says, "Lady Aramina and I have discussed tonight's proceedings
at length--"
Tanager says, "--and we thought that it would be best if this ceremony
took place with music all about."
Tanager says, "I would ask all willing to bring forth flutes, citterns,
even bagpipes, whatever instrument is dearest to your heart...."
Tanager smiles.
Tanager says, "I have a few I may loan, if any find themselves lacking
to hand."
Jacinto takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Oneirin takes a drink from his pink raspberry cider.
Jacinto takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Aramina picks up a bottle of Mestanir dark lager.
Jacinto takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Jacinto takes a drink from his Cinder Wasp mead.
Aramina takes a drink from her Mestanir dark lager.
Aramina hiccups!
Kestrille takes a drink from her elven champagne.
Kilthal takes a drink from his Wehnimer's gold ale.
Tanager says, "And if you'd like to finish off your drink first, that's
quite fine."
You glance down to see a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm
grey vaalin fittings and keys in your right hand and nothing in your left
hand.
Naamit removes a dark etched monir lysard from in her black leather
cloak.
Oneirin removes a maoral flute from in his silk backpack.
You say, "Oh, well then"
You remove a bottle of red Vornavian wine from in your alloy mesh lootbag.
Jacinto removes a polished amber-hued fel cittern painted with brilliant cerulean swashes from in his haon instrument case.
Tanager pokes you in the ribs.
Bevan removes a crystalline lute inlaid with amethyst and crystal and
strung with silver strings from in his violet cloak.
Kilthal removes a gold-inlaid modwir lute case from in his patchwork
greatcloak.
Ylena says, "See, with a tambourine, you can do both."
Ylena nods.
Tanager asks, "Is anyone in need of a loan?"
Tanager surveys the area.
Kilthal removes a silverblue haon-framed tambourine embellished with
bright multicolored ribbons and tassels from in his tambourine case.
Quivalin removes a worn dark ebonwood lute embellished around the body
with delicate silvery quarter notes from in his thanot lute case.
Tanager nods to Aramina.
Tanager says, "I understand."
Tanager says, "When you're ready... let me know."
Tanager smiles at Aramina.
Aramina says, "not enough music going on..."
Yumir asks, "Be there any style ye wish, m'Lady Tanager?"
Aramina frowns.
Ylena softly shakes her tambourine, starting a gentle and lulling rhythm.
[Wehnimer's, Garden Copse]
The bushes and shrubs grow a bit wilder here, in the shadow of the
town wall. A thick clump of trees of moderate height seem to huddle
together as if concealing something. A narrow footpath through them
leads south. You also see a bottle of Wehnimer's gold ale, a raven
who is sleeping, a golden beeswax candle, a golden beeswax candle, a golden
beeswax candle, the Kilthal disk, a golden beeswax candle, a golden beeswax
candle, the Ahmeuseng disk, a golden beeswax candle,
a bottle of Mestanir dark lager, a bottle of Naerlessin's Brew, a bottle
of Naerlessin's Brew, the Jacinto disk and the Tanager disk.
Also here: Lady Naamit, Legaris who is seated, Lord Lyricaen who is
seated, Lord Palooka who is seated, Eldieth who is seated, Kilthal who
is seated, Ahmeuseng who is seated, Lady Aramina who is seated, Oneirin
who is seated, Quivalin who is seated, Journeyman Sugo who is seated, Yumir
who is seated, Kestrille, Lady Ylena, Lord Jacinto who is seated, Tanager,
Lord Bevan who is seated
Obvious paths: northeast.
Jacinto begins playing a quiet song on his cittern.
Ahmeuseng takes a drink from her elven champagne.
Oneirin blows on his maoral flute.
Oneirin slowly empties his lungs.
Tanager says, "Something bright... something with a beat to it, something
worthy of festival."
Tanager smiles.
Ylena says, "Aha."
Jacinto launches into the next verse, this time adding in an impish
harmony line that seems to tease the main theme along.
Jacinto grins.
Like waves crashing on a seashore, the steady pulsing rhythm of Ylena's
music goes on, simple and yet breathtakingly beautiful.
Kilthal asks, "Perhaps a fast beat then?"
Naamit begins playing an fast-paced tune on her lysard, tapping her
foot in rhythm.
With an intense, absorbed look on his face, Yumir slowly raises his
flute and lets his fingers convey his mood.
With a flourish, Oneirin raises his flute and lights into a flamboyant,
showy tune!
With a twinkle in her eye, Ahmeuseng begins a jaunty melody on her
mandolin.
You pick up your cittern and strike the opening chords of a joyful
tune.
Jacinto runs through the chorus twice, as if to make certain you will
not be able to stop humming it anytime soon.
Tanager says, "Though it may take a moment for Lady Aramina to be prepared fully... under the circumstances, spending that moment in music seems more than wise."
Kilthal lifts his tambourine and begins to tap out a beat.
His brow wrinkled in concentration, Yumir draws forth each note slowly
and deliberately, building his melody.
A raucous discordant song flies from Naamit's lysard, the quick, harsh
notes attacking the air.
Oneirin's spontaneous, flashy little composition of intricate phrasing
and difficult trilling notes brings an "Ooh!" from someone nearby.
Ahmeuseng plucks out the melody in a jaunty staccato, skipping over
the flourished strums brightly.
Kilthal plays a quick rhythm on his tambourine, his toes tapping along.
Tanager smiles to herself for a moment.
Tanager says, "...well, with the pause...."
Jacinto jaunts through the rambunctious refrain, the melody and descant
playing along in a breathless game of musical tag.
You finish the verse of the song then begin the next, further embellishing
the melody by adding an ecstatic moving harmony.
Tanager removes a ruby-clasped instrument case from in her watered silk
cloak.
Tanager fiddles with her instrument case before lifting the latch and
flipping the cover open.
Tanager removes an elaborately scroll-etched yellow gold flute edged
with channels of scarlet despanel from in her instrument case.
Tanager closes her instrument case and fiddles with the latch for a
moment.
Tanager put a ruby-clasped instrument case in her watered silk cloak.
His fingers gyrating at a furious pace, Yumir's song deepens and intensifies.
The extravagant flourishes in Oneirin's melody are softened by the
familiarity of the tune, changed just enough by his showmanship that it
is not quite recognizable.
The lively air that sounds from Naamit's lysard seems to infuse the
surroundings with energy.
Ahmeuseng runs through the chorus twice, as if to make certain you
will not be able to stop humming it anytime soon.
Tanager smiles dazzlingly as she lifts her flute to her lips and begins
to play as well, a brilliant, dancing melody that soars through the night.
With a mischievous glint in her eye, Tanager lifts her flute to her
lips and lights into a jaunty little number!
(And we played... and we played. How we played! Lady Aramina was having a spot of trouble with her ceremony, so the music went on for quite some time. I have excised a great deal of it, but, to give you a taste of what it was like....)
Jacinto begins building a complex, upbeat melody in a major key, his
fingers lightly springing over the strings.
Embellishing on the simple melody, you skillfully convey a measure
of the joy you feel while playing.
Bevan asks, "All those years ago, in Harpers' Hall ... we didn't fail,
did we, old friend?"
Bevan glances at Quivalin.
Quivalin begins playing a quiet song on his lute.
You feel a lump rising in your throat unbidden as the tide of Yumir's
exquisitely wrought music washes over you.
Oneirin's elaborations on the melody bring the song elegance and beauty,
as well as showing off his skill with a flute perfectly.
Quivalin says, "Nay, not at all"
(...and if Lord Cholen had walked down, kissed me on the forehead, and announced, “You do well, child!”, I could not have been more pleased than with the approval of those two Elanthian legends.)
Lyricaen removes an engraved golden flute from in his instrument case.
Notes fly from Naamit's lysard, dancing through the air as she plays
an upbeat tune.
Ahmeuseng plucks out the melody in a jaunty staccato, skipping over
the flourished strums brightly.
With small, deft movements of his wrist and arm, Kilthal shapes a rapid
beat with his tambourine.
Tanager's adventurous composition trips along from her flute briskly
and merrily, its notes veritably dancing.
(Ylena caresses her tambourine with her fingertips, finding the subtle
sweet spots.)
Jacinto runs through the chorus twice, as if to make certain you will
not be able to stop humming it anytime soon.
You pick up the pace of the song slightly, fingers modulating between
chords in a happy major key.
Lyricaen takes a deep breath, flashes a grin, and begins a whirling
tune on his flute!
Palooka places his bagpipes beneath his arm and breaths the opening
notes of a joyful reel.
With a final, jubilant flourish, Tanager finishes her song and lowers
her flute.
Quivalin plays with a quiet beauty, the muted notes subtle and yet
profoundly effecting.
Jacinto smiles as his fingers dance, continuing his music's joyous
mingling with the others.
Yumir's melody climbs and reaches, ever higher, the notes growing ever
more intense.
The extravagant flourishes in Oneirin's melody are softened by the
familiarity of the tune, changed just enough by his showmanship that it
is not quite recognizable.
Bevan smiles through his tears, unashamed
Ylena tests her tambourine with a gentle thump, then raises her head
with a smile and begins a rapid beat.
Palooka says, "oooh I might even sing....."
Naamit continues playing a quick, lilting air on her lysard.
Making the beat of the song even more infectious, Ahmeuseng sharply
thumps the belly of her mandolin in time with the music.
Kilthal creates a hypnotic rhythm with his tambourine, with deft flourishes
and skilled riffles in the exotic beat.
Tanager says, "If my father-- Lord Orinkar-- plays the bagpipes, and
if I met him when he played the bagpipes, I'm hardly going to tell you
not to."
Tanager says, "Besides. I happen to like bagpipes...."
Tanager winks at Palooka.
Palooka sings:
"Women an' men across the Ocean
Where the water's pourin dow
That's where big'ol boat is found!"
Palooka sings:
"Ready the sail, an port trim the lanyard!
N'er you see a frown
Women an men raise a happy toast around!"
Palooka sings:
"Then the stream gets a lil bit wider
Then it becomes a river
River becomes an ocean, carrying ships that
Bear,,"
Palooka sings:
"Women an Men!
Women an men!
Women an men!!"
Palooka sings:
"Oooh! when the land is sighted, an thay cannae take
any more
Land's where the boat will run a'ground
Two by two they enter the junglel
And then they number more
Three by Three, as well as four by four!"
Palooka sings:
"And the stream of people gets wider
Then it becomes a river
River becomes an Ocean
Carryin ships that bear...."
Palooka sings:
"Women and men!
Women an men
Women and men!..."
Jacinto sings:
"Women an men!"
(Tanager shakes her head, breaking into her flutesong to chuckle softly,
and continues to play, watching Aramina calmly for some sign or signal.)
Tanager's joyful notes bring a song to your heart as the happiness
of her melody begins to swell.
A lovely, capricious tune flows from Oneirin's flute as his fingers
flash in intricate combinations.
Jacinto jaunts through the rambunctious refrain, the melody and descant
playing along in a breathless game of musical tag.
Embellishing on the simple melody, you skillfully convey a measure
of the joy you feel while playing.
Yumir's musical skill shines as his notes drop off, ever softer, yet
the sound is still round and full.
Bold and brisk notes blare from Naamit's lysard, filling the air with
a spirited rhythm. Breaths and hearts begin to race, dragged along
with the tempo of the music.
Ahmeuseng plucks out the melody in a jaunty staccato, skipping over
the flourished strums brightly.
Skirling the notes upwards, Palooka adds graceful breaths of harmony
to the toe-tapping melodic line.
A beautiful, evocative rhythm fills the room as Kilthal expertly manipulates
his tambourine.
As Lyricaen continues his breathless row, energy you'd long forgotten
seems to spring up within you, setting your toes to tapping along with
this nimble tune.
Ylena taps out a gentle beat with deft wrists, rocking slightly with
her tambourine's music.
Quivalin continues his soft music, providing pleasant background for
the goings-on around him.
(Bevan steeples his fingers, not touching his enchanted lute himself,
so very content to listen. And watch.)
(and we played, and we played...)
Cleverly using hands, elbows, shoulders, hips and feet to create a dizzying
rhythm, Ylena is fairly dancing with her tambourine!
(Ylena begins to weave in and around the candles in some random but
interesting pattern.)
Tanager smiles at Ylena, taps her foot to the beat, twirls gracefully,
and begins to dance alone in the middle of the candlelit circle.
Tanager sways back and forth.
Tanager sashays about with a content look on her face.
(Tanager twirls gracefully as she continues to play, glancing every
now and then at Aramina, but otherwise content just to twirl and dance.)
Lyricaen stands up.
(Lyricaen begins following Ylena in her weaving dance around the candles,
grasping hands as he goes, bringing others into the dance train.)
(Ylena raises her hands to the sky, tapping her tambourine passionately.)
(Jacinto flips a merry turn, then begins to prance around the candles
as well, flipping his cittern from side to side to keep time.)
(Tanager links hands with Lyricaen as she dances around the candles.)
(Sugo whispers come Lord Cholen bless those here with days of festivals
and nights ofmischeif )
Quivalin sways back and forth.
Tanager sashays gracefully up to a golden beeswax candle.
Tanager sashays in a circle to the left.
Tanager sashays in a circle to the right.
Jacinto sashays in a circle to the right.
Tanager gazes up into the heavens.
(Ahmeuseng joins the dance, slipping her arm through Jacinto's, getting
her fingers back to the strings of the mandolin as quickly as possible.)
Jacinto takes a few steps to his left.
Jacinto dances around the room to music only he can hear.
Lyricaen throws his head back and howls!
(Ylena spins gracefully, her boa shedding a few feathers as if in sacrifice.)
(Yumir joins the line, while continuing the tune on his flute with
renewed strength.)
Quivalin sashays in a circle to the left.
Quivalin sashays about with a content look on his face.
Tanager smiles as she dances in quick rhythms around the candles, adding
a soft, syncopated beat with her footsteps. Aramina is stil clearly
deep in concentration....
(Ahmeuseng stumbles over a candle, but manages to keep herself upright,
her jaunty tune measuring the steps of the dancers.)
Palooka clasps his arms around his knees and rocks back and forth.
Palooka hugs his knees and sways side to side.
Yumir dances around the room to music only he can hear.
Jacinto takes a few steps to his right.
Jacinto takes a few steps to his left.
Yumir sashays about with a content look on his face.
Quivalin sashays about with a content look on his face.
Jacinto turns around.
Jacinto turns around.
Ahmeuseng sashays about in a circle with her head thrown back and arms
wide.
Quivalin strides a few steps forward.
Lyricaen smiles joyously, spinning thrice around Aramina and landing
a quick smooch on her cheek.
Ylena smiles rapturously.
Quivalin gazes up into the heavens.
Tanager asks, "I don't suppose you could be so kind as to join me....?"
(Kilthal turns around in a circle, his patchwork cloak billowing out
as he turns.)
Bevan smiles gaily, his hair flying in the breeze, as he steps into
the dance, the shaalk flashing in the gloom as his improvised sworddance
takes him around and through the candles
Naamit moves to stand in front of Tanager.
Lyricaen sashays up to Tanager.
Kilthal strides over to stand before Tanager.
(Ylena dances up to Tanager.)
(And everyone did, indeed, join me, and I whispered briefly, and the music continued, as did the dancing....)
Jacinto removes a silver-hilted black glaes machete from in his uniform
jacket.
Jacinto tosses his black glaes machete in the air, sending it into
a spiraling blur. At the perfect moment, he snatches it competently
by the handle.
Jacinto looks determined and focused.
With fluid precision, Jacinto raises his black glaes machete into a
high elliptical arc overhead then changing direction, the black glaes machete
speeds cleanly downward and across his body only to disappear around his
back as he adroitly swaps hands and bring the black glaes machete flying
over the opposite shoulder within a speck's distance from his ear and landing
solidly in the grip of his right hand. Jacinto taps the black glaes
machete in his left hand grinning confidently.
(Warrior dancing, even.)
Aramina exclaims, "Things seem to be rather merry!"
Tanager smiles at Aramina.
Aramina beams!
Tanager asks, "Would they be any other way?"
Tanager asks, "Are you prepared, Lady Aramina?"
Bevan exclaims, "Mm, now all we need is three more swordsmen and we
can do a proper Rapper Sword Dance ... !"
Tanager laughs!
Heavy droplets of sweat drip from Quivalin's brow.
Palooka says, "merriness in any other forum would be highly overrated...
but here....hhhhmmm"
Jacinto turns around.
Tanager says, "Jacinto will, don't provoke him."
Aramina says, "I think so, finally..."
Aramina blushes a florid shade of deep crimson.
Tanager nods to Aramina.
Bevan says, "So will I, I don't bluff"
Tanager says, "At your leadership, then."
Aramina stands up.
(Tanager settles herself in the middle of the candlelit circle.)
Tanager sits down.
Aramina gestures and utters a phrase of magic.
(Jacinto leaps up, sweeping his machete where his feet were the instant before.)
Aramina slowly empties her lungs.
Lyricaen kneels down.
Aramina asks, "Would everyone please join me?"
(And we all joined Aramina, and the music continued....)
Aramina gestures.
Aramina begins muttering softly, the exact words you cannot discern.
Aramina falls into a deep trancelike state.
(Jacinto smile, turning a slightly indelicate backflip to land near Aramina.)
Aramina says, "I need your faith to heighten my own."
Aramina smiles.
Eldieth smiles.
Eldieth sits down.
Jacinto put a silver-hilted black glaes machete in his uniform jacket.
Jacinto grins.
Lyricaen gazes up into the heavens.
Aramina smiles and walks over next to Tanager
Yumir gazes up into the heavens.
Yumir rubs his symbol of Tilamaire.
Aramina just hugged Tanager.
Aramina kneels down.
Bevan smiles softly, standing poised, leg arched as a dancer's, lute
and blade at hand
Ahmeuseng pulls aside her skirt and shows Dremerie a tattooed symbol
of Cholen.
Aramina just touched a golden Cholen symbol.
Palooka moves to a kneeling position.
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
(Tanager takes a deep, slow breath, composing herself, and gazes into
Aramina's eyes.)
Aramina gazes up into the heavens.
Lyricaen continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Aramina takes a drink from her Erebor's Tipple.
Aramina slowly empties her lungs.
Aramina recites:
"I come to you Cholen, with a humble heart.
On behalf of Tanager,
Oh where do I start?"
Aramina just kissed the sculpture!
Aramina drops a bottle of Mestanir dark lager.
(Aramina places the sculpture on the ground before her.)
Aramina removes a silver-chased Cholen sculpture from in her heavy
backpack.
Aramina drops a silver-chased Cholen sculpture.
Aramina pours her Tipple on the sculpture. The liquid quickly
evaporates.
Aramina recites:
"She went to the bardfest,
Sang her self blue.
She now has a dilemma,
Doesn't know what to do!"
Aramina removes a mahogany Cholen figurine from in her heavy backpack.
Aramina gazes in awe at the figurine in her hand.
(Aramina places the figurine slightly behind and to the right of the
sculpture.)
Aramina drops a mahogany Cholen figurine.
(Tanager chuckles softly, but continues to keep her gaze locked on
Aramina's. The quirk to her lips is far better than the worry that
was on her face before.)
Aramina recites:
"It seems that she won
This contest of song.
They gave her the prize,
She wonders if that's wrong."
Aramina takes off a golden Cholen symbol.
Kilthal just touched a deep crimson Cholen symbol.
As Aramina turns a small protrusion on the back of her symbol, it splits
in two and begins to unfold in the palm of her hand. The two halves
of the once smooth surface slowly press together and the general appearance
of a statuette begins to take shape. As she finishes turning the
crank, the symbol finishes its odd transformation and leaves her holding
a small statuette in its place.
Aramina blows on her Cholen statuette.
A faint foggy mist forms over the surface of the statuette then slowly
fades away.
Aramina slowly empties her lungs.
Aramina rubs a golden Cholen statuette.
Aramina beams!
(Aramina places the statue to the other side of the figurine, forming
a triangle.)
Aramina pours her Tipple on the statuette. The liquid quickly
evaporates.
Aramina recites:
"So basically oh Cholen,
What I'm trying to say...."
Aramina gazes up into the heavens.
Aramina takes a drink from her Erebor's Tipple.
Aramina hiccups!
Aramina blushes a florid shade of deep crimson.
Aramina recites:
"This lysard of hers..
Will it go,
Or will it stay?"
(Ylena weaves around the candles, sprinkling drops of dandelion wine
to the winds.)
Aramina drops a golden Cholen statuette.
Aramina gazes in awe at the Tipple in her hand.
(Tanager gracefully gathers herself to her feet, skirts and jewelry
shining with candlelight.)
Dremerie smiles beatifically as she traces the mystic treble clef over
your head chanting "May Cholen keep your heart filled with brave songs
and good cheer."
(Aramina carefully arranges the cask in the middle of the triangle.)
Tanager stands up.
Aramina drops a cask of Erebor's Tipple.
Aramina smiles at something in her backpack.
Aramina exclaims, "And now.. my secret weapon!"
Lyricaen blinks.
Aramina removes a sugared jelly donut from in her heavy backpack.
Tanager appears to be trying hard not to grin.
Aramina raises her jelly donut skyward!
Lyricaen gawks at Aramina.
Jacinto chuckles.
Morgatha drools.
Lyricaen swoons.
Aramina glances at a sugared jelly donut.
Aramina fidgets.
Aramina smiles and mutters under her breath as she places the donut
next to the cask of Tipple. You can barely hear her say "Cholen better
appreciate THIS sacrifice!"
Aramina drops a sugared jelly donut.
Aramina clasps her hand over her mouth.
Aramina asks, "No one heard that, right?"
Tanager winks at Aramina.
Aramina coughs.
Palooka looks over at Aramina and shakes his head.
Aramina perspires delicately.
Lyricaen looks over at Aramina and shakes his head.
Aramina says, "oh good"
Aramina recites:
"Tanager comes to you now,
Heart heavy in her chest...
Pray, set her at ease,
And tell her what's best."
(Ahmeuseng eyes the donut with increasing interest.)
Lyricaen continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
(Jacinto lifts his lager to his lips with a reverent, almost religious
look. Looking close, one can see the smile.)
Aramina picks up a golden Cholen statuette.
(Tanager quietly gives Ahmeuseng a don't-you-dare look, but it's followed
by a swift smile.)
Ahmeuseng grumbles.
Aramina smiles and touches the statue to Tanager's forehead
Tanager curtsies.
Aramina says, "I believe it is safe for you to proceed..."
Aramina turns towards Tanager and renders a sharp salute with her Cholen
statuette.
(and, as people continued to play their music, and the candles continued to blaze....)
Tanager slings a raven black leather lysard case off from over her shoulder.
(Tanager carefully holds the raven black leather lysard case flat across
both her palms, with the long shoulder strap dangling underneath her hands.)
Tanager gazes up into the heavens.
(Tanager begins to sing in a clear, bright soprano voice that dances
through and around the music without becoming lost or overwhelming the
instrumental melodies.)
Tanager sings:
"There once was a child who picked up a flute,
And she sat by the fire to play.
In the night's darkest hour, music's laughter
had power
To rinse all her tearstains away."
Tanager smiles as she sings, matching her tune to the swift, joyful music all around.
Tanager sings:
"In the daylight, she counted her value and worth
By the ragged scars running her skin--
But she sat by firelight in the dead of the
night
And the flutesong eased wounds locked within."
Tanager glances at a golden beeswax candle.
Tanager sings:
"Now my life has been changed, and my world rearranged,
And I'm more than just scars racked anew--
I have left that behind, driven it from my
mind,
Save the flute's song that brought that child
through."
Tanager smiles at the dark sky above as she sings.
Tanager sings:
"Yet again in my life, when my heart sinks with strife,
I seek comfort in song, and I play--
Highest Bard, hearken near to my doubt and
my fear,
It is Thy aid and guidance I pray."
Aramina gazes up into the heavens.
Tanager places a hand over her heart.
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Tanager sings:
"For the long lonely years when a flute quelled my
tears
Had imbued me with some meager skill--
So when Bardfest came round, it was there
I was found
To compete, as an amateur will."
Tanager bites her lip.
Kilthal just touched a deep crimson Cholen symbol.
Tanager sings:
"But the judge called my name and commanded me claim
Winner's prize, which he proudly displayed--
What I took from his grasp as the crowd gave
a gasp
Was the lysard that Celiwyn played."
Tanager gazes in awe at the case in her hand.
Tanager sings:
"And I know 'twas Thy art and Thy skill beyond chart
Taught this lysard to take voice and sing,
And to many who wander these Lands, 'tis beyond
Any price, any gift, anything."
Lyricaen shivers.
Lyricaen gazes up into the heavens.
(Tanager takes a deep breath, and the flickering candlelight reveals
the sparkle of tears in her violet-sapphire eyes.)
Tanager sings:
"I am only an amateur minstrel, high Bard,
For my fingers weave wizardly spell--
With a flameblast's demands patterned through
these slim hands,
I can play this lysard only 'well'."
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Tanager kneels down.
Tanager smiles softly skyward. Her voice comes more quietly now,
but still matches the rapid, flamboyant pace of the music.
Tanager sings:
"So I kneel and I pray Thee illumine my way--
Was this meant for my hands, Bard divine?
I surrender all choice to Thy will and Thy
voice--
Cholen, grant me the gift of a sign."
(Tanager bows her head, dark braids cascading down around her shoulders, as she raises her hands slightly to offer the leather lysard case skyward.)
Dremerie kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Dremerie gazes up into the heavens.
Tanager continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Kilthal kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Lyricaen continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Kilthal just touched a deep crimson Cholen symbol.
Jacinto kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Quivalin gazes up into the heavens.
Aramina raises her Cholen statuette skyward!
Yumir kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Quivalin kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Ylena kneels down and begins to recite prayers.
Kestrille gets up into a kneeling position and begins to pray.
Yumir gazes up into the heavens.
Palooka continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Quivalin continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
(Ahmeuseng gazes into the heavens as she puts her hand on her Cholen
symbol.)
Yumir continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Naamit mutters quietly.
Lyricaen gazes up into the heavens.
Lyricaen breaks out in a sweat.
Kilthal gazes up into the heavens.
Palooka sways side to side on his knees.
Kilthal continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Yumir gazes up into the heavens.
Yumir gulps.
(Tanager raises her head slowly to gaze silently into the heavens, still holding the raven black leather lysard case across her palms, clearly waiting....)
You gaze up into the heavens.
(Morgatha sits quietly next to Bevan, holding her flagon lightly in
her hands, while she watches.....and waits.)
Aramina rubs a golden Cholen statuette.
Lyricaen smiles hopefully at Tanager, placing one hand on her shoulder
in support.
Jacinto continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
Lyricaen gazes up into the heavens.
Tanager smiles gratefully over at Lyricaen before returning her gaze
to the sky.
Quivalin sways side to side on his knees.
Yumir sighs hopefully.
Dremerie sings:
"Cholen hear your humble Bard-children's prayers.
Give guidance to those that beseech you this
night
Show us thy answer to Tanager's plea
Help us to make your worship shine bright!"
Aramina nods to Dremerie.
Aramina continues to beseech the gods for mercy and guidance.
(Tanager continues to hold her position, gazing into the night sky,
with the lysard case across her palms.)
(Ahmeuseng pulls her skirt up almost to her knee, with promise in the
tilt of her head.)
Aramina smiles hopefully.
Dremerie asks, "Perhaps if others add their pleas, he'll respond?"
Aramina says, "Wouldn't hurt..."
Tanager nods to Aramina.
Kestrille gets up into a kneeling position and begins to pray.
Bevan asks, "If I may, then?"
Bevan glances at Aramina.
Aramina exclaims, "I can't believe Cholen is ignoring Tipple AND
donut!"
Aramina frowns.
Aramina nods to Bevan.
Palooka sings:
"Pie' Cholen qui tolis joyeuse mundi
Donnah al is inquirios Tanger et lysard e
requiem"
Ylena asks, "Perhaps he thinks that since she clearly won the lysard
- that's already an anser?"
Jacinto says, "Ask again, use lager this time."
(Tanager lets out a long, slow breath, and traces of uncertainty and
fear begin to slip back into her expression as she continues to gaze skyward.)
Aramina rubs Tanager gently.
Aramina whimpers.
Ylena says, "Tanager, it's in your hands - that's where it's supposed
to be."
Ylena nods.
Naamit says, "Perhaps he tires of ale and wishes for something to truly
sooth his gullet.."
Naamit points at a cup of honeyed mint tea.
Jacinto says, "Well, I don't see any bolts striking you down."
Ahmeuseng nods to Ylena.
Dremerie nods to Ylena.
Yumir sings:
"My Lord Cholen, supreme to my own Tilamaire,
I beg of ye to answer our cry.
This gathering, this grouping of masterful
flair,
Wishes an answer from the sky."
Quivalin sings:
"Cholen, we seek your guidance today
As we sing, dance, drink, and pray.
We ask for thy guidance devine
We unworthy children of thine."
Bevan recites:
"Great Cholen! Here stands Bevan Ravenswing
...
... you know me of old.
You know why I stand here tonight ...
Why do we all.
I came to stand challenge for any who would
dispute Tanager's right
To Celiwyn's lysard.
Is there anyone who makes such a challenge?"
(I’ve since learned he’s always like this--)
(Tanager flinches ever so slightly.)
Tanager says, "...of course, there's always that approach--"
Aramina nods to Tanager.
Aramina grins.
Tanager smiles suddenly at Jacinto as she says, "Now I'm not likely
to get hit by lightning, he's taller," and then ducks her head.
Aramina grins.
Ylena sings:
"Cholen, dear Cholen, our master and guide,
Quell all those doubts that she harbours inside,
Ease all her fears, please do your part,
She's truly a bard, it shines from her heart."
Kilthal recites:
"Lord Bard please hear our prayers
Heed this talented lass' plea
These wonderful offerrings tae ye we bear
Give us an answer fer all tae see."
Jacinto sings:
"Cholen I often stand wondering as I see the world
I am often lost
As I step through the passing days that
twirl and twirl
Speak to us now
Tanager wishes to have guidance to show
her her path
Speak to use, this is all I ask."
(Tanager 's arms have begun to tremble slightly from the strain of holding the instrument case in quite that position, and she slowly settles back on her heels and half-lowers the instrument case, clearly attempting to relieve strain on her muscles.)
Aramina hangs her head.
Aramina bursts into tears!
Jacinto rubs Aramina gently.
Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Naamit sings:
"Master Bard if nothing else
Quench your thirst with this tea
And perhaps from there
We can coax answers to Tanager's mystery?"
Naamit taps a cup of honeyed mint tea.
Aramina takes a drink from her Mestanir dark lager.
Tanager says, "It was not your fault, Lady Aramina. At all."
Tanager just touched Aramina.
Quivalin recites:
"If none will stand or show
It's all we need to know.
Cholen wills the status quo.
The lysard, he will not take.
She won it for her talent's sake."
Jacinto grins at Quivalin.
Jacinto lets out a cheer!
Ahmeuseng sings:
"Good Cholen, you teach us of joy and good fun.
Won't you come to us now and have words with
that one?
Reassure her the gift belongs there in her
hands.
Hear her heart and her song. Bless her now
where she stands."
Aramina exclaims, "Maybe he likes chocolate donuts!"
Dremerie smiles at Quivalin.
Aramina works her fingers under her antler-set holy mask and scratches her head.
Kilthal nods to Quivalin.
Tanager asks, "I have chocolate cookies?"
Bevan nods to Quivalin.
Ylena sings:
"Cholen, great Cholen, your will is quite clear,
To all save but one that now gather here,
Your silence is louder than all yells and
shouts,
Tanager's worthy. We have no doubts."
Tanager blushes a nice shade of deep red.
Ylena nods to Tanager.
Tanager removes an iced chocolate cookie from in her suede satchel.
Quivalin lets out a cheer!
Ylena says, "Believe it yourself already."
Tanager offers Aramina an iced chocolate cookie.
Tanager just hugged Aramina.
Bevan asks, "Old friend, I do not see anyone coming to dispute her right
to it. Do you?"
Bevan glances at Quivalin.
Quivalin says, "Indeed, I do not."
Quivalin gazes in wonder at his surroundings.
Naamit says, "Perhaps that is well answer enough."
Tanager says, "I don't think I have much of a choice... and I know now
that those who would dispute my claim are hardly among the finest in Elanthia.
I think that claim lies in the faces and hearts around me...."
Jacinto says, "No bolts from above....no confirmation."
Aramina raises her chocolate cookie skyward!
Tanager blinks.
Tanager gazes up into the heavens.
Aramina sings:
"Heeeeeere Cholen!"
Tanager says, "Or-- perhaps we were heard--"
(Sometimes it doesn’t take a sign visible to all to make you know in your heart that you were seen and observed. I had such a realization at this point, and it filled me with joy to be living and adventuring in Elanthia.)
Lyricaen sings:
"Lysard of a God's True Making,
Tanager's heart 'tis Bardic True,
Shall the two soar upward e'er?
Make them forever a team of two!"
Aramina drops an iced chocolate cookie.
Tanager blinks.
(Tanager stares at the sky wonderingly.)
Dremerie recites:
"Cholen, I give you one of my more precious things.
The popcorn that my husband gave me on our
first date
Please accept this as a token of our care
Give Tanager the answer that she rates."
Dremerie drops some buttered popcorn.
Palooka sings:
"Gracious be, through Cholen one canst see
That is not by title, or any council degree
That Tanager be your sevent indeed
Answer her prayers, quell the stares
For no bard was then as worthy as she!"
Aramina gawks at Dremerie.
Bevan smiles at Dremerie.
Kilthal smiles at Dremerie.
Ahmeuseng says, "Cholen could've taken it from ye with no trouble, Tanager, if he didn't want ye to have it."
(Tanager blinks at Dremerie and starts to giggle madly.)
Ylena nods.
Tanager nods to Ahmeuseng.
Jacinto says, "I think we've been seen."
Jacinto grins.
Aramina nods to Ahmeuseng.
(Tanager finally settles back.)
(Morgatha whispers, 'May I try?')
Bevan says, "I KNOW we've been seen."
Tanager says, "I-- I heard a voice-- for only a moment--"
Kilthal nods to Morgatha.
Dremerie nods to Morgatha.
Aramina nods to Morgatha.
Ylena asks, "Dremerie, you've kept the rats out of that, haven't you?"
Tanager gazes up into the heavens.
Dremerie beams happily at Tanager!
Kilthal raises an eyebrow in Tanager's direction.
Morgatha smiles quietly, her unaccompanied voice rising like the murmur of a gently brook...
Kilthal asks, "A voice, Tanager?"
Morgatha sings:
"Cholen, wit and wonder, song and dance
The song of Tanager hath pleased your senses
With song in our hearts we wait upon your
answer
With drink in our bellies we wait
We drink to your glory!"
Tanager says, "Or perhaps not a voice... only a sense that-- we were
seen."
Dremerie says, "Aye, Been in my pocket for the last 5 years."
Jacinto turns to Tanager and cheers!
Morgatha blushes a lovely shade of bright pink.
(Morgatha blushes slightly, and leans on Bevan, holding one hand in
his warm one.)
Bevan leans on Morgatha.
Bevan says, "I had a similar one."
Naamit says, "A wonder, I see nothing."
Naamit smiles quietly to herself.
Quivalin nods to Bevan.
Naamit says, "Nor hear nothing..."
Quivalin says, "Then it is proof enough for me."
Aramina takes a drink from her Mestanir dark lager.
Aramina takes a drink from her Mestanir dark lager.
Aramina slowly empties her lungs.
Jacinto says, "I heard a murmur, is all."
Aramina hiccups!
Dremerie recites:
"'Tanager, I think Cholen has heard your prayer.
Take the Lysard into your loving care."
Dremerie smiles at Tanager.
Quivalin nods to Dremerie.
Lyricaen nods to Dremerie.
You nod to Tanager.
Bevan just kissed Tanager on the forehead.
Jacinto smiles.
Jacinto picks up a bottle of Mestanir dark lager.
Jacinto raises his Mestanir dark lager in a toast!
Aramina says, "If he isn't gonna take the donut or cookie, he sure isn't
gonna take that lysard...."
Aramina nods to Tanager.
Jacinto exclaims, "To the gods! Even when they're quiet!"
(Tanager inclines her head gracefully to Dremerie and starts to sling the lysard case back over her shoulder. She hesitates, and pauses, and stares into the night... and then, slowly, uncases the lysard.)
Tanager loosens the drawstrings of her leather lysard case, opening
it.
Tanager removes a gold-trimmed dark ebonwood lysard inlaid with a swirling
opal and amethyst mosaic pattern from in her leather lysard case.
Tanager pulls on the drawstrings of her leather lysard case, closing
it tightly.
Morgatha says, "especially when they're quiet"
Morgatha winks at Jacinto.
Jacinto grins at Morgatha.
You nod to Morgatha.
Dremerie recites:
"Be it high or mediocre quality,
I'm sure that you will cherish it
More than most others that
Could have won it."
Tanager smiles softly as she begins, finally, to play the lysard. Her skill is limited, but the joy of her heart is readily conveyed in the dance of music from the beautiful instrument.
Aramina asks, "Why wouldn't he like a donut?"
Aramina frowns.
Ahmeuseng begins chuckling at Aramina.
Aramina says, "EVERYone likes donuts..."
Jacinto says, "He has spiritual ones, I bet."
Tanager continues playing a joyful tune, the melody floating lightly
on the air.
With a blaring final note, Tanager brings her joyous tune to an end.
Tanager slings a raven black leather lysard case off from over her shoulder.
Tanager loosens the drawstrings of her leather lysard case, opening
it.
Tanager put a gold-trimmed dark ebonwood lysard inlaid with a swirling
opal and amethyst mosaic pattern in her leather lysard case.
Tanager pulls on the drawstrings of her leather lysard case, closing
it tightly.
Jacinto says, "The lysard is yours."
Tanager says, "So it indeed seems to be...."
Jacinto says, "Don't be so doubtful next time."
Tanager slowly empties her lungs.
Jacinto smiles at Tanager.
You say, "As it was afore, certain."
You smile at Tanager.
Jacinto exclaims, "And congratulations!"
Jacinto grins at Tanager.
Ahmeuseng just kissed Tanager on the cheek.
Palooka smiles at Tanager.
Tanager says, "And I thank you all greatly for coming... for your presence,
for your support. You have no idea how you've lifted my heart."
Tanager blushes a nice shade of deep red.
Lyricaen says, "As it was truly meant to be..."
Ahmeuseng says, "Jus' never stop singin'."
Dremerie says, "The judges knew that no other could have it."
Jacinto lets out a cheer!
Ylena just hugged Tanager.
Jacinto smiles.
Dremerie smiles at Tanager.
Tanager smiles at Ahmeuseng.
Lyricaen just hugged Tanager.
Aramina turns to Tanager and cheers!
Tanager just hugged Lyricaen.
Kilthal says, "Cholen's gift was meant fer ye, and will stay with ye,
Tanager."
Morgatha just hugged Tanager.
Palooka says, "none were more worthy than you Tanager, and Cholen will
deal with the critics in his own special way...hehe"
Dremerie exclaims, "You won it. Cholen has approved it. So let no one
voice a grumble about it from now on!"
(Tanager blushes brilliantly as she dips into a low, graceful curtsy, deep enough to be presented before any high court or ruler... but here for a bunch of bards. Imagine that.)
(And then most of us went off to get royally drunk.
Again, I want to thank all the participants, as I did at the beginning–
even if we received no Official Answer, I
learned for the first time just how much support
I had among the bardic community, and that was enough to wipe the whispers
I received at Bardfest away for once and for all. I do hope
Lady Aramina is gifted with the sight of the face of her God some day...
perhaps she’ll be able to attend Cholen’s Eve next year.)