Spooky Stories Night, 10/31/1998, Dreamheart’s Concert Series, Baearholt's Farmhold
As transcribed by Mykk Dalys
It has
been 355 years, 349 days since the Victory of Lanival the Redeemer.
It is the
9th month of Dolefaren the Brigantine (ship) in the year of the Emerald Dolphin
It is
currently fall.
It is very early morning.
It's
raining a downpour.
A bolt
of white-hot lightning flashes down from the heavens!
A loud,
buffeting roar shakes the air around you.
[Baearholt's
Farmhold, Taproom]
Dark
oak beams criss-cross the low whitewashed ceiling in the taproom of Baearholt's
Farmhold. In the corner, a bard sits on
a tall stool playing a rapid melody on her gittern as patrons join in a hearty
drinking song and sample the quality meads and ales for which Baearholt's is
known. You also see a narrow door, a
polished mahogany counter and a menu.
***********************************
***********************************
Storyteller Ailill Dreaghnean, a
Human Bard
Balladeer Austeria Tollemache, a
Human Bard
Axem
Cemm Marcolin, a Human Warrior Mage
Clerris
Sentinel
Donic
Taleweaver Dreamheart Delaevan,
a Human Bard
Drosjex
Poet Firannion Matrevyn, a Human
Bard
Gwaihr
Imari
Jaguari
Jipamc Zifna'b, a S'Kra Mur Warrior
Mage
Juleanne Sylvermyst, an Elothean
Keriala
Kerianna
Mystic
Khaman
Larnae
Lena Silverburg, a Human Commoner
Sir
Maliktoo
Healer
Marandia
Meronda
Nekayah Astyrel, an Elothean Bard
Nimuen
Presagia
Rubyshard
Ryian Mnhei`sahe, an Elothean Ranger
Sentinel
Salamae
Samantha NyteCloaked, a S'Kra Mur
Ranger
Storym
Thorns
Tlarra
Praetor
Tohrum
Bard
Useff
Ailill: Ghost of Obsidian Pass
Dreamheart: "Young Woman and the Watcher"
Therrilliar: "Jenarta and Hadulo"
******************************************************
* YOU ARE LOGGING INTO THE GAME DURING A
MAJOR EVENT *
*
Do NOT Assist or Report asking about it. *
*
This event will last through this weekend. *
******************************************************
Strange things are afoot. The skies are filled with storms and the
undead stir. Great evil walks the
Realms and seeks to catch you in its fiendish traps. Where and how it might sieze you no one knows. Be prepared and remember that no matter how
bleak things seem, there is always hope.
Your
mind hears Fircia thinking, "great storm... wheres the rest?!?"
Your
mind hears Joshuah thinking, "Such a night."
Your
mind hears Rock thinking, "Hell, be happy we aint all half dead, maybe
we've been an effective deterent.
Prepare fer the werst - dead or injured with no Paths or Clerics
around. Dont hang alone and defluff,
get backup blessed weapons, and favas are my suggestions <salute>"
Your
mind hears Fandella thinking, "According to Gabela: If memories protected and glyphed,
depart. You'll be a spirit. Touch the cleric there, and he/she then
waves lighted incense and you become dead again. He/she does soul bond and the dead one lives."
Your
mind hears Fandella thinking, "If no cleric and just glyphed and depart,
you do the touch/kiss altar and then dig grave."
Your
mind hears Moonsmasher thinking, "or ye can get a soul bond on your dead
body, run to the altar, touch it, then ye get teleported to your grave
alive"
Your
mind hears Fandella thinking, "and you may need to touch more than
twice."
Your
mind hears Zyxan thinking, "Ack!
things are coming out of his grave!!!"
Your
mind hears Jesamina thinking, "A cleric can also cast Phelim's Sanction to
send a spirit back, but I think they hit rock bottom devotion for that"
Your
mind hears Talladega thinking, "clerics are unable to raise "
Your
mind hears Zyxan thinking, "so what happens if the spirit doesn't get back
to his grave before it disappears?"
Your
mind hears Redarch thinking, "Zyxan..just what ye are seeing now..the
stuff appears on the ground for graverobbers to take..if they don't get back to
it in time..and Oshpej spirit in Cleric guild..where do we send it?"
[Baearholt's
Farmhold]
Just
off the Northern Trade Route stands an ivy-covered small brick building which
houses Baearholt's Tavern. Part of the
family farmhold, it is renowned for its meads and ale, all of which are brewed
on the premises under Ivor Baearholt's exacting supervision. You also see a twisting wooded trail.
Obvious
paths: none.
Taleweaver
Dreamheart just arrived.
Dreamheart
turns her gaze to the sky for a few moments.
You nod
to Dreamheart.
You
say, "Nasty."
Dreamheart
says, "Heyo."
Aes-Danai
Fandella just arrived.
You
ask, "We on for tonight?"
Dreamheart
says, "you bet."
Aes-Danai
Fandella went down a twisting wooded trail.
You
smile.
Dreamheart
exclaims, "the Show Must Go On!"
You
say, "After you."
Dreamheart
winks.
You
wave.
Taleweaver
Dreamheart entered Baearholt's Tavern.
Your
mind hears Atanamir thinking, "Spooky story night begins here at
Baearholt's in 10 minutes with some of the finest talents of the Realms!"
[Baearholt's
Farmhold, Taproom]
Dark
oak beams criss-cross the low whitewashed ceiling in the taproom of Baearholt's
Farmhold. In the corner, a bard sits on
a tall stool playing a rapid melody on her gittern as patrons join in a hearty
drinking song and sample the quality meads and ales for which Baearholt's is
known. You also see a narrow door, a
polished mahogany counter with some stuff on it and a menu.
Obvious
exits: out.
Kortny
says, "I thought when you said scary stories you meant like when Silvry
wanted us to learn all that lore and everywhere you look there was crushing and
crushing and crushinng"
Kortny
screams!
Dreamheart
says, "Good evening everyone! Welcome to our special night of stories by
some of the best storytellers in the Realms."
Dreamheart
says, "Sprinkled amid the tales tonight will be a few songs, and a poem
recitation, as well."
Dreamheart
says, "There are refreshments on the counter for everyone, and since there
is a full program, without any further delay..."
Dreamheart
says, "I would like to remind you that performers love shiny things for
tips, and they also love your complete attention during the performance."
Dreamheart
exclaims, "Nekayah is first with a timely song, "Octa's
Witches". The floor is yours Nekayah!"
Nekayah
stands up.
Nekayah
wobbles, looking a bit faint.
Nekayah
smiles timidly.
Nekayah
opens her medium case.
Nekayah
gets a carved wren-engraved pick from inside her medium case.
Nekayah
slides a carved wren-engraved pick onto her finger.
Nekayah
puts her rose in her backpack.
Nekayah
listens carefully to the cherrywood mandolin, plucking the strings.
Nekayah
says, "Um..."
Nekayah
says, "I'm sorry this song isn't better."
Nekayah
says, "It seems a barbarian or a child can do better."
Nekayah
winces.
Nekayah
says, "Anyway..."
Nekayah
says, "If a couple of you would like to chorus with me, it might sound
better."
Nekayah
smiles hopefully.
Nekayah
nods.
Nekayah
clears her throat.
Nekayah
recites:
"I call this 'Octa's Witches.'
Sometimes the most horrifying things are not just stories."
Nekayah
smiles sadly and begins fingering her mandolin rapidly.
Ailill's
baritone, Kortny's baritone, Therrilliar's mezzo-soprano and Dreamheart's alto
join with Nekayah's mezzo-soprano as she sings:
"Oh, I met a dozen witches on the
darkest of the moon,
They said that they were waiting for
another coming soon.
They eyed me with their hard eyes and
they touched me with their claws.
I called upon Faenella, yet that gave
them no pause."
Nekayah
sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:
"Francesse may argue openly, and
Meanne may poke fun.
While Octa moves in secrecy, and Orgredd
tries weak puns,
But in the shadows one dark night they
quietly arrayed
Above the Seirgelde heights to watch as
poor Dahan decayed."
Nekayah
smiles and looks up at you while still fingering her mandolin rapidly.
Ailill's
baritone, Kortny's baritone, Therrilliar's mezzo-soprano and Dreamheart's alto
join with Nekayah's mezzo-soprano as she sings:
"Oh, I met a dozen witches on the
darkest of the moon,
They said that they were waiting for
another coming soon.
So watch your children closely and
prepare for a black day.
When debts to gods are questioned, be
sure someone will pay."
Nekayah
smiles sadly and fingers her mandolin more deliberately.
Nekayah
sadly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:
"'Twas Sadar drew the dagger almost
gently on the throat,
To paint all of their foreheads with a
sticky, still hot coat.
But now they say they do not kill
--perhaps it was just once.
I say believe them, trust them --but then
I am just a dunce."
Nekayah
smiles and begins fingering her mandolin firmly.
Ailill's
baritone, Kortny's baritone, Therrilliar's mezzo-soprano and Dreamheart's alto
join with Nekayah's mezzo-soprano as she sings:
"Oh, I met a dozen witches on the
darkest of the moon,
They said that they were waiting for
another coming soon.
You'd better harvest garlic bulbs and
nail them to your door,
There's something faintly on the wind, I
think the smell of war."
Nekayah
slowly sings in a mezzo-soprano voice:
"There's something faintly on the
wind, I think the smell of war."
Nekayah
smiles and lets the last note hang until it fades.
Nekayah
curtsies.
Firannion
smiles grimly at Nekayah.
Therrilliar
applauds.
Storym
applauds.
Salamae
applauds.
Kerianna
applauds.
Therrilliar
exclaims, "Wonderful!"
Nekayah
curtsies.
Axem
applauds.
Austeria
applauds.
Gwaihr
applauds.
Firannion
applauds.
Dreamheart
applauds.
You
applaud.
Jaguari
applauds.
Kortny
applauds.
You
hear the voice of Issus exclaim, "::cheers:: Great song!!!!"
Maliktoo
lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
Ailill lets
out a hearty cheer for Nekayah!
Nekayah
takes a seat.
Samantha
applauds.
Drosjex
applauds.
Firannion
takes a sip of her double-bock.
Storym
lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
Ryian
grins.
Jaguari
takes a seat.
Donic
applauds.
Firannion
searches around for a moment.
Dreamheart
says, "Well done Nekayah! timely."
Dreamheart
nods.
Dreamheart
nods.
Dreamheart
stands up.
Dreamheart
says, "And now, Storyteller Ailill will tell us about Ghost of Obsidian
Pass."
Dreamheart
nods to Ailill.
Ailill
stands up.
Dreamheart
says, "The stool is yours Ailill."
Dreamheart
takes a seat.
Ailill
paces back and forth.
Firannion
blinks.
Ailill
frets.
Ailill
says, "ok"
Ailill
says, "took a long walk back from my hovel in Kaerna thinkin on this"
Ailill
says, "not a memory I like to conjure"
Ailill
says, "but as its near Jeolandu, thought this fit"
Ailill
quietly says, "'Travel on the South Trade Road is not without its
risks. Snowbeasts I was ready for. But what I tell you now will make you think
again about the gondola and Obsidian Pass.
I was returning north. Tired from some harrowing escapes in Undershard,
I was not seeking company. On boarding
the gondola, a large and boisterous traveling party was already inside. I stayed in the foyer for some quiet. To pass the time, I took a large gem from my
sack to give it a look over."
Ailill
inhales a great swallow of air.
Ailill
nervously says, "'As I gazed closely at my stone, searching for flaws and
some clue as to its value, the room grew unusually cold. From the corner of my eye, I saw someone
else in the room. Turning, I found no
one there. Looking again at my gem I
noticed a faint glow in the center of the stone. "
Ailill gasps!
Ailill
helplessly says, "'I looked closer and my gaze was trapped. I tried to look away, but could not. The glow grew until the room was filled by a
flickering green light. I felt a
presence with me. In me. I could not stop looking at the glowing
stone. I saw movement inside. I screamed in my mind as thoughts not my own
swept me away."
Ailill
moans.
(Ailill
leans back into the shadow of the firelight.
From the darkness you hear his voice, now strangely changed. Older and somehow more sinister.)
Ailill
excitedly says, "'The moon has gone behind the ridge. Now I must move Lormahle to the center of
the stone circle. Quickly, fool! If my master finds me before the deed is
done, there will truly be hell to pay.
I must find the courage to cast this infernal spell and imprison her
soul to fuel the gondola forever. If
only Aesthene had tried this spell in all the secret times I have watched
him. No matter. "
Ailill
smugly says, "'Do the deed, and then T'vargath will be a name
remembered! The mighty Aesthene,
himself, hasn't solved this in 3 attempts.
And on the morrow the great wizard will climb the path and find the
gondola moving of itself, just as Queen Morganae and Ferdahl Alec
requested."
Ailill
darkly exclaims, "'There she is in place!
The spell has been prepared. The dark night seems to grow close as my
spell takes form. Building. Strengthening. The words of power forging a cage around her soft soul, as the
facets of this gem that will be the vessel.
Soon, it will proceed of its own.
Not even Aesthene can stop the spell now!"
Ailill
helplessly says, "'Wait! What is
happening? The spell - something is
wrong, but I can't stop now. The power
would be released unbound! By Kertigen,
he is here! Aesthene. No, I am found. He is chanting too. I
feel his power twisting my spell like a snake.
Twisting back to bite me!"
Ailill
weakly exclaims, "'Too late! He
has known all along. And now joining
the spell he has turned it on me. Where
is that lovely young maid, Lormahle? The
perfect sacrifice to fuel the gondola with her spirit's pain. He has placed me at the focus of these
demonic forces. The spell cannot be
stopped, and I know not how to shift it again!"
Ailill
begins an eerie, warbling wail of despair.
Ailill
leans forward.
(Ailill
leans forward and seems to grow in size.
His eyes blaze with a righteous fury!)
Ailill
angrily says, "'"Stupid fool!
Oh, T'vargath, if only you had waited.
But no. I forget. You had not the skill and when I felt this
spell invoked tonight I knew my suspicions were true. How long did you spy on me, when I thought I was alone? There is a darker side to magic and you were
not sufficiently prepared. In your
ambition, you sought to imprison the poor innocent here and do what I could not?" "
Ailill
sternly says, "'"Then you shall certainly get what you deserve, my
apprentice. The gondola shall soon
fly. And you shall have eternity to
learn patience. At least you shall have
immortality with the gondola.""
Ailill
hopelessly says, "'Swifter now the power gathers, coalescing in a
many-sided cage around me, like the facets of a gem. Again, glowing with a flickering green light. "
Ailill
shivers.
(Ailill
sits forward into to the light. You see
the memory haunts him still.)
Ailill
weakly says, "'And as I gazed in horror, I saw the gem in my hands, the
glow slowly fading. I saw an image in
the top facet. As I looked I saw my
reflection with the agonized face of T'vargath looking back at me. The glow faded at last, and I was released."
Ailill
shudders.
Ailill
sighs.
Ailill
says, "I haven't been south of Leth since"
Samantha
clucks her tongue and shakes her head.
Storym
takes a sip of his ale.
Dreamheart
grins at Ailill.
Marandia
applauds.
Kortny
applauds.
Presagia
applauds.
Nekayah
exclaims, "I can see why not!"
Axem
applauds.
Meronda's
jaw drops.
Presagia
applauds.
Maliktoo
lets out a loud "Huzzah!" for Ailill!
Useff
applauds.
Lena
quietly says, "I don't blame you"
Tohrum
applauds.
Storym
applauds.
Meronda
applauds.
Jaguari
stands up.
Donic
applauds.
Samantha
lets out a hearty cheer for Ailill!
Useff
gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Marandia
giggles.
Rubyshard
applauds.
Jaguari
applauds.
Lena
smiles.
Maliktoo
applauds.
Marandia
kneels.
Therrilliar
applauds.
Drosjex
smiles at Ailill.
Dreamheart
nods to Lena.
Marandia
leaps to her feet!
Nekayah
applauds.
You
applaud.
Storym
takes a sip of his ale.
Maliktoo
kneels.
Marandia
dusts herself off.
Lena
applauds.
Ailill
smiles.
Maliktoo
stands up.
You take
a sip of the mead.
Presagia
lets out a hearty cheer for Ailill!
Jaguari
disbands his group.
You
hear the voice of Issus say, "::cheers:: "
Dreamheart
exclaims, "Smart bard!"
Lena
blows gently on a diminutive glass fishbowl, prompting the tiny red selhinyasu
to rise greedily to the water's surface.
Samantha
exclaims, "nicely dun!"
Marandia
enfolds Maliktoo in a warm embrace.
Dreamheart
lets out a loud "Huzzah!" for Ailill!
Maliktoo
adjusts his metallic blue plate.
Dreamheart
stands up.
Austeria
applauds.
Dreamheart
smiles.
Lena
smiles.
Firannion
lets out a hearty cheer for Ailill!
Storym
takes a sip of his ale.
Nekayah
says, "Oh course, being trapped on the gondola..."
Ailill
says, "thank ye"
Nekayah
says, "Just think of the captive audiences."
Drosjex
pats Ailill on the back.
Gwaihr
lets out a hearty cheer for Ailill!
You
hear someone laughing.
Dreamheart
says, "Next, we have Firannion herself with one of her famous songs. I
believe it is a premiere for a new work, too."
Dreamheart
nods to Firannion.
Dreamheart
takes a seat.
Firannion
puts her cloth in her instrument case.
Firannion
says, "Actually not, Dreamie. This is a traditional song of very ancient
origin."
Dreamheart
says, "Ahhh."
Dreamheart
nods to Firannion.
Dreamheart
appears to be listening intently for something.
Ailill
exclaims, "We love you Firannion!"
Ailill
ducks his head.
Ailill
blushes a bright red color.
(Ailill
hides behind Therrilliar)
Firannion
says, "Some of you may know that, besides being a songwriter, I am also
something of an amateur collector of traditional songs."
Firannion
says, "In my travels I have found that some of the best old tales and
songs are passed down by midwives."
Firannion
says, "That's where I learned this one. I am told it dates back to the
days before ever iron was forged."
Firannion
says, "When kings ruled not necessarily for life...but only for as long as
they could prove their virility, so that the crops would continue to
flourish."
Firannion
smiles.
Firannion
says, "Here is a song of such a king...a paragon of chivalry, as well,
named Henry."
Firannion
says, "The history books have forgotten him, but the midwives have
not."
Firannion
listens carefully to the silk-stringed pyi-pya, plucking the strings.
Firannion
smiles grimly as she begins to pick out a dark tune in a minor key on her
pyi-pya.
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
"Let never a man a-wooing wend that
lacketh thinges three:
A store of gold, an open heart and full
of charity
And this was seen of King Henry, though
he lay quite alone
For he's taken him to a haunted hall,
seven miles from the town"
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
"He's chased the deer now him before,
and the doe down by the den
Till the fattest buck in all the flock
King Henry he has slain
His huntsmen followed him to the hall to
make them burly cheer
When loud the wind was heard to sound and
an earthquake rocked the floor"
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
"And darkness covered all the hall
where they sat at their meat
The grey dogs, yowling, left their food
and crept to Henry's feet
Then louder howled the rising wind and
burst the fastened door
And in there came a grisly ghost,
a-standing on the floor"
Firannion
shudders.
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
"Her head hit the roof-tree of the house,
her middle you could not span
Each frightened huntsman fled the hall
and left the King alone
Her teeth were like the tether-stakes,
her nose like club or maul
And nothing less she seemed to be than a
fiend that comes from Hell"
(Firannion
shifts into a rhythm even more menacing-sounding than the first, like an
impatient beast stomping to and fro.)
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""Some meat, some meat, you King
Henry, some meat you give to me
Go kill your horse, you King Henry, and
bring him here to me!"
He's gone and slain his berry-brown
steed, though it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten up both flesh and bone,
left nothing but hide and hair"
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""More meat, more meat, you King
Henry, more meat you give to me
Go kill your greyhounds, King Henry, and
bring them here to me!"
And when he's slain his good greyhounds,
it made his heart full sore
For she's eaten up both flesh and bone,
left nothing but hide and hair"
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""More meat, more meat, you King
Henry, more meat you give to me
Go fell your goshawks, King Henry, and
bring them here to me!"
And when he's slain his gay goshawks, it
made his heart full sore
For she's eaten up both flesh and bone,
left nothing but feathers bare"
Firannion
smiles rather nastily as she takes an instrumental break, giving her listeners
time to ponder exactly whose flesh the hag might crave for her next snack.
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""Some drink, some drink now,
King Henry, some drink you give to me
Oh, you sew up your horse's hide and
bring in a drink to me!"
So he's sewn up the bloody hide and a
cask of wine put in
And she drank it up all in one draught,
left never a drop therein"
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""A bed, a bed now, King Henry,
a bed you'll make for me
Oh, you must pull the heather green and
make it soft for me!"
So pulled has he the heather green and made
for her a bed
And taken has he his gay mantle and over
it he has spread"
Firannion
ponders the faces of the men in the audience blanching one by one as they begin
to figure out where this is going.
Firannion
smirks.
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
""Take off your clothes now,
King Henry, and lie down by my side
Now swear, now swear, you King Henry, to
take me for your bride!"
"The gods forbid," says King
Henry, "that ever the like betide
That ever a fiend that comes from Hell
should stretch down by my side!""
Firannion
ponders the extremes to which some paladins will go in pursuit of perfect
chivalry as she plays one last instrumental break.
Firannion
sings in a soprano voice:
"When the night was gone and the day was
come and the sun shone through the hall
The fairest lady that ever was seen lay
between him and the wall!
"I've met with many a gentle knight
that gave me such a fill
But never before with a courteous knight
that gave me all my will.""
Firannion
grins.
Firannion
curtsies.
Useff
chortles softly at some secret joke.
Meronda
beams!
Lena
smiles.
Useff
applauds.
Khaman
sighs.
Nekayah
applauds.
Therrilliar
applauds.
Cemm
grins.
Khaman
smiles.
Meronda
applauds.
Cemm
applauds.
Meronda
applauds.
Cemm
lets out a hearty cheer for Firannion!
Useff
lets out a hearty cheer for Firannion!
Dreamheart
laughs!
Nimuen
applauds.
Larnae
applauds.
Dreamheart
applauds.
Storym
lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
Drosjex
applauds.
Atanamir
applauds.
Delsydraya
applauds.
Cemm
grins.
Atanamir
grins at Firannion.
Drosjex
says, "that was good."
Gwaihr
grins.
Firannion
says, "And so King Henry passes the test..."
Drosjex
smiles.
Dreamheart
lets out a hearty cheer for Firannion!
Gwaihr
applauds.
You
beam at Firannion!
Meronda
applauds.
Firannion
winks.
Austeria
lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
You
hear the voice of Issus say, "::cheers::"
Midiazo
just arrived.
Ailill
lets out a hearty cheer for Firannion!
Storym
takes a sip of his ale.
Dreamheart
stands up.
You
hear someone laughing.
Gwaihr
takes a sip of his mead.
Momus
entered a narrow door.
Kortny
smiles at Firannion.
Midiazo
raises an eyebrow.
You
take a sip of the mead -- quite sweet and delicious!
Dreamheart
says, "And so do you, Firannion, and so do you."
Nimuen
lets out a hearty cheer for Firannion!
Ryian
applauds.
Lena
says, "Good story"
Firannion
says, "The lasses do seem to like that one better than the lads do, for
some reason."
Nimuen
says, "That's because most lasses don't have t'deal with themselves in th'
morning."
Dreamheart
asks, "Ailill, would you hold my drink for me, please?"
Ailill
nods.
Dreamheart
offers Ailill a glass of pumpkin lambric.
Ailill
says, "course"
Ailill
accepts Dreamheart's pumpkin lambric.
Ailill
says, "so long as you ferget how full it was"
Dreamheart
says, "Just when you thought it was safe ... I fear you are going to have
to listen to me tell a traditional tale."
Dreamheart
takes a seat.
(Dreamheart
begins to speak in a clear, captivating tone...)
Dreamheart
says, "This story has several stars.
The first, of course, is the Young Woman."
Dreamheart
says, "The lass was in her tenth circle of study and tonight she journeyed
out in the wilderness, accompanied by a Paladin who had come to protect
her."
Dreamheart
says, "She knew all guild members had to endure these dangerous jobs, and
her duty this time was to help restore the memories of several who had fallen
to trouble up on the Northern Trade Route."
(Dreamheart
looks everyone directly in the eyes, and you remember the last time you faced
down some fell creature that direction, and how ugly they are.)
Dreamheart
says, "The night was still and moonless, and this duty seemed particularly
harsh tonight. Luckily, she was not
alone. Her companion would harness for her, and trace wards when she was
done."
Dreamheart
says, "Her mind was numb from so much work, and by the time the last one
had been cared for, she felt the need to rest."
(Dreamheart
shakes her head as if she were weary.)
Dreamheart
sighs.
Dreamheart
says, "She turned to go back to town.
The Paladin, hearing a report of swarming crocodiles, told her to go on,
he would take care of this battle himself."
Dreamheart
says, "So she started toward home with wary eyes watching the path over
the lava flow."
Dreamheart
says, "She felt a light breeze on her cheek and then heard a noise,
'whhhshpth!' which startled her."
Dreamheart
blinks.
Dreamheart
says, "She called out to her companion, but there was no answer, he had
not caught up with her. Fear began to
creep upwards through her numbed mind, and she realized she should quickly get
back to town."
(Dreamheart
bites her lip, her eyes widen, her voice softens...)
Dreamheart
quietly says, "Walking along the path again, she came to a fork in the
road and paused for a moment to remember which one to take. Once more, there was light breeze on her
cheek and she heard a noise behind her."
Dreamheart
exclaims, "whhhshpth!"
Dreamheart
says, "She turned just in time to see a man out of the corner of her eye,
garbed in black, trying to tiptoe by her.
She screamed and took the left fork of the road."
(Dreamheart
begins to tell the story a little faster...)
Dreamheart
says, "As she rounded the turn, the same man suddenly steped out of the
shadows just as she passed him."
Dreamheart
says, "Knowing that this was too much of a close call, she stepped up her
pace, holding her shield for maximum protection and making sure that her
cutlass was clearly visible."
Dreamheart
says, "She got all the way to the turn off on the path to Fire Sprites,
finally, and thought she was safe from the stalking stranger. Taking a moment to catch her breath, she
felt again that breeze upon her cheek and that odd noise,"
Dreamheart
exclaims, "whhhshpth!"
Dreamheart
gasps!
Dreamheart
says, "Frightened beyond even a scream this time, she headed down the main
road and to the rockslide, hoping to see someone, anyone, who could help
her."
Dreamheart
says, "As she reached to grab hold of a convenient branch to help her
climb down the rockslide, the strange man revealed himself again! She turned to flee her pursuer."
(Dreamheart
pauses dramatically. You suddenly feel
an urge to hold your breath.)
Dreamheart
shifts her weight.
Dreamheart
says, "Down the road she ran."
Dreamheart
furrows her brow.
Dreamheart
says, "But as she turned to head south at the caravansary, she saw him
tiptoeing by her, following her again, hiding in the shadows! She fled."
Dreamheart
says, "Even the reaver waiting on the path looked like a much more welcome
sight, and they were no small threat to her."
Dreamheart
shakes her head.
Dreamheart
exclaims, "She plunged on down the trail, hoping for the bridge that would
take her to the last section towards the city.
As she ran, dreading the man who stalked her, she saw him again reveal
himself and reach out a hand....!"
Dreamheart
shudders.
Dreamheart
leans forward.
Dreamheart
says, "Her heart was pounding, and the only thing fueling her legs must
have been the sheer terror she felt.
She ran, straight along the path.
The city gates were south. South
she ran."
(Dreamheart
speaks forcefully, using her voice to effectively add to the mounting tension.)
Dreamheart
says, "Again, near Kaerna, the stranger stepped out of the shadows right
beside her."
Dreamheart
shifts her weight.
Dreamheart
says, "She was sure it was only fortune, or perhaps the Goddess that kept
her from his clutches. She ran, not even looking back."
Dreamheart
says, "The city gates were right ahead, she could see the lanterns. Safety was all she wanted right now. As she ran through the gates, she paused to
steady herself. And in that
moment..."
Dreamheart
exclaims, "WHHHSHPTH!"
Dreamheart
blinks.
Dreamheart
says, "The same stranger stepped out of the shadows with a look in his
eyes that terrified her, and before his hand could reach out to her, she ran.
Straight to the Guild."
Dreamheart
leans back.
Dreamheart
says, "She collapsed, sobbing, as she entered and told her waiting friends
and aquaintances that someone was trying to kill her, and had stalked her all
that way. She described him as best she
could, and as she was about ..."
Dreamheart
takes a seat.
Dreamheart
says, "to tell them that this stalking stranger was in their very own
town, a darkly clad man steps into the Guild entrance."
Dreamheart
says, "She screamed, "That's HIM!," pointing to the man in the
doorway."
Dreamheart
glances at a narrow door.
Dreamheart
says, "The man leaned on the Guild entrance, clad in black, there was
something very classy about him, but at the same time quite disarming. One look
verified he had indeed earned the title of Watcher. He blinked, and then in a calm voice explained, "Lass, do
not be afraid."
Dreamheart
says, "She interrupted him, "Don't get near me! Someone help me, he is trying to kill
me."
Dreamheart
shifts her weight.
Dreamheart
says, "The Watcher waved down her hysteria, and continued, "Lass, it
is not me whom you should fear. Did you
hear those odd noises in the night?" He waited for her answer."
Dreamheart
says, "She nodded her head at him, looking unconvinced."
Dreamheart
nods.
Dreamheart
says, "He spoke in measured tones, "You were being stalked by a most
foul Fiend. The Fiend was moving to
strike when you heard that. Each time
it did, I stepped forward to put myself between it and you."
Dreamheart
says, "The creature is now dead, I engaged it at the city gates. You need not fear any longer."
Dreamheart
says, "The Watcher looked at the frightened young woman and smiled in a
gentle manner. "We will speak
again. Rest, now, you need it."
(Dreamheart
sighs with relief, the tension lifts from the room in a breath.)
Dreamheart
says, "The lass was so startled she could not do anything but watch him
turn to walk out the door. It was then
that she noticed he was leaving a trail of blood."
(Dreamheart
tilts her head to one side and looks up and smiles at everyone.)
Dreamheart
stands up.
Dreamheart
asks, "I would hazard a professional guess that there will be more to THAT
story someday, did you notice how the Watcher looked at the young woman?"
Dreamheart
winks.
Dreamheart
smiles.
Dreamheart
curtsies.
Nimuen
smiles.
Khaman
chuckles.
Meronda
applauds.
Larnae
applauds.
Lena
grins.
Nimuen
applauds.
Nekayah
nods to Dreamheart.
Firannion
beams at Dreamheart!
Ailill
asks, "same way I look at you?"
Gwaihr
grins.
Cemm
grins.
Imari
applauds.
Cemm
applauds.
Storym
lets out a loud "Huzzah!"
Atanamir
grins.
Drosjex
lets out a hearty cheer for Dreamheart!
Atanamir
applauds.
Austeria
applauds.
Samantha
ponders dat a spell
Jipamc
lets out a hearty cheer for Dreamheart!
Ryian
applauds.
Therrilliar
applauds.
Ailill
ducks his head.
Firannion
lets out a hearty cheer for Dreamheart!
Axem
applauds.
Drosjex
applauds.
Atanamir
gets an impish expression on his face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Kortny
applauds.
Keriala
smiles.
Cemm
lets out a hearty cheer for Dreamheart!
Delsydraya
applauds.
Meronda
smiles and whistles loudly.
Drosjex
stands up.
Kortny
grins.
Keriala
lets out a hearty cheer for Dreamheart!
Lena
gets an impish expression on her face, and lets out a hearty cheer.
Firannion
just nudged Ailill.
Cemm
beams at Dreamheart!
Tlarra
gets a glass of golden perry from atop a polished mahogany counter.
Drosjex
applauds.
Samantha
applauds.
Lena
applauds.
Nekayah
says, "At least she didn't meet him in a tavern."
You
hear the voice of Issus say, "::cheerclapapplaud::"
Gwaihr
applauds.
Ailill
giggles at Firannion.
Dreamheart
says, "And now, Kortny, the floor is yours."
Dreamheart
takes a seat.
Kortny
gazes down at the floor.
Kortny
says, "Little nicer than the floor in my house but be a pain to pack it
there."
Kortny
smiles.
Kortny
says, "A story you want and a story I have."
Kortny
says, "Truth and legend are often intertwined."
Kortny
says, "This story has parts of both in it, so judge for yourself."
Kortny
smiles.
Kortny
begins his Bardic performance for his audience.
Kortny
says, "This is the story of Anlorahlhe by Kortny Horselords."
Khaman
leans back.
Kortny
recites:
"When the armies of the World Dragon
Priests
Had retreated to the area of the Black
Hand
The Elotheans and Elves of the shattered
city of Shard
Banded together to rebuild Shard and the
province of Ilith."