"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe;
            Returned, and cut his story into stone..."


                     -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh













             Whom The Telling Changed


                                    By Aaron A. Reed

                                        








Would you like instructions?>no



The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way.

-----------

The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough.

The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent.

>go outside
You hesitate for a moment. The telling will begin soon, and it is custom to bring the symbol of your occupation to so important an event.

>symbol
Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger?

>bag
A small leather medicine pouch hangs from a long strap, bulging with curative herbs.

>dagger
This copper dagger is as long as your forearm, with a round pommel and hardened leather grip.

>take dagger
You carefully take your weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment.

>look at dagger
Your dagger fits snugly in your hand, the copper blade as long as your forearm. You have knives and spears for other work, but this dagger is different. It is your prized possession; a talisman against times of woe, and though it has been long since you wielded it in war, your muscles still remember the way to use it.

Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent.

>undo
Your Tent
[Previous turn undone.]

>undo
Your Tent
[Previous turn undone.]

>take bag
The leather strap feels cool and familiar in your hands as you take your medicine bag down from its place.

>look at dagger
Your lover's dagger is long as your forearm and lovingly oiled and sharpened. It is a prized possession, a talisman against times of woe.

Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent.

>go outside
You step outside into the warm night air.

It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive.

In the darkness a few feet away, Sihan and Saiph talk quietly in strained tones.

As you approach, your enemy grows silent. Your love turns to you with a look of relief and reaches out a hand.

>restart
Are you sure you want to restart?
y