"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.

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

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

>take symbol
(the medicine bag)
You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully.

>bag
Your lover's medicine bag is like a tiny garden, filled with dried herbs wrapped in leaves and small clay vials. Many lives have been saved with the power in these small things, and, of course, with skill.

>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.

>take hand
Which do you mean, Sihan or Saiph?

>saiph
You clasp Saiph's strong hand and turn to Sihan with a frown.

"What business have you here?" you ask her coldly.

Sihan tosses her hair and fixes her sharp gaze on you. "I came to see if Saiph has sense left in his head after a season with you," she says levelly. "But I see that, like you, he would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." She turns and vanishes into the darkness without a sound.

>sihan
"Sihan talks endlessly, but words cannot sharpen axes or protect children," your love says. "She is convinced still that these newcomers mean us no harm. What will it take for her to wake up to the truth?"

Saiph frowns. "She still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share her views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." He looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it."

>restart
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yes