[MU] - NOVEMBER STORYTELLING

[lifeaftr_mods]

It's beginning to become an awful habit, turning the beginning of these nights into an information session.

Still. It is rather effective.

Borzoi may not usually come in pitch black; but then, most canines do not have the pitch black of their eyes. The Storyteller sits patiently by the fire as you, dear adventurer, do what the dream asks of you. Settle opposite, and listen.

"I can only imagine that you are as ready to leave this island as ever. Whilst we have yet to find a permanent solution, I believe there is potential for a new chapter to begin on stranger shores." In a rather rare display of indulgence, the Storyteller opts to sprawl out on their side, long tail thumping against the ground. "This is, of course, voluntary. In a few days I will be capable of transporting those who wish it to these new shores- however, coming back will be decidedly more difficult.

"These lands do not belong to me. It will be your first interaction with the avatars of the islands; gods whose domain is inherently the land they have chosen to call home. As any guest is expected to do, you will be subjected to their rules- please do attempt to be polite."

They're not going to tack Ardyn, Jaune, Lup, and Newt onto the end of that sentence-- but they're definitely saying that wholly for their sake.

"I feel that it is worth mentioning that these lands have their own laws- you may find that they have an influence beyond what you have experienced thus far. I can assure, at the least, that these influences are not inherently dangerous. But take it into consideration, should you wish to join those intent on being the forward party."

A final wag of their tail, and the Borzoi pushes back into a sitting position.

"I will be here for the remainder of this dream, to address any questions you may have. Please use this time wisely."

---

It is time, once more, for you to tell a story. The setting will be familiar for oldcomers, and newcomers will recognize it from the introduction they received in their dreams. This too is a dream, and the ink-black dark is illuminated only by the bonfire surrounded by log seats. And seated around the fire are your fellow islanders, many of whom doubtless know the drill by now.

One by one, you will each have the opportunity to share your stories, as stories possess a certain undeniable power. Newcomers can tell whatever tale they wish, but for those who have been in LifeAftr for at least one Storytelling, only stories of their time in LifeAftr will count down the road. The story need not be long, or conventional, or even verbal; as long as the Storyteller knows it has been told, it will qualify.

If you prefer to keep your mouth shut, that's always an option, though you're more liable to benefit if you do. Perhaps you'd rather not relive any of your history, varied and variegated as it must be. Or maybe you're something of a compulsive un-truther, prone to embellishments and long, fanciful tangents. As long as the core of the story is true to its spirit, you are free to spin your tale however you like.

So choose well.

Comments

[story_teller]

[Their tone is flat, as though reprimanding a child for sticking their finger into a lit candle and wondering why it burned.]

You ought to have considered that before you severed it from your own body. Death may be impermanent, but my power has its limits. I cannot bring every bit of you back at once.

[foreverafter]

I was dealing with a monster. The person pulling me wasn't strong enough. And I paid my dues.

Do you expect me to grovel?

[story_teller]

[The dog swishes their tail once. Twice.]

[When they speak again, it is in a tone of the utmost professional neutrality. We're sorry; the number you have reached is not available. Please leave a message after the tone.]

Then put forth a story as an offering and make your request. I had thought such a procedure would be obvious. I am not your genitor. I cannot do everything for you.

[foreverafter]

[ This feral, disgusting child puts forth her stories, all three of them. ]

[story_teller]

Yes, excellent. How good that you understand how this all works.

Now be sure to repeat the process in the waking world, and I'll see what can be done.

[foreverafter]

If that's what it takes, storyteller.

[story_teller]

Will that be all?

[They have other tantrum-prone children to see to, after all.]

[foreverafter]

That's all.

[ That they do. ]

[story_teller]

[Good.]

[Then with that, between one second and the next, they are gone. The space they once is empty, and Saichiko is alone.]