[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]

I'd presumed myself a narrator. I'd presumed myself capable of being that. In my arrogance, I assumed that this reasoning could not be wrong.

It was wrong of me. And it was wrong of me still to force you and everyone else to bear the consequences of my actions.

[This, they know...this is regret. Regret for actions easily avoided.]

I never wished for you to come away believing yourselves expendable. Even less do I wish to strip you of your ability to choose.

[aurabble]

[It's kind of sad, in some ways. To Jaune it almost sounds like naivety, and yes, also arrogance. He turns to face them.] Maybe. But it happened. You'll have to live with it, just like everyone else does with their mistakes. You'll need to move forward.

[He smiles, empty and self-deprecating.] But since it is my choice to go out there, that should make things easier for you.

[story_teller]

...I suppose there, you are correct. I will. And perhaps it will not make it easier, but it will mean I must not make the same error in the future. [A hard-won lesson, but a lesson learned all the same.]

If that is your choice, then...I will do my utmost to honor it.

[The borzoi bows their head once, low and formal.]

[aurabble]

Welcome to the real world.

[Nothing is ever as simple as things are in stories.]

Yeah yeah. [His eyes dull and he folds his arms.]

[story_teller]

[They will, indeed, try - but whether or not this promise means anything will likely matter little, they know, without some form of proof to back it.]

As you wish it. Is there anything else you needed to ask of me?