[MU] - JANUARY STORYTELLING

[lifeaftr_mods]

For once, there is nothing that needs sharing before this particular dream. There is, perhaps, a lingering edge of tension, of anticipation, like a great jungle cat gathering their hindquarters just moments prior to making a leap.

But you knew that already, didn't you?

In any case, everything settles into place with the air of natural routine.



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

[lightlessfuture]

[ The Knight has very little to say (nothing at all, in fact) but their sword finds a lot of work, drawing in the sand. Both stories are told in pictures, without words, though the Knight seems keen to clarify any questions.

They might get a little distressed if you accidentally smudge a picture, though they'll correct it in short order.

first:
These pictures produce a story about a smith who forged a 'perfect weapon'. Overcome by the product of his life's work, he begged to be struck down with it, so that his life could be ended by the blade's keen edge.

The warrior refused, and though the smith was left bereft for a time, he found another calling, and a kindred spirit in a warrior who had put down his arms to paint, instead. They remained happy, together.

second:
These pictures tell a story about an old stag beetle whose duty was to travel far and wide, through a kingdom brought to dust and ruin. Though the rest of his kindred were dead and gone, he still served. He was the last of his kind, or so he thought.

With a traveler's help, he found ways long lost, and remembered the way back to the place he was born. In that place, there was a freshly hatched egg, and the old stag realised he was not alone, and no longer the last. ]

second

[souris_keteer]

[Mickey isn't 100% sure what the story is about, but he gets the gist of it, and he smiles.]

... I'm glad the little guy's not alone anymore.

First

[prettypurpleparlor]

[Muffet looks over the Knight's illustrations with thoughtful eyes, trying to be sure that she understands just what she's looking at- it seems important to her that she understand it properly. Finally, she smiles softly.]

I'm happy for them, that they found each other. People aren't meant to be alone.

[lightlessfuture]

[ They nod at Muffet's response. They'd chosen to tell the story for more than one reason; it was something they could change, some good they could do in a place where so much had already been lost.

There was no need to lose more.

Not that they can really convey the depths of such thoughts. But that brings them to a question they can ask, at least.

not lonely here ? ]

[prettypurpleparlor]

[She tilts her head thoughtfully.]

I'm not, no- I do miss my family at home, and I hope to see them again soon, but I've met enough good people here that I don't feel lonely. Are you?

[lightlessfuture]

[ Ah, family. Family is something that always seems to come up. They scratch in the ground again. ]

family

lost . destroyed . gone .

[ Technically true. They still mourn the siblings who are nothing more than fragments, who never got to live; the ones they only met in death; the ones tormented by infection, that they put to rest in the only way they could.

They had reunited, in that deep darkness, but they were separated now, and the knight knew enough of life to mourn that many of them had never gotten the chance to live it; to see what lay beyond home.

Life and its hardships hadn't been all bad. They'd met kind people, strange people, hardened people, in their travels. They had never been somewhere to belong to, but it had been enough to sate their small appetite. ]

was lonely . better now .

people are kind here

like you .

: )

[ They appreciate Muffet's kindness. It was a comfortable feeling, to be held, to be carried. It wasn't something they got very often. ]

[prettypurpleparlor]

[She nods solemnly at their answer, the memory of that brief, horrible time when she'd believed Mettaton's lies about her own loved ones being lost stirring sympathy in her.]

I'm sorry for your loss- and glad to hear that you're finding happiness here. You're welcome to come and ask me, should you ever want my help with anything.