Jaynah tells the story of the Ghostly Gardener (log)

Posted by SUNDYN2 2010/4/19

[ Citadel, Gardens ]
Lined with tile, a large pool rests in the center of the citadel's garden. A statue carved in the likeness of Aeia, a local goddess of the earth, stands in the middle of the pool. The water that feeds the pool seeps forth from the base of the statue. You also see a blissful tidal spirit that is flying around.
Also here: Taluric, Laymia, Szhrike, Selema, Fyrentennimar, Jaynah
Obvious paths: southeast, southwest, northwest

Jaynah sits down.

You sit down.

Fyrentennimar sits down.

Laymia plops down to the ground in a sitting position.

Selema sits down.

Jaynah exclaims, "Thank you everyone for coming!"

s>l ja
You see Jaynah Blightstruck the Fortuneer.
She appears to be a Human from Torre.
She is tall and appears to be middle-aged. She has delicately arched eyebrows that beautifully frame her sea green eyes and fair skin. She has long, silken deep chestnut hair tempered with traces of a golden honey-hue that falls in soft waves past the small of her back. She has a freckled nose and high cheekbones.
She has a thorny rose tattoo on her wrist, and an oak leaf tattoo on her ankle.
She is in good shape.
She is wearing a bronze leaf-shaped locket, a low-cut willow green bodice, a shattered Niima medallion, an embroidered green silk scarf, some vultite banded leather brigandine, a sigil-etched leather bracer, a thin green tourmaline bracelet, a wiregrass bracelet, a white vultite wedding band, a narrow gold ring, a gold ring, a dainty gold and silver waistchain, a weathered leather map case, a leaf-embossed brown leather kit, a belt quiver, a patchwork tan leather skirt, a wiregrass anklet, and some muddy stalking boots.

Selema brushes her fingers lightly against a large pool.

>l pool
The large tile lined pool is filled with clear cool water that seems to flow from the base of the statue. Water lilies float upon the calm water providing vivid colors, a sweet scent and also a habitat for a variety of insects and fresh water creatures.

Jaynah says, "Before we begin, I feel the need to say that it has been a very long time since I heard the tale of the Ghostly Gardener. At least a decade has passed since I heard it told in a form other than a loresong."

Taluric smiles at Jaynah.

Jaynah regretfully says, "I am not able to credit the bard from whom I first heard the tale so many years ago."

Jaynah says, "I remember enjoying his telling of it very much."

Jaynah shrugs.

Great Lord Meeshach just arrived.

Meeshach sits down.

Jaynah says, "Such is the way with many a lore...the tale, if worth retelling, often outlives the teller."

Jaynah says, "I am blessed with something that carries the elements of the story. I keep it with me always."

Jaynah smiles as she lifts the edge of her fine embroidered green silk scarf to her nose and inhales deeply.

Jaynah sighs softly.

Jaynah says, "Whenever I am fortunate enough to find a bard interested in lore keeping, I always offer to let them sing to my scarf."

With a serene smile, Jaynah laces her fingers together in quiet repose.

Jaynah asks, "Who is the Ghostly Gardner?"

Jaynah says, "Some say he was one of the soldiers who were released from the Citadel when the Council of Mages came into power. If so, he could have initially come into the gardens to keep watch on the comings and goings at the Citadel."

Jaynah says, "Some say he was a priest of Aeia who spent his days toiling in the gardens as symbol of his devotion to her."

Jaynah says, "Others claim he was just another 'river rat.'."

Jaynah smiles quietly to herself.

Jaynah says, "As for me. I'm not sure exactly who the Ghostly Gardener was or is or how long he has been around."

Jaynah says, "Our history tells us that it was the Citadel Commander who was responsible for the creation of the zoo and the gardens as part of an initiative to embrace the local culture and customs here."

Jaynah says, "Yes, these very gardens have been around some 1000 years. Make no mistake; this is just as much the tale of these gardens as it is of its gardener and goddess."

Jaynah smiles.

Jaynah gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Jaynah says, "We sit here tonight and see a lovely garden amidst the crumbling ruins of the Citadel and zoo. This is not how it always looked."

Jaynah says, "Let us all close our eyes and go back in years."

Jaynah closes her eyes for a moment.

Jaynah says, "Back to a time before the Citadel was abandoned. Back to a time when River's Rest was a thriving center for commerce. Back before the Council of Mages, Syrranis or Great Quake of 5018."

Jaynah's eyes glaze over as she stares, unfocused, into the distance.

Jaynah says, "Imagine the massive stone structure of the Citadel overlooking these gardens. See the infirmary, the garrison, the armory all teeming with human life."

Jaynah softly says, "Now picture a gardener, hard at work, digging in the dark rich soil. He works diligently at his task, passionate about the flora and fauna surrounding him. Neat bundles of herbs set aside waiting for a gentle hand to plant them."

Jaynah says, "A young woman watches over his work with avid interest. Nodding approvingly at his efforts, she reaches down she takes one of the small herb plants."

Jaynah says, "She plants it carefully, performing a song of blessing over it as she finishes. She takes another. Plants it. Sings a blessing and continues until each plant in every bundle is safely tucked into its own spot."

Jaynah smiles quietly to herself.

Jaynah says, "Every seedling receives the same sweetly sung blessing."

Jaynah says, "The garden flourishes under the caretaker with the beautiful young woman always watching. The seasons change, years pass, and still the garden flourishes."

Jaynah says, "In time, as the gardener grows old and weary, he is replaced by a younger man. It is soon obvious by his actions that the young man is in love with the garden, and very much in love with the beautiful woman."

Jaynah smiles.

Jaynah says, "The cycle continues...... time passes....... seasons change."

Jaynah says, "The man tending the garden is no longer young. The Citadel shows its age too as stones and mortar loosen and fall."

Jaynah says, "Weeds and brambles invade the outer walls along the Citadel, the infirmary, the garrison and the zoo."

Jaynah says, "Yet the garden remains perfectly tended."

Jaynah says, "The old man tends the garden with great care, his love of the garden and the lady undiminished."

Jaynah says, "But over time his body slowly succumbs to effects of his labors and withers until it is no more. His numinous form remains still, tending the garden."

Jaynah glances at something in a large pool.

Jaynah says, "The gardens and the woman remain timelessly beautiful."

Jaynah asks, "So who is the Ghostly Gardener?"

Jaynah bites her lip.

Jaynah sadly says, "His name, like so much of our history, has been lost over time."

Jaynah says, "His love for Aeia and her garden grow to this very day. For all eternity, I like to think."

Jaynah smiles softly.

Jaynah says, ". We all know he tends the gardens here still. I'd like to think Aeia ever his love watches on."

Jaynah glances at something in a large pool.

Jaynah says, "We are touched by his love and devotion as the garden flourishes."

Jaynah gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Jaynah says, "As I was telling this tale this eve something occurred to me. Regarding the thoughts on who the gardener is. I suspect there is element of truth. He was a soldier, He was a priest and he was a River Rat."

Jaynah says, "It could be that the first gardener in the tale was the Citadel soldier. Maybe it was the result of a battle or some accident that befell him. Perhaps he lost an arm or suffered some other debilitating injury that led to his release from service."

Jaynah says, "The second gardener in the story is the one we see here today. I have no theories regarding who he might be or from where he hails. He gives no clue of any life outside of this garden. Neither interest nor comment beyond his love for the garden and his lady."

Jaynah shrugs.

Jaynah suggestively says, "Mayhap we see him from time to time in another garden. Guiding us to complete the work his one arm will no longer allow him to do."

Jaynah slowly empties her lungs.

Jaynah says, "I do hope I have done the retelling justice."

Jaynah says, "So, much has been lost."

Szhrike applauds Jaynah.

Jaynah removes a tankard of Winterberry Ale from in her leather map case.

Fyrentennimar applauds Jaynah.

Jaynah offers you a tankard of Winterberry Ale. Click ACCEPT to accept the offer or DECLINE to decline it. The offer will expire in 30 seconds.

s>acc
You accept Jaynah's offer and are now holding a tankard of Winterberry Ale.

Jaynah removes a tankard of Winterberry Ale from in her leather map case.

s>smile jay
You smile at Jaynah.

Jaynah says, "I need a drink."

Meeshach ponders.

Jaynah chuckles.

Speaking to Jaynah, you say, "Thank you."

Jaynah offers Taluric a tankard of Winterberry Ale.

Fyrentennimar says, "Thanks for the story."

Fyrentennimar smiles.

Taluric accepts Jaynah's Winterberry Ale.

Szhrike says, "Thanks."

Taluric gives Jaynah a friendly hug.

Jaynah removes a tankard of Winterberry Ale from in her leather map case.

Jaynah says, "You are welcome."

Szhrike says, "Its was wonderfully told."

Jaynah says, "Thank you are for listening to it."

s>nod agree

Jaynah asks, "Taluric?"

You nod in agreement.

Szhrike stands up.

Taluric asks, "Jaynah?"

Jaynah asks, "Would you sing to the scarf for those who want to here its version?"

Taluric smiles.

Taluric says, "I would."

Jaynah takes off an embroidered green silk scarf.

Taluric nods.

Jaynah smiles.

Taluric put a tankard of Winterberry Ale in his blue silk cloak.

Szhrike beams!

Jaynah offers Taluric an embroidered green silk scarf.

Fyrentennimar takes a drink from his Winterberry Ale.

Taluric accepts Jaynah's green silk scarf.

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf that I have now I'll ask for your tale
     And in doing the asking in your answer you'll not fail
     Tell me it now so that others may hear
     Tell me a story, which you hold true and dear"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.
As Taluric sings, a silvery haze surrounds the scarf, nearly obscuring it from view. His voice grows loud, then low, then loud again. he pauses as if waiting for a response.

Jaynah smiles.

Fyrentennimar tips his head back and empties a tankard of Winterberry Ale down his gullet!

Taluric recites:

     "As you sing, a picture forms in your mind. From out of the mists a massive stone structure looms in the background. The mists begin to clear, and you notice the form of a gardener, hard at the task of digging in the rich, dark soil. A beautiful young woman watches the proceedings with avid interest."

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf we'll continue, moving on in due time
     I'll ask you again and I'll do it in ryhme
     Tell me your story, of the gardens and men
     Tell me it all so it may be shared among friends"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.
As Taluric sings, a silvery haze surrounds the scarf, nearly obscuring it from view. His voice grows loud, then low, then loud again. he pauses as if waiting for a response.

Taluric recites:

     "Still humming your song, you are drawn into the scene. Cuttings and plants lie bundled neatly on the ground, waiting for a gentle hand to set them into the prepared beds. As you reach down to touch one the woman steps forward, shaking her head quietly, and picks it up before you dare. She plants it carefully, performing a song of blessing over it as she finishes. As you watch, the woman continues until each plant in every bundle is safely tucked into its own spot. Every seedling receives the same sweetly sung blessing."

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf I'll keep asking, and you'll give in yet again
     Your story is dear and we've knowledge to tend
     Tell me it all, or as much as you'll bare
     Tell me your tale now, and tell me it fair"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.
As Taluric sings, a silvery haze surrounds the scarf, nearly obscuring it from view. His voice grows loud, then low, then loud again. he pauses as if waiting for a response.

Taluric recites:

     "Your voice ebbs a bit and then returns with vigor as the gardener leaves the area, to be replaced by a younger man. It is soon obvious by his actions that he is in love with the garden, and no less in love with the beautiful woman. You become aware of the strangely swift passage of time, the woman's constant presence and watchful eyes, and the aging of the man who now tends the garden with great care."

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf we'll keep moving, for your tale is not done
     I ask you for purpose and not just for fun
     Of the garden, its blessings, and times yet long past
     Tell me it all for now that is your task"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.
As Taluric sings, a silvery haze surrounds the scarf, nearly obscuring it from view. His voice grows loud, then low, then loud again. he pauses as if waiting for a response.
Taluric recites:

     "As the music of the spheres fills your head, the aged man still comes to lavish his attention on the garden. The building in the background shows its age, too, as stones and mortar loosen and fall. Ever and ever, the woman watches on."

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf we'll keep going, though your now winding down
     I'll ask for your story as its part of the town
     Tell me your story, and tell me it true
     Though I know for this telling, the time is almost now through"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.
As Taluric sings, a silvery haze surrounds the scarf, nearly obscuring it from view. His voice grows loud, then low, then loud again. he pauses as if waiting for a response.

Taluric recites:

     "The music takes a ghostly turn as you sing your final verse. So too does the gardener, moving now in eerie silence among the plants. And so, too, the odd critters that occasionally run through the area, the result of some strange experimentation or unlikely breeding. Still the garden thrives, as a monument to the care of the goddess of all growing things and those who love her."

Jaynah says, "They say she is often confused with Imaera."

Taluric sings:

     "Scarf we are finished, if my guess is not missed
     But I'll ask you again before your dismissed
     Tell of your story, if any there's left
     Tell me it all, for one more bit I'll test"

The green silk scarf seems to respond to the magic of Taluric's song.

Speaking to Taluric, Jaynah says, "Thank you, yet again."

Jaynah says, "I think he does not distinguish the plants from his love."

Jaynah says, "To him they are one and the same."