<?xml version="1.0"?>
<feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xml:lang="en">
	<id>https://gswiki.play.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=RICHAARD</id>
	<title>GemStone IV Wiki - User contributions [en]</title>
	<link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://gswiki.play.net/api.php?action=feedcontributions&amp;feedformat=atom&amp;user=RICHAARD"/>
	<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/Special:Contributions/RICHAARD"/>
	<updated>2026-05-31T08:00:39Z</updated>
	<subtitle>User contributions</subtitle>
	<generator>MediaWiki 1.39.12</generator>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239242</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239242"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:44:34Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero Sovrano&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg|thumbnail|center|Oliviero Sovrano &amp;lt;br&amp;gt; AI art generated by me using NightCafe[https://creator.nightcafe.studio]]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Vornavis&lt;br /&gt;
|hometown=[[Solhaven]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Ranger]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Prime&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Appearance ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
You see Oliviero Sovrano the Explorer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He appears to be a [[Human]] from [[Vornavis]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.  He has closely cropped, bristly dirty blonde hair artfully styled in spikes.  He has a forest green cotton velvet mask covering the upper half of his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Attire ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg|thumb|border|left|top|upright=0.50|Oliviero Sovrano - AI art generated by me using NightCafe]]&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing a scaly black acorn [[Will-o%27-wisp|amulet]], a chipped green chyrsocolla [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|arrowhead]] strung on a black leather cord, a forest green sailcloth [[Pelt_Bag|shoulderbag]] slung over his shoulder, a sleeveless forest green [[WoundedWear|tunic]], some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|armbands]], some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns, some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|pants]], and some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Armor===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Secured on his head is a forest green leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Headdress|hood]], the edge casting slight shadows on his face.  The surface of the hood has been buffed until it gleams, giving the leather a glossy finish.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; phoenix&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; fiery&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; shriek&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; band&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a forest green [[Animalistic_Spirit_Armor|coat-of-plates]] covered in bone-inlaid steel scales&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; armadillo&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; squat&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; squeal&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; roll&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Weaponry===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cobra&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; scaly&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; hiss&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; quiver&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cheetah&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; lithe&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; growl&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; coalition&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a [[firewheel]] long bow&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239241</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239241"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:42:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero Sovrano&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg|thumbnail|center|Oliviero Sovrano &amp;lt;br&amp;gt; AI art generated by me using NightCafe[https://creator.nightcafe.studio]]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Vornavis&lt;br /&gt;
|hometown=[[Solhaven]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Ranger]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Prime&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Appearance ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
You see Oliviero Sovrano the Explorer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He appears to be a [[Human]] from [[Vornavis]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.  He has closely cropped, bristly dirty blonde hair artfully styled in spikes.  He has a forest green cotton velvet mask covering the upper half of his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Attire ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg|thumb|border|left|top|upright=0.50|Oliviero Sovrano - AI art generated by me using NightCafe]]&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing a scaly black acorn [[Will-o%27-wisp|amulet]], a chipped green chyrsocolla [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|arrowhead]] strung on a black leather cord, a forest green sailcloth [[Pelt_Bag|shoulderbag]] slung over his shoulder, a sleeveless forest green [[WoundedWear|tunic]], some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|armbands]], some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns, some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|pants]], and some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Armor===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Secured on his head is a forest green leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Headdress|hood]], the edge casting slight shadows on his face.  The surface of the hood has been buffed until it gleams, giving the leather a glossy finish.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; phoenix&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; fiery&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; shriek&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; band&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a forest green [[Animalistic_Spirit_Armor|coat-of-plates]] covered in bone-inlaid steel scales&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; armadillo&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; squat&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; squeal&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; roll&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Weaponry===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cobra&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; scaly&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; hiss&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; quiver&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cheetah&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; lithe&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; growl&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; coalition&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a [[firewheel]] long bow&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Vignettes==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===The Blood That Binds===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption|Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption&amp;diff=239239</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption&amp;diff=239239"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Talk:Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption to Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption: Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=239238</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=239238"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Talk:Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption to Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption: Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to [[User:HALEM20|HALEM20]] to update my wiki page. Signed [[User:RICHAARD|RICHAARD]] ([[User talk:RICHAARD|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2023 (CDT)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(platinum)&amp;diff=239237</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (platinum)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(platinum)&amp;diff=239237"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Talk:Oliviero (platinum) to Talk:Oliviero (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Talk:Oliviero (prime)]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239236</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239236"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Talk:Oliviero (platinum) to Talk:Oliviero (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to HALEM20 to update my wiki page. Signed [[User:RICHAARD|RICHAARD]] ([[User talk:RICHAARD|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2023 (CDT)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption&amp;diff=239235</id>
		<title>Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption&amp;diff=239235"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption to Oliviero (prime)/Interruption: Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Oliviero (prime)/Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=239234</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=239234"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Oliviero (platinum)/Interruption to Oliviero (prime)/Interruption: Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;The Blood that Binds Character Vignette, Interruption&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oliviero was in one of the upstairs rooms of the Solhaven Inn. Although he claimed citizenship of the town, he still paid for a room at the Inn. He was his own family and owning a home sounded like loneliness. The Inn received a lot of visitors passing through from other towns which made it less lonely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Resting on the bed, Oliviero opened his eyes to hear a commotion going on somewhere downstairs. He rubbed his eyes, got off the bed, and made his way to the washbasin and mirror. He could still hear the loudness downstairs. He wondered if there was a celebration going on that he was not informed of ahead of time.&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
Oliviero prepped himself and made his way to the front desk. The clerk behind the desk had a worried look on their face. &amp;quot;What is going on down here?&amp;quot; Oliviero asked. The clerk stared towards the taproom. &amp;quot;One of the Saxe family has not returned home. She was supposed to be home a few days ago. Her brother has requested help.&amp;quot; Oliviero was familiar with the places and things around Solhaven, as he considered it his hometown. But he was not known for knowing the people. Only those who stopped by the Inn would he get to know. Many of those people did not live in Solhaven, however.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is this a private gathering?&amp;quot; Oliviero asked the front desk clerk. The clerk shook their head still staring in the direction of the taproom. Oliviero made his way to where all the chattering was happening. He could tell some were town officials. A few he had seen just by wandering around the town. Others he obviously did not recognize. One stood out to him, though. In the corner of the room was a shorter-than-average female. She was somewhat hidden in the shadows of the corner. He could tell she wasn&#039;t the same race as he was. With her hair up, his keen eyes could see she had gill marks behind her pointed ears. All she was doing was standing and watching. No one was paying attention to her, but she seemed to be watching everyone else. She had a wary, rebellious look to her as she scanned the room while munching on what looked like some type of wafers. Soon, her eyes locked on his as she noticed he was looking at her. Oliviero quickly turned his head away and moved inward acknowledging himself to the others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A woman entered the room who looked to be the barmaid from the garb she was wearing and the apron around her waist and held up her hands asking for everyone&#039;s attention. Oliviero turned his attention towards her as she began to speak to the crowd gathered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: The Blood that Binds]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(platinum)&amp;diff=239233</id>
		<title>Oliviero (platinum)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(platinum)&amp;diff=239233"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:11Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Oliviero (platinum) to Oliviero (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Oliviero (prime)]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239232</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=239232"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T16:37:11Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Oliviero (platinum) to Oliviero (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero Sovrano&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg|thumbnail|center|Oliviero Sovrano &amp;lt;br&amp;gt; AI art generated by me using NightCafe[https://creator.nightcafe.studio]]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Vornavis&lt;br /&gt;
|hometown=[[Solhaven]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Ranger]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Appearance ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
You see Oliviero Sovrano the Explorer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He appears to be a [[Human]] from [[Vornavis]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.  He has closely cropped, bristly dirty blonde hair artfully styled in spikes.  He has a forest green cotton velvet mask covering the upper half of his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Attire ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg|thumb|border|left|top|upright=0.50|Oliviero Sovrano - AI art generated by me using NightCafe]]&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing a scaly black acorn [[Will-o%27-wisp|amulet]], a chipped green chyrsocolla [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|arrowhead]] strung on a black leather cord, a forest green sailcloth [[Pelt_Bag|shoulderbag]] slung over his shoulder, a sleeveless forest green [[WoundedWear|tunic]], some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|armbands]], some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns, some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|pants]], and some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Armor===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Secured on his head is a forest green leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Headdress|hood]], the edge casting slight shadows on his face.  The surface of the hood has been buffed until it gleams, giving the leather a glossy finish.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; phoenix&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; fiery&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; shriek&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; band&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a forest green [[Animalistic_Spirit_Armor|coat-of-plates]] covered in bone-inlaid steel scales&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; armadillo&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; squat&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; squeal&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; roll&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Weaponry===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cobra&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; scaly&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; hiss&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; quiver&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cheetah&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; lithe&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; growl&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; coalition&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a [[firewheel]] long bow&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Vignettes==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===The Blood That Binds===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption|Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=239231</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=239231"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T15:47:26Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Changed Platinum to Prime.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Aldora&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Holy Warrior&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= [[Sayakah]] (sister)&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Prime&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Urchin Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Alpha Among the Ferocious Pack&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is statuesque and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has intense sapphire eyes and deeply tanned, scar-riddled skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, coarse black hair with a hint of white.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a number of deformed fingers with swollen knuckles on his right hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[Imbued_Shroud|wispy onyx flyrsilk shroud]] pinned with an ivory cameo, a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|square obsidian pendant]] inset with a white marble shield, a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, an [[Shield|onyx rolaren pavis]] etched with an image of a puma in gold slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(platinum)&amp;diff=239230</id>
		<title>Graison (platinum)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(platinum)&amp;diff=239230"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T15:44:17Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Graison (platinum) to Graison (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;#REDIRECT [[Graison (prime)]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=239229</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=239229"/>
		<updated>2025-06-03T15:44:17Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: RICHAARD moved page Graison (platinum) to Graison (prime): Platinum Migration&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Aldora&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Holy Warrior&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= [[Sayakah]] (sister)&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Urchin Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Alpha Among the Ferocious Pack&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is statuesque and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has intense sapphire eyes and deeply tanned, scar-riddled skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, coarse black hair with a hint of white.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a number of deformed fingers with swollen knuckles on his right hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[Imbued_Shroud|wispy onyx flyrsilk shroud]] pinned with an ivory cameo, a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|square obsidian pendant]] inset with a white marble shield, a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, an [[Shield|onyx rolaren pavis]] etched with an image of a puma in gold slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=212637</id>
		<title>Cast of characters</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=212637"/>
		<updated>2024-01-14T03:31:38Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
Please feel free to add a brief description of your [[Platinum]] character(s) here.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== NPCS ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jeofrey ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Originally an evil magic user with plans for world domination, he created a group of Homunculi called [[Cast_of_characters#Sieka|Seika]]s to assist him in his work...as well as a vessel for his soul, a young child named Chayka. Through the efforts of various adventurers, he was dissuaded from his evil plan and convinced to walk instead the path of Light. Creating a golem body to inhabit instead of the child, he transferred his essence and became the Golem Lich. He has been missing for many months, along with his vessel Chayka.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Leiana ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Leiana, daughter of the Thrak Inn proprietor Sabrien, has lived in Wehnimer&#039;s Landing most of her life. After losing her mother to disease at the age of 10, Leiana and her father moved to the Landing in search of community and business. She has never left the walls of the Frontier town until 5118 and has led a very sheltered life that bred privilege and a dangerous sense of curiosity as a result.  Acting upon that desire to explore, she has begun seeking out contracts for treasure and adventure across Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Seika ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] created a total of 20 Seika Homunculi originally that awakened upon his death. Many were killed by a mob of villagers angry at the experiments her father, [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]], was performing in their village. After [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] abandoned his evil plans, he deactivated 11 of them...but one Seika escaped his control and was able to absorb the essences of the others. She then was able to use [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]]&#039;s eye to become a lich herself. She has been tormenting [[Cast_of_characters#Qualeric|Qualeric]], possessing him and using his essence to create a group of hybrid bats and elves. Currently her whereabouts are unknown, but dark rumors surround her and her future plots to gain even more power. She has claimed to kill Chayka and [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Olivia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Olivia|Olivia Holster]], widow of Lord Eamon Murchadha and Mother of [[Jaynon]] Murchadha. Born into a lowborn Honneland family. Married into the Murchadha family (a minor noble house in Honneland) with a desire to improve her power, status and legacy. Fell in to the dark arts through societal pressures, and later following the death of her husband made a pact with and joined a clandestine order, in return for aid in her social climbing. She attempted, and ultimately failed, to have her son [[Jaynon]] killed and yet had already announced his death in the Immuron courts. This allowed her to marry Lord Holster (another minor Honneland noble, and former rival to Eamon), passing the Murchadha estates into his name and denying [[Jaynon|Jaynon]] his inheritance and birthright.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Geobuh ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
A dainty goblin that had his neck snapped at a social gathering while enjoying a bowl of soup.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Players ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Achsel ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lead singer of the heavy metal band &#039;Mithril Mayhem&#039;, this gruff but friendly fellow is constantly on the look out for inspiration for his next song. With hits like &#039;Invar Mine Lady&#039;, &#039;On the Razern&#039;s Edge&#039;, and &#039;Caligos Isle&#039;, he and his fellow band member [[Cast_of_characters#Zundrar|Zundrar]] have played in such famous locales as The Bluerock Brewery in Zul Logoth, The Thrak Inn at the Landing, and even Caligos Isle itself. He doesn&#039;t pay much attention to politics, though he has a keen sense of right and wrong. He is also a bit of a lush, and has strong opinions on beards, music, and beer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Arlise (platinum)|Arlisé]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Calauria ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The shy and rather secretive Elven bard hails from Ta’Illistim, but shows little interest in returning. Possessed of proper, ladylike manners, she is easily taken aback by some of her acquaintances, particularly [[Cast_of_characters#Tanai|Tanai]], hinting at a sheltered upbringing. Her current itinerant and rather poor state, given her apparent background, could lead to disconcerting questions. In the past few months, she has started a relationship with Ulvian, grown friendlier, and developed a noticeable distrust of [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Daenamaryllis ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young woman that arrived in Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the year of 5118.  She left home to take control of her own future rather than being married off as is the fate for most women.  She became an empath and an accomplished adventurer, performing jobs for the various branches of the Adventurer&#039;s Guilds located throughout the lands.  She tends to be a bit judgmental and does her best to help others in need, but chafes at her lack of power.  Power is what she believes will provide her with security and freedom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
At present, Daenamaryllis has become an arrogant, power-obsessed, vain glorious woman who revels in dominating others.  The twins, Heliantha and Roseantha, currently serve her as maids.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Daenamaryllis has become known as the &amp;quot;Sinistral of Tyranny&amp;quot;.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Dazen ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full of boundless energy that could only be described as &#039;manic&#039;, the always cheerful jester seems in a perpetual state of song, dance, and fits of laughter.  Dazen and his twin brother Vinar were abandoned by a traveling Carnival of Freaks for dubious reasons, though it is implied it was because they were getting too old for their act and becoming too hard to control.  Often hinting at a past of horrid abuse and gleefully reveling in those memories with clapping hands and squealing giggles, Dazen seems to outright revel in pain both inflicted and sustained.  Obsessed with fire and the &#039;Dancing Light&#039;, he also babbles about a mysterious Lady in White with burnt out eyes with reverence and awe. &amp;quot;Watch them dance in the dancing light, we&#039;ll sing them back and dance all night!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ezabell ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Ezabell hasn’t been seen since she was a toddler on the 30th of Jastatos.  She’d been carried through the portal that night in the arms of an Aelotoi man, no relations to the child he carried.  After he’d hid her away for protection when the kiramon came through the portal after the Aelotoi, she was gone.  Now she’s rejoined Elanthian society, albeit, a little off than any normal teenager.  She doesn’t talk much about where she’s been the last 16 years but is all too eager to mention her favorite ways to tear local wild nuisances apart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Gedeon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gedeon was raised in the Wsalamir Arctic Clan, and yet he doesn&#039;t share the need for seclusion like most the clan. Gedeon enjoys being out amongst others and heeds the call for adventure.  While he is a quiet man, he is a devout follower of Ronan and became a paladin in Ronan&#039;s honor.  He would often visit the temple in Icemule to say his prayers, but lately, you can see him wandering with his new found companion, Jourwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Graison (platinum)|Graison]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A Paladin of Lord Voln, [[Graison]] is dedicated to releasing the trapped souls within the undead. This was his passion since he was a young child when he wanted to follow in his father&#039;s footsteps. He also had a vision of Lord Voln visiting him in a dream when he was a young boy. He has recently helped protect Wehnimer&#039;s Landing from those fallen from their faith of the Order of Voln. On a personal quest, Graison has learned he has a younger sister that was born from his father and another woman. Her name is [[Sayakah]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Heliantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Roseantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When Heliantha first arrived in the town of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing she was a brash young woman and eager to begin her new life as an adventurer.  Her cocky attitude and loud mouth ways got her into trouble more often than not and most people generally loathed her due to these traits.  She has become an accomplished sorceress and seasoned adventurer.  One day, Heliantha abruptly donned a maid&#039;s livery and began to serve Daenamaryllis and has continued to do so at present.  Her sudden change in personality and shift to a life of servitude have no explanation at this time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Idun ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Child-like and free spirited, Idun is kind, very friendly and genuinely cares about others. She loves to be helpful and is easily entertained, usually finding joy in small things.  A difficult and isolated past has had a profound effect on her.  She is most comfortable with another in control.  Idun can be unpredictable and is a bit &amp;quot;touched&amp;quot;, even unstable at times. She is loyal to a fault and values those in her life above all else.  Her dislike of being alone is somewhat mitigated by her love of gowns, toys and visits with her animal friends.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ilynriel ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ilynriel left her home in Ta’Ardenai to improve her skills as a warrior and train with the Guardians of Sunfist, and can most often be found in Ta’Illistim or Ta’Vaalor. Born a bastard, she has steadfastly ignored her father’s side of the family all her life, but is now finding it rather harder to avoid at least one of her half-siblings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ishvari ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A banished Priestess of Lumnis, this knowledge-thirsty Faendryl found an alternative method to become an empath (but not without some heavy side-effects). She is polite, somewhat quiet, and very ladylike although she is not above the &amp;lt;del&amp;gt;frequent&amp;lt;/del&amp;gt; occasional snide remark. She is self-conscious of her pale skin, and dislikes anyone staring at her one crimson-hued eye for too long. They can stare at her silver eye all they want, however.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Jaired (platinum)|Jaired]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Professional enabler and peddler of meddling, Jaired currently holds the position of Fleet Admiral of Karl and Co. Transport and Freight along with his wife, Leiana.  &amp;quot;When it absolutely must go.  Go with Karl and Co.&amp;quot;  Rumor has it their fleet is little more than a front for their smuggling and treasure hunting operations, but those are mostly baseless accusations and hearsay.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Jaynon_(platinum)|Jaynon]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Formerly a Paladin of Voln, he has recently heard the call of the Sea...partly due to his affiliation with the rogue Tanai. Lord Whick and Jaynon have been bitter enemies, with Jaynon taking a leading role in the prosecution of Whick after his arrest for the kidnapping of Leiana and murder of Izaar. He is a guardian in combat, fighting with a sword and shield, more concerned with the protection of his allies than a quick and easy win. He values honour above all else, and is honest to a fault.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jourwen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jourwen doesn&#039;t know much about her parents, only that her mother was an entertainer to men as they travelled through Highmount onto Kragswell.  Jourwen was sent to River&#039;s Rest when she was 5 years old to get an education from the cleric&#039;s guild there and learn the teachings of Ronan, Lord of Dreams.  Now, as a young adult, she visits temples and shrines learning what she can about Ronan and aiding those in need with her companion, Gedeon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Kaija_(platinum)|Kaija]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An orphaned Aelotoi adopted by [[Jaynon]] and [[Tanai]]. She has chosen Niima as her patron deity, also deciding to follow her adopted father&#039;s footsteps in joining the Order of Voln. She is a young woman whose emotions are in a constant state of fluctuation, and she has a temper that she does her best to hide from anyone who isn&#039;t family. Normally prim and polite, Kaija has a tendency to be a know-it-all and correct people if they use bad grammar or display manners she deems unacceptable. She does, however, enjoy helping people in need and is generally friendly to most (unless their name is Ezabell).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Kiver ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Named after the boat he was found in, Kiver washed ashore as a babe at [[Maelstrom Bay]] in [[River&#039;s Rest]]. He was adopted into the arms of a reclusive sect of druids. The Half-Krol found his calling not with the old Gods of his [[Klinast]], but instead a militant dedication to the Goddess [[Imaera]]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Lilium ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Lilium]]&#039;s origins are as strange as her appearance.  One day she appeared on [[Lorminstra]]&#039;s Altar in the [[Wehnimer&#039;s Landing]] Temple without any memories or possessions to explain who she is or how she came to be there.  She took her appearance on Lorminstra&#039;s Altar as a sign to dedicate herself to the Goddess.  As a Master in the Order of Voln, Lilium is quite zealous in scouring the undead from all of Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Recent events involving Lord Whick and the death of Bareth have caused Lilium to reconsider her role in safeguarding the souls of the innocent.  A more proactive approach, rather than reactive, might be the best way to prevent another tragedy from occurring.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Luthene ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Having called both New Ta&#039;Faendryl and Ta&#039;Nalfein home at different points in his life, Luthene is now in the process of exploring other regions while plying his trades as locksmith, loresinger, and lapidary.  His coloring is considered suspiciously dark for a Nalfein elf by some, his blue eyes uncharacteristic of a Faendryl by others. A bastard by both blood and inclination, he has a deep appreciation for the proper application of violence as well as the crisp lines of a well-tailored coat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Maltreis_(platinum)|Maltreis]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Maltreis is a former Emporion spice trader, which is to say in Faendryl society a spy.  The failure of both his sons (Nystros and Taelarn) to master Sorcery has caused him to take up the mantle of the Art so his family could gain in prestiege.  He knows that it will be centuries before he learns anything of real power at home in new Ta&#039;Faendryl and so decides to travel to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, believing that the freedom of the frontier (&amp;quot;the Diaspora of Ta&#039;Faendryl&amp;quot; as Maltreis calls it) will allow his Sorcery to blossom. Of course, his love Cyntherea traveled with him, his constant companion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Maralah ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Born and raised in Ta’Loenthra, Maralah began traveling after the untimely death of her twin brother as well as the beginning of Jastev-granted dreams and visions. While she prefers to stick to the Elven Nations, she can often be found in Mist Harbor or Wehnimer’s Landing as well.  Understandably reticent about being a sorceress, she strives to balance this by being a member of Voln, but lacks the proper mindset about undead.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Narsisius ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young half-elf who arrived in Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the summer of 5123. He comes from the wilds between Ta&#039;Nalfein and the Turamzzyrian Empire. He can usually be found training, or working for the Adventurer&#039;s Guilds around Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Nemdenia ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
An albino elf born a poor commoner that caught the attention of an eccentric Nalfein noblewoman that had her trained in various arts for entertainment and companionship. As an adolescent, Nemdenia was trained in the use of Nalfein Fans for dancing and speaking.  She even dabbled in divination through the use of a Nalfien [[Black Rose Deck]] as her patron viewed her albinism as something supernatural. The constant political maneuvering that plagues the city of Ta&#039;Nalfein eventually led to the death of her patron and nearly her own. Nemdenia fled the city and made her way to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing to start her life anew as a warrior in training and earning some coin as an adventurer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Oezzilm ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oezzilm is a local farmer of pumpkins, turnips, and carrots near the Landing.  He hopes to eventually have an entire herd of urghs and roltons, but so far he has only one of each.  He can be found selling produce around town, fresh after coming from his fields.  He has a brother who is great at plowing, and a collection of hoes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Oro_(platinum)|Oro]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Oro bw.png|120x120px|thumb|Created by the uploader with Midjourney.]]&lt;br /&gt;
Oro is a self-professed merchant from the farthest reaches of the North, claiming ancestry of the [[Wsalamir Arctic Clan|Wsalamir Clan]]. Friendly and verbose, the Giantkin is uncharacteristic of the stories of his people. He appeared in Eorgaen, 5023, in Icemule Trace -- recounting a long journey from the reaches north of Pinefar. Spending over a year travelling the cities of Elanith, he proved a voracious study and student. He frequented the halls of the Seven Cities, their libraries, and their workshops. His close confidant and friend, Nilandia Liserna, a sylvan mystic, empath, and scholar aided him in his education.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In the year of 5025 he departed the southern cities of Elanith, saddled with new knowledge of the world, many treasures, and a caravan of goods. His expedition beyond Mt. Aenatumgana was, he claimed, an effort to connect his people with the modern world.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ten years hence, much the way he had come, he returned in the month of Eorgaen, 5123. He scours Elanith for relics and artifacts of interest, lore, and knowledge. To what end, remains unclear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Phocosoen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone deserves to be free and [[Phocosoen]] will always oppose those that seek to enslave others against their will like any member of the [[Maeramil Wind Runner Clan]] should.  Boisterous and outgoing, he loves nothing more than regaling others with the numerous ways in which he crushes his enemies on a daily basis.  The [[Guardians of Sunfist]] have no shortage of enemies and Phocosoen is a proud member that is all too happy to mercilessly slaughter [[orc]]s, [[troll]]s, [[ogre]]s, and [[giant]]s.  Freedom, muscles, and a song in his heart is all a man needs to enjoy life.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qadheon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qadheon is a Faendryl monk and proprieter of [[https://ps.lichproject.org/shops/6077 Ta&#039;Faendryl Importers]], a business located in the Landing.  In addition to this, he has been searching for some lost artifacts, but rumor has it he is not very focused on this task.  He has been seen worshipping [[Ghezresh]] on Caligos Isle and made mention of importing that spirit&#039;s presence to the Isle of Four Winds.  Despite this intrigue, he is a generally nice fellow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qoshkalia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qoshkalia is a Faendryl paladin of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae dedicated to learning, particularly the use of bladed weapons.  In the pursuit of this, she has been recognized as a Palestra of the Peltast rank.  Recently she has been seen working with [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]] in his actions in the Landing, though the exact reasoning is unclear.  Word has it that she originally came to the Landing to work on finding some ancient artifacts for a Sorcerer in Ta&#039;Faendryl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qualeric ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Qualeric]] is an elderly wizard,  student of the arcane, and an active follower of [[Jastev]].  Hailing from Ta&#039;Illistim, he enjoys learning, raining destruction upon usurpers, and all the opportunities the Shining City represents.  He is currently engaged in sorting through some things owned by his widow that were recently found in an old storage shed, as well as attempting to discover a new metal which he believes exists but is otherwise undocumented.  His familiar is a bat named Klysmar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Rafferty ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A rustic half-elf from the edges of the Wyrdeep Forest, [[Rafferty]] is wary of towns and their folk but cautiously open to broadening his horizons. He&#039;s got little patience for airs and graces, and bullies make him grouchy. Though he keeps his problems to himself, he&#039;s willing to lend a hand where he&#039;s able. Literally, if you&#039;re missing one. A friend to many birds, he can sometimes be found in the company of a peg-legged parrot or a small flock of parrotlets. For some reason, people keep mistaking him for a pirate.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ravenfritha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Calm, quiet, and a skilled mediator, [[Ravenfritha]] (or Raven to her friends) prefers healing to fighting, though she isn’t above hunting undead when necessary. She currently resides in Mist Harbor but spends most of her time in the Landing where her twin brother, [[Tygerfrith]], spends most of his time, though their past was spent in other lands with far different prospects. She enjoys alchemy and fletching as well as other crafts, and can sometimes be taken over by an imp of mischief, encouraged by some and discouraged by others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Roseantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Heliantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
When Heliantha first arrived in the town of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing she was a demure young woman and reluctant to begin her life as an adventurer.  She was very shy at first but as she traveled the lands and learned new things she gained confidence from these new experiences.  At some point, Roseantha developed an obsession for Whick that cannot be explained to this day.  She has become an accomplished wizardess and seasoned adventurer.  One day, Roseantha abruptly donned a maid&#039;s livery and began to serve Daenamaryllis and has continued to do so at present.  Her sudden change in personality and shift to a life of servitude have no explanation at this time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Sensati_(platinum)|Sensati]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A plate full of apparent contradictions Sensati is warrior to the core, aristocratic to a fault, intensely proud of her Vaalorian heritage, yet bohemian in her leisure time and not at all close minded about whom she calls friend...or lover.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== [[Tanai_(platinum)|Tanai]] ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tanai is an orphaned street-rat with a mysterious past. She loves sweets, the ocean, her husband [[Cast_of_characters#Jaynon|Jaynon]], and her children, not necessarily in that order. She is a Siren, though her illusion is that of a half-elf (with an unfortunate height deficiency as opposed to her Siren-self).  She can be very blunt, downright rude, and occasionally volatile. She is also, however, fiercely loyal, nice (once in a blue moon), and enthusiastic (mostly for sweets). &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Thresher ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A quiet man, this Half-Krolvin is very devout in his worship of [[Marlu|Marlu, the Lord of Destruction]]. Despite the stereotype surrounding Marluites, Thresher himself is a kind soul, not wishing any undue harm or pain to anyone. However, he is of the firm belief that the only way to have lasting peace on Elanthia is to &#039;start fresh&#039;...by burning what is, so something new may grow. He believes Undead are an Abomination to his Lord...and fights against any who practice such arts fiercely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Valewyn ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The son of a [[Order_of_Lorekeepers|Lorekeeper]] and an [[Artificers|Artificer]], Valewyn was taught at an early age the values of wisdom and justice and as such found himself devoted to Koar. Often perceived as distant and aloof, he prefers brevity and being succinct. During the invasions brought upon his home of [[Ta&#039;Illistim|Ta&#039;Illistim]] by Vindicto, his soul was ripped apart and sent scattering throughout the planes where he spent what seemed like eternity. Eventually coming face to face with [[Marlu|Marlu, the Lord of Destruction]], he pledged servitude in exchange for life. Now, he values the pursuit of personal power above all else, though he is not above cracking a joke from time to time.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Whick ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Whick (platinum)|Great Lord Whick]] is polite, personable, and a man of many talents and much knowledge. He is gracious, can be kind, and he always is ready to help out those in need. At the same time, he is an unrepentant murderer and has a sadistic streak that runs deep. There is much speculation as to who his true masters are. Though he claims to be working for the Empire and the Hall of Mages (and many records will confirm that), dark whispers in the shadows speak of his true loyalty lying to something...other. He is meticulous and clever, preferring manipulation to brute force. He values order and security.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quote: &amp;quot;Sometimes, to do something good, you have to be the bad guy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Platinum]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Platinum player characters]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=212532</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=212532"/>
		<updated>2024-01-12T21:17:33Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero Sovrano&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg|thumbnail|center|Oliviero Sovrano &amp;lt;br&amp;gt; AI art generated by me using NightCafe[https://creator.nightcafe.studio]]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Vornavis&lt;br /&gt;
|hometown=[[Solhaven]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Ranger]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Appearance ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
You see Oliviero Sovrano the Explorer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He appears to be a [[Human]] from [[Vornavis]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.  He has closely cropped, bristly dirty blonde hair artfully styled in spikes.  He has a forest green cotton velvet mask covering the upper half of his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Attire ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg|thumb|border|left|top|upright=0.50|Oliviero Sovrano - AI art generated by me using NightCafe]]&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing a scaly black acorn [[Will-o%27-wisp|amulet]], a chipped green chyrsocolla [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|arrowhead]] strung on a black leather cord, a forest green sailcloth [[Pelt_Bag|shoulderbag]] slung over his shoulder, a sleeveless forest green [[WoundedWear|tunic]], some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|armbands]], some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns, some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|pants]], and some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Armor===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Secured on his head is a forest green leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Headdress|hood]], the edge casting slight shadows on his face.  The surface of the hood has been buffed until it gleams, giving the leather a glossy finish.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; phoenix&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; fiery&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; shriek&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; band&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a forest green [[Animalistic_Spirit_Armor|coat-of-plates]] covered in bone-inlaid steel scales&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; armadillo&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; squat&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; squeal&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; roll&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Weaponry===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cobra&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; scaly&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; hiss&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; quiver&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cheetah&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; lithe&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; growl&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; coalition&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a [[firewheel]] long bow&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Vignettes==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===The Blood That Binds===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption|Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg&amp;diff=212531</id>
		<title>File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=File:Gs4-oliviero-watercolor.jpg&amp;diff=212531"/>
		<updated>2024-01-12T21:09:01Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Watercolor portrait of Oliviero created by the player of Oliviero and this account user with the AI Generator known as NightCafe.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;== Summary ==&lt;br /&gt;
Watercolor portrait of Oliviero created by the player of Oliviero and this account user with the AI Generator known as NightCafe.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=212480</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=212480"/>
		<updated>2024-01-11T22:26:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero Sovrano&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg|thumbnail|center|Oliviero Sovrano &amp;lt;br&amp;gt; AI art generated by me using NightCafe[https://creator.nightcafe.studio]]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Vornavis&lt;br /&gt;
|hometown=[[Solhaven]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Ranger]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Appearance ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
You see Oliviero Sovrano the Explorer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He appears to be a [[Human]] from [[Vornavis]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average.  He appears to be very young.  He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.  He has closely cropped, bristly dirty blonde hair artfully styled in spikes.  He has a forest green cotton velvet mask covering the upper half of his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Attire ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing a scaly black acorn [[Will-o%27-wisp|amulet]], a chipped green chyrsocolla [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|arrowhead]] strung on a black leather cord, a forest green sailcloth [[Pelt_Bag|shoulderbag]] slung over his shoulder, a sleeveless forest green [[WoundedWear|tunic]], some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|armbands]], some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns, some forest green leather [[WoundedWear|pants]], and some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Armor===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* Secured on his head is a forest green leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Headdress|hood]], the edge casting slight shadows on his face.  The surface of the hood has been buffed until it gleams, giving the leather a glossy finish.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; phoenix&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; fiery&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; shriek&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; band&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a forest green [[Animalistic_Spirit_Armor|coat-of-plates]] covered in bone-inlaid steel scales&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; armadillo&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; squat&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; squeal&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; roll&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Weaponry===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black snakeskin [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|gloves]] covered in faint scale patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cobra&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; scaly&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; hiss&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; quiver&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* some glossy black leather [[Animalistic_Spirit_Weapon|boots]] covered in faint cheetah patterns&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|font=arial|border=1|margin-right=42em}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit:&#039;&#039;&#039; cheetah&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Descriptor:&#039;&#039;&#039; lithe&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Color:&#039;&#039;&#039; misty green&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Call:&#039;&#039;&#039; growl&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Spirit Group:&#039;&#039;&#039; coalition&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* a [[firewheel]] long bow&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Vignettes==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===The Blood That Binds===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
# [[Oliviero_(platinum)/Interruption|Interruption]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg&amp;diff=212470</id>
		<title>File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=File:Gs4-oliviero-portrait.jpg&amp;diff=212470"/>
		<updated>2024-01-11T20:37:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Portrait of Oliviero created by the player of Oliviero and this account user with the AI Generator known as NightCafe.&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;== Summary ==&lt;br /&gt;
Portrait of Oliviero created by the player of Oliviero and this account user with the AI Generator known as NightCafe.&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=212424</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=212424"/>
		<updated>2024-01-11T03:12:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= Aldora&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Holy Warrior&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= [[Sayakah]] (sister)&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Urchin Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Alpha Among the Ferocious Pack&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is statuesque and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has intense sapphire eyes and deeply tanned, scar-riddled skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, coarse black hair with a hint of white.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a number of deformed fingers with swollen knuckles on his right hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[Imbued_Shroud|wispy onyx flyrsilk shroud]] pinned with an ivory cameo, a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|square obsidian pendant]] inset with a white marble shield, a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, an [[Shield|onyx rolaren pavis]] etched with an image of a puma in gold slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200493</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200493"/>
		<updated>2023-06-20T00:43:25Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;The Blood that Binds Character Vignette, Interruption&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oliviero was in one of the upstairs rooms of the Solhaven Inn. Although he claimed citizenship of the town, he still paid for a room at the Inn. He was his own family and owning a home sounded like loneliness. The Inn received a lot of visitors passing through from other towns which made it less lonely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Resting on the bed, Oliviero opened his eyes to hear a commotion going on somewhere downstairs. He rubbed his eyes, got off the bed, and made his way to the washbasin and mirror. He could still hear the loudness downstairs. He wondered if there was a celebration going on that he was not informed of ahead of time.&lt;br /&gt;
 &lt;br /&gt;
Oliviero prepped himself and made his way to the front desk. The clerk behind the desk had a worried look on their face. &amp;quot;What is going on down here?&amp;quot; Oliviero asked. The clerk stared towards the taproom. &amp;quot;One of the Saxe family has not returned home. She was supposed to be home a few days ago. Her brother has requested help.&amp;quot; Oliviero was familiar with the places and things around Solhaven, as he considered it his hometown. But he was not known for knowing the people. Only those who stopped by the Inn would he get to know. Many of those people did not live in Solhaven, however.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Is this a private gathering?&amp;quot; Oliviero asked the front desk clerk. The clerk shook their head still staring in the direction of the taproom. Oliviero made his way to where all the chattering was happening. He could tell some were town officials. A few he had seen just by wandering around the town. Others he obviously did not recognize. One stood out to him, though. In the corner of the room was a shorter-than-average female. She was somewhat hidden in the shadows of the corner. He could tell she wasn&#039;t the same race as he was. With her hair up, his keen eyes could see she had gill marks behind her pointed ears. All she was doing was standing and watching. No one was paying attention to her, but she seemed to be watching everyone else. She had a wary, rebellious look to her as she scanned the room while munching on what looked like some type of wafers. Soon, her eyes locked on his as she noticed he was looking at her. Oliviero quickly turned his head away and moved inward acknowledging himself to the others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A woman entered the room who looked to be the barmaid from the garb she was wearing and the apron around her waist and held up her hands asking for everyone&#039;s attention. Oliviero turned his attention towards her as she began to speak to the crowd gathered.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: The Blood that Binds]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200491</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200491"/>
		<updated>2023-06-20T00:02:48Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to [[User:HALEM20|HALEM20]] to update my wiki page. Signed [[User:RICHAARD|RICHAARD]] ([[User talk:RICHAARD|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2023 (CDT)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200490</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200490"/>
		<updated>2023-06-20T00:02:00Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to HALEM20 to update my wiki page. Signed [[User:RICHAARD|RICHAARD]] ([[User talk:RICHAARD|talk]]) 19:02, 19 June 2023 (CDT)&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200488</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200488"/>
		<updated>2023-06-20T00:01:14Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Created page with &amp;quot;I grant permission to HALEM20 to update my wiki page. Signed RICHAARD&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to HALEM20 to update my wiki page. Signed RICHAARD&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200487</id>
		<title>Talk:Oliviero (prime)/Interruption</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Talk:Oliviero_(prime)/Interruption&amp;diff=200487"/>
		<updated>2023-06-19T23:57:19Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Created page with &amp;quot;I grant permission to HALEM20 to update my wiki page. Signed RICHAARD&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;I grant permission to [[User:HALEM20|HALEM20]] to update my wiki page. Signed RICHAARD&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200358</id>
		<title>Oliviero (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Oliviero_(prime)&amp;diff=200358"/>
		<updated>2023-06-18T17:56:35Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Created page with &amp;quot;{{characterprofile |border-color=#7bafd4 |background-color=#228b22 |name=Oliviero |image= |caption= |race= Human |culture= |class= Ranger |profession= Explorer |religion= |aff...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile&lt;br /&gt;
|border-color=#7bafd4&lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#228b22&lt;br /&gt;
|name=Oliviero&lt;br /&gt;
|image=&lt;br /&gt;
|caption=&lt;br /&gt;
|race= Human&lt;br /&gt;
|culture=&lt;br /&gt;
|class= Ranger&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Explorer&lt;br /&gt;
|religion=&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations=&lt;br /&gt;
|word=&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition=&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor=&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= &lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw=&lt;br /&gt;
|strength=&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness=&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes=&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties=&lt;br /&gt;
|friend=&lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= &lt;br /&gt;
|children=&lt;br /&gt;
|instance= Platinum&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
...more to come!&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Narsisius_(platinum)/Missing&amp;diff=200356</id>
		<title>Narsisius (platinum)/Missing</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Narsisius_(platinum)/Missing&amp;diff=200356"/>
		<updated>2023-06-18T17:22:46Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;Character Vignette Missing&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Thunder echoes in the distance, a flash illuminates the window in the small room, casting shadows across the floor. Narsisius could not sleep, a girl was missing in the wilds. He knew that terrain, rough woodlands on the sides of the dragonspine. He wondered if she took the longer route south, or tried to cut through the mountains near Zul Logoth. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Rolling over, he just could not fall asleep, the words written on the flier invoked a feeling he could not shake. Something was wrong, some things did not add up, but he could not define why he felt this way. Some inner string, a thread for the gods to tug on, or was this girl different? This blood binding...and her twin? What was his deal, he seemed sincere but Narsisius could not shake this feeling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Giving up on sleep, he rose from the bed and crept to the window. Peering outside, his gaze lost focus and his mind churned, something felt wrong. He decided to write his thoughts down and send them off. It may be nothing, but he knew better than to wait before reporting his concerns.```&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Note: My first vignette, a small peek into the life of Narsisius. He will admit to having his concerns, but the rest is secrets that will be revealed over time )&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: The Blood that Binds]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Ebon_Gate_Festival/services_2022&amp;diff=180334</id>
		<title>Ebon Gate Festival/services 2022</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Ebon_Gate_Festival/services_2022&amp;diff=180334"/>
		<updated>2022-10-09T15:20:24Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;alert alert-info&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;[https://twitter.com/GemStoneIV Follow Gemstone IV on Twitter] for merchant announcements during the 2022 Ebon Gate Festival.&amp;lt;BR&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;big&amp;gt;Services · [[Evermore Hollow/shop listing 2022|Ebon Gate 2022 Shop List]] · [[Ebon Gate Treasure Trove/2022|Treasure Trove]] · [[Ebon Gate Festival/announcements 2022#Teasers|Teasers]] · [[GHOUL/Evermore Hollow information|GHOUL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/big&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{big|&#039;&#039;&#039;ALL TIMES EASTERN AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. }}&amp;lt;!-- Note: In an effort to protect player privacy, please do not list names of raffle winners.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Prime==&lt;br /&gt;
===Raffles===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Item&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Draw Date &amp;amp; Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Ticket Price&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Raffle Item&lt;br /&gt;
| Date/Time || Price || Location&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| T5 Whodoo Doll (2)||10/18 9 pm EST|| 150,000 silvers || Goblin King Dolls, The Room&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Add Master Quality to Instruments (2) ||10/20 9 pm EST||100,000 silvers||Fiendish Phantomes, Study&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Custom Swear (5) || 10/16, 13:00 ET || 50,000 || Covert Creatures, Laboratory (Must be in game, need not be present to win)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Signature Verb (5) || 10/16, 13:15 ET || 50,000 || Covert Creatures, Laboratory (Must be in game, need not be present to win)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Services===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Merchant&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Service&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Method&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
| Location || Merchant || Service || Method&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Plat==&lt;br /&gt;
===Raffles===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Item&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Draw Date &amp;amp; Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Ticket Price&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Raffle Item&lt;br /&gt;
| Date/Time || Price || Location&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|Fully Custom Premium Home (1)||10/8 8 pm EST||100,000 silvers||The Witching Flower, Workroom&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Bloodletting Leech Jar Unlimited Leeches Per Day (1)||10/9 10 am EST||50,000 silvers||The Four Humours, Office&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Custom Swear (5)||10/9, 1 pm ET||50,000 silvers||Covert Creatures, Laboratory (must be in game, need not be present/awake)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Signature Verb (5)||10/9, 1:15 pm ET||50,000 silvers||Covert Creatures, Laboratory (must be in game, need not be present/awake)&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Add Spikes (10)||10/9 7 pm ET||50,000 silvers||Wrencrest Rookery, Kitchen&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Custom Sonic Alteration - Bards Only (5)||10/9 9:29 pm ET||50,000 silvers||The Witching Flower, Workroom&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Bloodletting Leeches Custom Leech Description (2)||10/10 10 am ET||? silvers||The Four Humours, Office&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Fully Unlocked Blacksmith Companion (1)||10/10 7:31 pm ET||25,000 silvers||Ironmonger&#039;s Smithy, Scrapyard&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Premade Werepuppy (4)||10/10 9 pm ET||? silvers||All Dogs Go To Naidem, Yard&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|T5 Whodoo Doll (1)||10/11 9 pm ET|| 150,000 silvers||Goblin King Dolls, The Room&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Custom Werepuppy (1)||10/12 9 pm ET||? silvers||All Dogs Go To Naidem, Yard&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Change Werepuppy Curse Type/Description (2)||10/12 9:05 pm ET||? silvers||All Dogs Go To Naidem, Yard&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Custom Bolt Messaging||10/13 7:29 pm ET||10,000 silvers||Wrencrest Rookery, Garden&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Add Master Quality to Instruments (2)||10/13 9 pm ET||100,000 silvers||Fiendish Phantomes, Study&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Services===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Schedule&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Merchant&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Service&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Method&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
| Location || Merchant || Service || Method&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Ebon_Gate_Festival/services_2022&amp;diff=180039</id>
		<title>Ebon Gate Festival/services 2022</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Ebon_Gate_Festival/services_2022&amp;diff=180039"/>
		<updated>2022-10-07T22:16:45Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;alert alert-info&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;[https://twitter.com/GemStoneIV Follow Gemstone IV on Twitter] for merchant announcements during the 2022 Ebon Gate Festival.&amp;lt;BR&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;big&amp;gt;Services · [[Evermore Hollow/shop listing 2022|Ebon Gate 2022 Shop List]] · [[Ebon Gate Treasure Trove/2022|Treasure Trove]] · [[Ebon Gate Festival/announcements 2022#Teasers|Teasers]] · [[GHOUL/Evermore Hollow information|GHOUL]]&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/big&amp;gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
{{big|&#039;&#039;&#039;ALL TIMES EASTERN AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. }}&amp;lt;!-- Note: In an effort to protect player privacy, please do not list names of raffle winners.--&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Prime==&lt;br /&gt;
===Raffles===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Item&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Draw Date &amp;amp; Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Ticket Price&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Raffle Item&lt;br /&gt;
| Date/Time || Price || Location&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| T5 Whodoo Doll (2)||10/18 9 pm EST|| 150,000 silvers || Goblin King Dolls, The Room&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Add Master Quality to Instruments (2) ||10/20 9 pm EST||100,000 silvers||Fiendish Phantomes, Study&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Services===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Merchant&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Service&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Method&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
| Location || Merchant || Service || Method&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Plat==&lt;br /&gt;
===Raffles===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Item&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Draw Date &amp;amp; Time&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Ticket Price&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Raffle Item&lt;br /&gt;
| Date/Time || Price || Location&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
| Add Spikes (10) ||10/9 7 pm EST||50,000 silvers || Wrencrest Rookery, Kitchen&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| T5 Whodoo Doll (1)||10/11 9 pm EST|| 150,000 silvers || Goblin King Dolls, The Room&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
|Add Master Quality to Instruments (2) ||10/13 9 pm EST||100,000 silvers||Fiendish Phantomes, Study&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Services===&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;font-size:95%&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Schedule&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Location&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Merchant&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Service&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;col&amp;quot; | Method&lt;br /&gt;
|-&amp;lt;!-- Please copy and paste the below code to paste with the correct information above.&lt;br /&gt;
! scope=&amp;quot;row&amp;quot; | Date/Time&lt;br /&gt;
| Location || Merchant || Service || Method&lt;br /&gt;
|- --&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Private_property&amp;diff=162495</id>
		<title>Private property</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Private_property&amp;diff=162495"/>
		<updated>2022-02-28T20:07:59Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Private properties&#039;&#039;&#039; are structures owned by private individuals, and the properties may require monthly rent be paid. If leased, failure to pay rent on time may result in repossession of the property.  Repossessed properties have been redistributed to other characters via auction or raffle.  Properties inside of towns often require the owner to have citizenship of that town (e.g. [[Aies apartment]] in [[Ta&#039;Illistim]]).  Some properties, such as those released via [[SimuCoin private property|SimuCoin]] and pay events, may not require ongoing payments to maintain the property after purchasing a [[Private property#Elans|deed]] to ensure permanence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deeded properties are unique unto themselves and may be somewhat customized by the owner upon winning the property deed.  Only 1 deeded property can be owned per account (including SimuCoin private properties), but they do NOT replace or restrict the purchase of [[Premium home]]s.  Unlike Premium homes the properties are not automatically open to all characters on the account nor restricted to one guest; instead they are locked (or not!) using special keys which can be duplicated by [[rogue]]s with [[lock mastery]] or by [[GameMaster]]s, and then distributed by the owner.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable text-center&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
! Legacy Property Name||Location||[[Platinum|Plat]] Description/Owner||[[Prime]] Description/Owner||[[Magical workshop|Magical Workshop]]?&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Dragonfly Lair||CYS||Selwin||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Lirafyr Cottage||CYS||Caylen||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Crystal Dome]]||IMT||||Faulkil||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Dark Tower||IMT||Jesphian||Ylandra||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Gelidity House (saved post)|Gelidity House]]||IMT||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Manor Olea||KD||||Island Oasis||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Marc&#039;s Workshop ||KD||House on the Rock||Isle Retreat/Rubytears||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Mesmere Bungalow||KD||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Nighthawk&#039;s Workshop||KD||[[The Modwir]]||[[Bremerial]]||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Trymble&#039;s Workshop||KD||Brinret (The Indolence)||Nordred&#039;s Barge||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Whining Elf Apartment]] || KD ||Brahm|| Tayler || N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Drift Cottage]]||KF||Ashanor||Desorceri||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Coral Villa]]||MH||Qadheon||Dergoatean||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Harbor Hideaway]]||MH||Ravenfritha||Elysia||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Misted Cottage||MH||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Stone Manor]]||MH||Magnolia Manor||Bertoch||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| The Carillion||Mobile||Alsal||Prymrose||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[The Falcon]] ||Mobile||||Nuadjha||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Talon Redoubt||PTP||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Bramblewild Barn]]||RR||Spikethorn||Lexbubba||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Cozy Cottage||RR||||Plat Only||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Smuggler&#039;s Tower||RR||Lewpi||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| BayVigil Houseboat||SH||||BayVigil Houseboat||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Eventide Manor||SH||Tyrillian||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Methais&#039; Home||SH||Prime Only||Methais||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Narcis Hold||SH||Prime Only||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Safe Harbor||SH||Rioti||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tidewater Cottage||SH||Kiel||Plat Only||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Aurora&#039;s Light Stable||SY||Brigit||Meb||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Caeruil City School]]||TI||Prime Only||[[Ysaeril]]||&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Evelise&#039;s Retreat||TI||Issalya ([[Villa_Valdarien|Villa Valdarien]])||Alastir ([[Journey&#039;s_End|Journey&#039;s End]])||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Aies apartment|Library Aies Apartment]]||TI||Nilandia||Vielontoz||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Peregrine Tavern||TI||Prime Only||[[Tysong_(prime)|Tysong]]||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Stormspire||TI||Prime Only||Aaramon||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Stormwild Manor||TI||||Katara||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Misted Serenity]]||TI||||[[Ilyan Syndicate]]||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tower of the Queen||TI||Cassae||Plat Only||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Alabaster Bastion||TV||||Kakoon||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Hunter&#039;s Respite]]||TV||Nemdenia||[[Uniana]]||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Twilight Parlor||TV||||Grimgul||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Yander&#039;s Farm||TV||Prime Only||Krystalena||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Garden Cottage||WL||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Hart Lodge||WL||Rouste (Morning Cottage)||Kestrel&#039;s Perch||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Hermit Hollow||WL||Brahm||Gillien ||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Kodos&#039;s Cottage||WL||Caithris (Riverloft Keep)||Public museum||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Lornon&#039;s Shadow||WL||||Plat Only||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Pan&#039;s Place]]||WL||The Dragon&#039;s Lair||Ardwen||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tedra&#039;s Workshop ||WL||Valmos&#039;s Cottage||Greystorm Manor/Syphaer||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Thrak Suite||WL||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Warcat Suite||WL||Doj||Maevie||&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Ye Oddity Workshop ||WL||||Public museum||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Muirgheal Manor||ZL||Talryssa||Clunk||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Sahnuk||ZL||Oridor||Groghammer||N&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
{{Location key}}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;section begin=elans /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
==Upgrades ==&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Elans&#039;&#039;&#039; were a currency used for leased or owned private properties (including SimuCoin private properties).  They debuted at the December 2017 run of [[Summit Academy]], purchased from the [[SimuCoin|SimuCoin Store]] during appropriate events.  Property Upgrades have since been distributed through other pay events including [[Duskruin]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Upgrade options that have been released include:&lt;br /&gt;
*Permanent ownership license&lt;br /&gt;
*Single room addition&lt;br /&gt;
*Storage additions&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Transportation key]]s&lt;br /&gt;
*Property renaming&lt;br /&gt;
*Pluckable/Foraged plants&lt;br /&gt;
*Hands-free entry for owners&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Other restrictions including one per account and limited number of purchases may also be applied.&amp;lt;section end=elans /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Resources ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[/saved posts|Saved posts]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[SimuCoin private property]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Game%20Design%20Discussions/Private%20Properties/view Officials folder]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Private Properties| ]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bramblewild_Barn&amp;diff=153307</id>
		<title>Bramblewild Barn</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bramblewild_Barn&amp;diff=153307"/>
		<updated>2021-09-17T22:53:21Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;&#039;&#039;&#039;Bramblewild Barn&#039;&#039;&#039; is a [[private property]] located near South River Road in [[River&#039;s Rest]]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
This property was auctioned off during Duskruin in August, 2021. It was purchased by Lexbubba in Prime and Spikethorn in Platinum. It is a permanent property with no monthly rent that includes a node, stable, and fishing area.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{TOC limit|2}}&lt;br /&gt;
==Location==&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=A Rough-Cut Track - 16016&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=A ragged swath has been haphazardly cut through the undergrowth, leaving the remnants of brambles and bushes behind to snag the incautious.  The track clears to the south where a break in the trees beckons, though the nighttime sky pales in comparison to the twinkling lights alive on the track as lightning bugs put on a remarkable show.  You also see a bramble-covered path and a road to the north.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious paths: south}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Front Yard==&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Barn, Pasture&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=Surrounded by woods, the fenced-in pasture is a small hint of tamed territory amidst the wild.  A lone elderberry tree sits atop the slight slope of the pasture, which is bisected by a small burbling creek sparkling in the starlight.  Crossing the birch- and alder-lined creek is a small cedar footbridge leading to a large, beautifully preserved barn in the distance.  You also see a gated path.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious paths: none}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Front Entrance==&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Barn&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=Starting near a tree-lined creek, pasture fades into cultivated grass surrounding an enormous, pristine barn painted a dark cinnabar with argent accents.  The large doors of the barn are reinforced with iron banding, and a narrow flagstone path leads to a footbridge over the creek.  Golden wild irises and bright white narcissus grow along the barn&#039;s exterior, and a small statue of Aeia rests near a reflecting pool.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious paths: none}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Main Room==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Barn, Stable&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=The barn has been converted into a two-story living and stable area, with this lower floor serving as stable and some steep stairs leading to the home above.  Several stalls have had their doors removed and are used as storage, filled with blankets, tack, saddles, and other riding accoutrements.  A metal footlocker sits next to the single stall that still has a door.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious exits: out}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Living Room==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Barn, Living Area&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=Rustic floors with contrasting birch furniture coupled with the arched ceiling of the barn create a warm and open living space.  Large windows with herb-filled window boxes have cheerful, forest green, pinstriped curtains, and a series of matching curtains artfully divides the open space into smaller sections.  A small kitchen nook with larder and basin nestles in one corner, while a rustic four-poster bed sits in another.  Several bookcases and leather chairs cluster together beneath a series of wrought silver globes.  You also see some steep stairs.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious exits: nonet}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Hidden Den==&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Barn, Hidden Den&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=Hidden beneath the barn, this large den is packed with several cherrywood bookcases, each crammed with dozens of books, maps, and scrolls.  One wall is nothing but hastily pinned up maps around a dart board and matching cherrywood rack, and a line has been carved into the rustic hardwood floor roughly twenty feet back from the board.  A large octagonal table and eight chairs take up the center of the den, and a large leather couch curves around a mahogany-framed painting.  You also see a small cherrywood bin and a small cupboard.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Stable==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Fishing Island==&lt;br /&gt;
{{RoomDescription&lt;br /&gt;
|roomname=Bramblewild Island&lt;br /&gt;
|desc=This miniature island is covered with small saplings and a large greyed stump on one end, and tall grasses intermixed with daisies on the other.  It&#039;s an easy jump back to the pasture on one side, and the creek there runs shallow.  Too wide to comfortably jump, the other side is also quite deep and the occasional flash of a fish can be seen.  A weatherbeaten chair, low to the ground, is positioned facing the deeper waters, and an abandoned fishing pole lies broken next to it.  You also see a small fire encircled with creek rocks.&lt;br /&gt;
|Obvious paths: out}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Private Properties]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Private_property&amp;diff=153305</id>
		<title>Private property</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Private_property&amp;diff=153305"/>
		<updated>2021-09-17T22:52:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Private properties&#039;&#039;&#039; are structures owned by private individuals who must pay a monthly rent.  They are different from [[SimuCoin private property|SimuCoin private properties]] in that if the owner fails to pay rent, they will be repossessed and distributed to another character on a paid account, usually via auction or raffle.  Properties inside of towns often require the owner to have citizenship of that town (e.g. [[Aies apartment]] in [[Ta&#039;Illistim]]).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Deeded properties are unique unto themselves and can be somewhat customized by the owner upon winning the property deed.  Only 1 deeded property can be owned per account (including SimuCoin private properties), but they do NOT replace or restrict the purchase of [[Premium home]]s.  Unlike Premium homes the properties are not automatically open to all characters on the account nor restricted to one guest; instead they are locked (or not!) using special keys which can be duplicated only by [[GameMaster]]s and then distributed by the owner.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;small&amp;gt;IMT=[[Icemule Trace]], KD=[[Kharam Dzu]], KF=[[Kraken&#039;s Fall]], MH=[[Mist Harbor]], PTP=[[Pinefar]], RR=[[River&#039;s Rest]], SOL=[[Solhaven]], TI=[[Ta&#039;Illistim]], SY=[[Sylvarraend]], TV=[[Ta&#039;Vaalor]], WL=[[Wehnimer&#039;s Landing]], ZL=[[Zul Logoth]]&amp;lt;/small&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable sortable text-center&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
! Legacy Property Name||Location||[[Platinum|Plat]] Description/Owner||[[Prime]] Description/Owner||[[Magical workshop|Magical Workshop]]?&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Crystal Dome]]||IMT||||Faulkil||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Dark Tower||IMT||Jesphian||Ylandra||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Gelidity House (saved post)|Gelidity House]]||IMT||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Manor Olea||KD||Camaenor||Island Oasis||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Marc&#039;s Workshop ||KD||House on the Rock||Isle Retreat||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Mesmere Bungalow||KD||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Nighthawk&#039;s Workshop||KD||[[The Modwir]]||[[Bremerial]]||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Trymble&#039;s Workshop||KD||Brinret (The Indolence)||Nordred&#039;s Barge||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Drift Cottage]]||KF||Ashanor||Desorceri||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Coral Villa]]||MH||Qadheon||Dergoatean||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Misted Cottage||MH||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Stone Manor]]||MH||Magnolia Manor||Bertoch||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| The Carillion||Mobile||||Elrodin||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[The Falcon]] ||Mobile||||Nuadjha||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Talon Redoubt||PTP||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Bramblewild Barn]]||RR||Spikethorn||Lexbubba||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Cozy Cottage||RR||||Plat Only||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Smuggler&#039;s Tower||RR||Lewpi||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| BayVigil Houseboat||SOL||Whick (The Revelry)||BayVigil Houseboat||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Methais&#039; Home||SOL||Prime Only||Methais||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Narcis Hold||SOL||Prime Only||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tidewater Cottage||SOL||Kiel||Plat Only||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Aurora&#039;s Light Stable||SY||Brigit||Meb||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Evelise&#039;s Retreat||TI||Issalya ([[Villa_Valdarien|Villa Valdarien]])||Alastir ([[Journey&#039;s_End|Journey&#039;s End]])||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Aies apartment|Library Aies Apartment]]||TI||Nilandia||Vielontoz||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Stormwild Manor||TI||||Katara||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tower of the Queen||TI||Cassae||Plat Only||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Stormspire||TI||Prime Only||Aaramon||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Alabaster Bastion||TV||||Kakoon||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Twilight Parlor||TV||||Grimgul||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Yander&#039;s Farm||TV||Prime Only||Krystalena||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Garden Cottage||WL||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Hart Lodge||WL||Rouste (Morning Cottage)||Kestrel&#039;s Perch||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Hermit Hollow||WL||Brahm||Gillien ||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Kodos&#039;s Cottage||WL||Caithris (Riverloft Keep)||Public museum||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Lornon&#039;s Shadow||WL||Berbels||Plat Only||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| [[Pan&#039;s Place]]||WL||The Dragon&#039;s Lair||Ardwen||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Tedra&#039;s Workshop ||WL||Valmos&#039;s Cottage||Greystorm Manor/Syphaer||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Thrak Suite||WL||||||N&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Ye Oddity Workshop ||WL||||Public museum||Y&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| Muirgheal Manor||ZL||Talryssa||Clunk||N&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;section begin=elans /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
==Elans==&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;Elans&#039;&#039;&#039; are a currency used only for private properties (including SimuCoin private properties).  They debuted at the December 2017 run of [[Summit Academy]] and can be purchased from the [[SimuCoin|SimuCoin Store]] during appropriate events.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Options that have been released for purchase with elans include:&lt;br /&gt;
*Permanent Ownership License&lt;br /&gt;
*Single Room Addition&lt;br /&gt;
*Large Storage Addition&lt;br /&gt;
*[[Transportation key]]s&lt;br /&gt;
*Property Renaming&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Other restrictions including one per account and limited number of purchases have also been applied.&amp;lt;section end=elans /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Resources ==&lt;br /&gt;
*[[/saved posts|Saved posts]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[[SimuCoin private property]]&lt;br /&gt;
*[http://forums.play.net/forums/GemStone%20IV/Game%20Design%20Discussions/Private%20Properties/view Officials folder]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Private Properties| ]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136941</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136941"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T04:50:51Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Cyar */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is a tale of a legendary bard, some greedy soldiers, and an unexpected theft. I call it &#039;Skullduggery.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and, with a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp. Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr grins merrily and plucks an irreverent, puckish, musical thumb-to-the nose statement on his harp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day in his travels, he chanced on a camp...and a general gobbling his meat,&lt;br /&gt;
     And not far away was a town long-besieged, one scoured of aught left to eat.&lt;br /&gt;
     The bard toured the camp (for the soldiers were proud), but he left with a word: &amp;quot;You have lost.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Abandon your camp and flee now to the hills, or you&#039;ll be quite ashamed of the cost.&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he pauses dramatically in his exuberant harp performance, only to pounce and charge into the next phrases with a bright steely tone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not a tooth-glint was seen of the merry bard-rogue concealed by shadow and cowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      The general fleered and the majors all sneered and swore Cor&#039;s prediction was foul.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Neath a moon&#039;s reddish light the supply hut unlocked, and its contents flew into a cloak,&lt;br /&gt;
      Then Corenthi found cannons, ballistas and bows, used some stealth, and prepared his great joke.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now the city was cursed and it had been for years--by war and by famine and blight.&lt;br /&gt;
      It had run out of arrows, priests, empaths, herbs, food, and the will to continue the fight.&lt;br /&gt;
      On the Feast of Immortals, the last siege began, at the first winter-pale light of day&lt;br /&gt;
      And the cityfolk burned with the rage of the lost as the soldiers began the affray.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first cannon boomed, the first catapult roared, sharp logs from ballistas rained down.&lt;br /&gt;
      A sigh of despair like a tidal wave swept from the west to the east side of town.&lt;br /&gt;
      Then an urchin cried out, &amp;quot;Look at what I have found!&amp;quot; For attached to a catapult stone,&lt;br /&gt;
     Padded and bound and half-hidden by spells, was a feast that would make gluttons groan.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he thumps his harp&#039;s  soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with his left hand while the right races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each cannonball, each ballista log, each stone that flew over the wall&lt;br /&gt;
      Brought water and food, clothing, blankets and herbs, seeds, and weapons to make their foes fall.&lt;br /&gt;
      And on the last package, the folk found a note &#039;You&#039;ve had things uncommonly hard.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;I thought it was time that your foes shared with YOU. Happy feasting! Corenthi the Bard.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The siege was soon broken. The soldiers ran off. The officers? They were all shamed.&lt;br /&gt;
      And from that day to this, nobody knows what any or all were then named.&lt;br /&gt;
      But the minstrel&#039;s recalled, for in stealing a feast, he stole from the gods some bright fire&lt;br /&gt;
      Bringing hope, laughter, joy, and a sliver of faith, and the fight to grab what you desire.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp.  Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps gaily into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And the city stood then, and it stands to this day, and will stand till the sun is no more.&lt;br /&gt;
      For a city can fall, it can sicken and starve, but some fierceness remains at its core.&lt;br /&gt;
      Unquenchable flame from the hearts of the gods can never be easily slain &lt;br /&gt;
     Like a troubadour&#039;s tune, old and slumbering now, but with spirit that&#039;s ever germane.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr taps the fingers of his right hand on the soundboard of his harp, sounding like so many finger snaps while the beat goes on below.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr produces a boisterous downward progression on his harp, like an avalanche of notes, all rumbling over each other and piling in a tumble at the bottom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Corenthi himself? He still wanders the lands. From the Oracle Skulls of the elves&lt;br /&gt;
      To a mythical town hiding deep underground that all need to find for themselves&lt;br /&gt;
      From the depths of the seas to a desert of death, like diamonds ablaze with white light&lt;br /&gt;
      To this, the last Bardfest, for legends don&#039;t die, and I&#039;ve felt his gaze here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thumps his harp&#039;s soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with the left hand while the right hand races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and bows gracefully and respectfully to the audience and then to the judges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Jersea steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea blows kisses.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea steps through the curtain and takes center stage.  A large spotlight focuses on her as she stands there.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles as she puts a hand up to her eyes and searches out Seomanthe.  She mouths, &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry!&amp;quot; and winks.  Turning back to the audience, she strikes a pose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grabs one end of her white and gold boa and waves it energetically, its feathers fluttering in a sensuous dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites authoritatively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;From the town that brought you Goatfest...&lt;br /&gt;
     Gem of Fate...&lt;br /&gt;
     Dock Diving...&lt;br /&gt;
     And me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea takes a few steps forward, embracing the spotlight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of all the things in River&#039;s Rest that make that town unique&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s one which I must mention, of which I must speak.&lt;br /&gt;
     And if you&#039;ve never seen it, it will make your eyebrow arch...&lt;br /&gt;
     Yup...&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;ve guessed I&#039;m talking &#039;bout...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea winks at Galilea.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea confidently exclaims, &amp;quot;The naked wedding march!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea awkwardly says, &amp;quot;Well...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sets about preparing herself to be as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wonderingly says, &amp;quot;Hmm, I think I might be over dressed for this...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings cheerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s one of those... the special kind... scheduled for today.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings from her earlobes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays in a circle to the right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites skeptically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You&#039;ve never heard of such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites seriously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I assure you that it&#039;s true.&lt;br /&gt;
     I have seen with my own eyes... more than I ever wanted to!&lt;br /&gt;
     I was headed through the Commons on my way out for a hunt,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I could not believe my eyes!  I thought it was a stunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Nope, just a wedding.  Believe it or not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Once the vows are said, then the march gets underway&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Jersea rubs her charm bracelet she gets a faraway look in her eyes, as if remembering the past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a shell-adorned charm bracelet from her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a shell-adorned charm bracelet in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites mischievously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The groom, he wore a fine cravat. The bride, she wore her veil.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everyone was toasting them with Winterberry Ale.&lt;br /&gt;
     But aside from these few touches, the rest was on display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And the guests were just as well dressed...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     In similar array!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea rolls her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea innocently says, &amp;quot;I was quite unsuspecting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is one time you don&#039;t want to only go halfway,&lt;br /&gt;
     For everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a casual flick of her fingers, Jersea effectively brushes a loose speck from one of her elbow-length gloves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves from her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waggles her fingers mystically at Balinworn.  How nice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;You know,&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites embarrassedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I saw much more than I would ever want to see again.&lt;br /&gt;
     I really wish... that it was possible to scrub your brain.&lt;br /&gt;
     But then upon the other hand, here and there, there was a sight......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Jersea steeples her fingers together and gives a little grin.&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;That brought a smile to my face and caused me great delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings flirtatiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will show up polished fine? And who in disarray?&lt;br /&gt;
     For every body&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea whistles a carefree tune, the perfect picture of innocence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In a swooping motion, Jersea removes a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires from her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites fiercely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I guess I didn&#039;t quite fit in, dressed in full battle gear&lt;br /&gt;
     But it&#039;s so easy to make sonic armor disappear.&lt;br /&gt;
     I slipped my sandals off and wiggled my toes in the grass...&lt;br /&gt;
     And went to offer my &amp;quot;Congrats!&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Pardon my trespass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea reasonably says, &amp;quot;It never hurts to be polite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Smiles, cheers and laughter for it&#039;s like a holiday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes off a breezy white silk shirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a breezy white silk shirt in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites dreamily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh, everybody&#039;s welcome,&amp;quot; the couple said with a grin.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;It really doesn&#039;t take much if you want to blend right in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I looked about this boisterous group, and thought a little bit...&lt;br /&gt;
     Free ale, and entertainment, how is this not a great fit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea raises her voice in merry laughter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Just a moment to clean up, I want the best display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea softly hums a merry tune, embellishing upon the melody&#039;s jaunty lilt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells from her neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flirts with Soliere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ve  planned a little tour about the town. And then, &lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll stop at the Stone Eye to fill our tankards up again.&lt;br /&gt;
     Our day will end upon the Point, while strolling hand in hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     In hopes of love as strong as the one written in that sand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sighs dreamily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea exclaims, &amp;quot;A love story for the ages!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll gather in the Commons and give a hip hooray...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s face lights up with joy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her thigh-high stockings, making the stockings as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites grandiosely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course I helped the couple celebrate their special day.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d gone to so much trouble, who was I to turn away?&lt;br /&gt;
     It was a grand adventure, so much better than a hunt...&lt;br /&gt;
     And no, I&#039;m not just saying so, I&#039;m really being blunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Free food...  Free drink...  Lots to look at...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea bats her eyelashes for attention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings whimsically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Can&#039;t wait for all to show up in the suit from their birthday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea quickly removes a series of slender gold hairpins from her dark bronze hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a series of slender gold hairpins in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea gives her head a gentle toss, causing her long hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays about with a contented look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So now when there&#039;s a wedding in the town of River&#039;s Rest...&lt;br /&gt;
     And they  invite friends and family, those they love the best,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s just one thing to remember... and no, it&#039;s not a jest.&lt;br /&gt;
     Check the invitation... to see how you should be dressed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s cheeks turn crimson as she lets out an embarrassed laugh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Or not, as the case may be.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh I&#039;m going to a wedding out in the Rest today,&lt;br /&gt;
     I hurried up, got moving.  I don&#039;t want to be late.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve just time to make the cutter, it will soon be underway...&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join with everybody, &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wiggles her toes at Aurien.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea preens and gives herself a quick once-over, then strikes a pose that is perhaps supposed to be impressive.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites bemusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So, pitch your pants and toss your tops and strip that skirt away,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they&#039;re holding a wedding in River&#039;s Rest today.&lt;br /&gt;
     How this tradition started?&lt;br /&gt;
     I haven&#039;t got a clue...&lt;br /&gt;
     But if love can make it through this...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     It has got to be true blue!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Oh, come one, Did you really think...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes in amazement at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair and wonderful evening to everyone here, and everyone who has been here over the years. There would be no songs without you to listen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril smiles faintly, then steals a glance up at the stage lights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites thoughtfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The orbs are pretty, but sometimes they are rather bright and ostentatious. Let them rest a while, and I shall tell a story like we used to.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With nimble fingers, Meril unfastens each of the buttons holding her instrument case closed, and draws the flap open.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gently removes a sleek black willow lyre with leaf-shaped azure crystal pegs from the protection of its case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril sets herself down on the edge of the stage as the lights dim and gives a few trying notes on her lyre.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril carefully places a rose-etched black instrument case on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites regretfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am not as practiced at the lyre as a master troubadour, but I hope it will suffice.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril gets a far-off look in her eyes and, gently, starts to play in the manner of a simple country ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings appealingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a small and nameless village upon foggy rolling hills,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a stream that ran yet pristine clear beneath the farming mills,&lt;br /&gt;
     In the shade of a weeping willow, in the quiet of the morn,&lt;br /&gt;
     A boy and girl were playing -- at an age when dreams are born.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves a more complex melody with the lyre, shifting between two parts in harmony, a brighter color against a flowing undercurrent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Have you ever seen the castle knights, riding to their quest?&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join them when I&#039;m old enough, and learn to be their best!&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
     The boy wielded a fallen stick picked from the shady knoll,&lt;br /&gt;
     Flourishing it with feinting thrusts against a phantom troll.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Knights are lunkheads,&#039; the girl said crossly, &#039;and only learn to fight.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;d spend your days in training yards until you&#039;ve lost your sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Besides, you wouldn&#039;t even be a squire with that lot --&lt;br /&gt;
     We won&#039;t ever be castle-folk, and titles can&#039;t be bought.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Well, whatever I&#039;d be,&#039; he said, &#039;I still would like to go.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s so much of the world to see, and so much we don&#039;t know.&lt;br /&gt;
     If I can&#039;t be a questing knight, then at least a famous skald --&lt;br /&gt;
     A warrior-bard who roams the lands wherever heroes are called.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings teasingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She flicked a small stone up at him, and he batted it away.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;All right,&#039; she told him with a smile, &#039;if truly you won&#039;t stay,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you&#039;re so set on joining up with some fool lord&#039;s campaign,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll be there too the day you go, to save you from the pain.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril furrows her brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings slowly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You always hated fighting,&#039; he said, casting a wary glance.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I&#039;ve never talked you into giving it even half a chance,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never even the slightest luck, but suddenly you&#039;ve changed now.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is it my immense bardic skill that has you convinced -- ow!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril flinches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wryly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She made a face, and pointedly picked up another stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;An army needs its healers, for mending flesh and bone.&lt;br /&gt;
     I would be there to keep them safe, to learn a useful skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And if I must go to pull you out of trouble, then I will.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays on wordlessly for the space of a verse, modulating to a darker key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril looks up, tracking the stars across an invisible wheeling sky.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril pauses in an observational trance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a tent upon a muddy field with posts in ragged sleeves,&lt;br /&gt;
     On a litter roughly fashioned for a bed of cloth and leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a light that wavered and dimmed, as if &#039;twas almost there,&lt;br /&gt;
     He awoke to the scent of dry acantha in the morning air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He raised a hand unsteadily to rub his bleary eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then took a breath and, wincing, found he lacked the strength to rise.&lt;br /&gt;
     He felt at the bandages at his side, yet streaked with deep-red stain,&lt;br /&gt;
     As memories of yesterday came back as sharp as pain.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes in concentration for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril launches into another verse, striking each chord with a focused intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He still could hear the horn blasts sound against the setting sun --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could see the riders bearing down as he fought the need to run --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could feel the clash of axe on shield as they breached through the wall --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could taste the blood upon his tongue when he began to fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, gradually softening the melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A few murmured words passed his lips, a prayer his soul to keep,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, lying back, he fell again into a troubled sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The battle raged on in his dreams -- &#039;til at last he could hear&lt;br /&gt;
     The sound of her voice calling him, for the first time in a year.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the heavier part of the melody fade as she plays a procession of chords, quiet as flowing water.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in an apprentice&#039;s simple coat, layered white-on-green,&lt;br /&gt;
     Its colors faded with all the washes it took to be clean.&lt;br /&gt;
     And even as she knelt beside him with a practiced grace,&lt;br /&gt;
     The deepening worry-lines were plain to see upon her face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She pressed a cool cloth to his brow and washed his face with care --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You almost bled out on the field before we found you there.&lt;br /&gt;
     Too many friends were lost last night. I am glad you made it through,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never would I forgive myself if somehow I lost you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings weakly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He tried to smile at that remark, but was not sure it took.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I guess I&#039;m lucky you were here, among healers by your look.&lt;br /&gt;
     Before today I thought maybe our chance had come and gone,&lt;br /&gt;
     But now that you&#039;ve arrived to help, I suppose we fight on.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;There are but few of us,&#039; she said, resentment in her voice --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;And we are given lists to treat, oft not by our own choice.&lt;br /&gt;
     The lords and knights are first seen to, then those with silver or skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And as for commoners without wealth, well, we are lower still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I&#039;ve done for you all that I could, but it was not enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;ll not watch you limp along to prove you are so tough.&lt;br /&gt;
     I might not be much of a healer yet, by practice nor by tome,&lt;br /&gt;
     But with the wounds you suffered here, I must now send you home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings hesitantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He stared at her, feeling a sudden unease in his heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I want to return home, of course, once I have done my part,&lt;br /&gt;
     But not while there is so much of the world that I&#039;ve not known,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I had hoped, when that day comes, I wouldn&#039;t go alone.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wistfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She stayed silent a long while as she wrung the bandages dry.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;If only we could wander without ever knowing why...&lt;br /&gt;
     But there are so many who need me here, and much still left to do.&lt;br /&gt;
     This is to keep you safe, but... no, I cannot leave with you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He drank a tincture for the pain -- she rose and turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And offered a smile of encouragement with a hand over her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, with a rustle of the tent, she was gone from his sight,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though the morning was early yet, he could see only night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody descend into the deep, then plays on for a few more wordless verses. Note by note, it starts to climb -- still shaped by what came before, but now a distant mirror of the original ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a city somewhere, many years hence -- a summer sun shone bright&lt;br /&gt;
     In skies of pure untarnished blue with nary a cloud in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     A warm breeze swept over the docks, and past its merchant fleets,&lt;br /&gt;
     And through the myriad festive stalls that lined the busy streets.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And there within the festooned square, beneath a tavern&#039;s sign,&lt;br /&gt;
     A once-soldier turned minstrel played for silver and for wine --&lt;br /&gt;
     One ballad done, he tipped his hat for a patron&#039;s sparing fee,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then strummed his lute anew, starting a folksy melody.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril shapes the melody into its simplest form, skipping along the notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chords were from a childhood song that he held in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     The words gathered from strangeling lands and places he would find.&lt;br /&gt;
     The music fluttered with wonder, shifting with the beat,&lt;br /&gt;
     As cityfolk quickly gathered about, crowding around his seat.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they heard in it the glittering sights that far-off realms could send,&lt;br /&gt;
     From peak to shining peak until they cheered him to the end.&lt;br /&gt;
     He stood -- though not easily, with the old wound in his side --&lt;br /&gt;
     And looked over the crowd, and then -- at once his eyes went wide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves the flowing undercurrent back into the song, richer and more complex than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in the colors of the guild, dark laurel-green on white,&lt;br /&gt;
     But her smile was as bright as memory, a salve to bleary sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Moving beside him carefully, she reached to help him stand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And hugged him, laughing as she pressed a gold coin to his hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I haven&#039;t heard that melody since... ah, since a lifetime ago,&lt;br /&gt;
     But you have played it here today more sweetly than I know.&lt;br /&gt;
     It is a rare and precious thing to see a friend so dear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Will you not share a drink with me? The tavern is right here.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They spoke of his adventures across cities near and far,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of her unwavering task to mend both wound and scar,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of past and present, and of mountains yet to climb --&lt;br /&gt;
     They drank a toast to childhood dreams, and drank a toast to time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At last the conversation died with no more tales to tell,&lt;br /&gt;
     And into a quieter afternoon they emerged to say farewell.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;When you are next in town,&#039; she said, &#039;returned from a distant shore,&lt;br /&gt;
     Be sure to come -- we&#039;ll always keep for you an open door.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She paused for just a moment as she half-turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And raised her hand toward him to ever briefly touch her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     He waved and let her slip into the distance and the crowd,&lt;br /&gt;
     Humming to himself a wistful tune, neither long nor loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody drift slowly, until it is a phantom of what came before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It was the shadow of a song, its faint strains in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song ever beyond his grasp, as hues are to the blind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song she lived -- not knowingly, as strange as it might seem --&lt;br /&gt;
     Not as she is, not as she breathes, but as she fills his dream.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows even the phantoms to drift into the silence and the dark.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah, the stage lights are coming to life again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes fondly at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is a lovely stage, but like all beautiful things, one cannot have it forever. Thank you all, again, for gently listening.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril picks up a rose-etched black instrument case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s voice carries over the darkness of the stage where the shadow of his form is just out of view.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor deliberately says, &amp;quot;Many have felt the burden of your family, your house...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor resolutely says, &amp;quot;For me, it&#039;s what I am.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor resolutely says, &amp;quot;I give you... &amp;quot;Bloodline&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor boldly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor smiles briefly, then makes a descreet gesture - a clear signal. Suddenly the darkness of the stage peels back as it becomes underlit by a row of lamps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor removes a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard from in his black suede case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a violin bow from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s fingers slide along the unusually thick strings of his cittern, then bounces the bow across the lower part of the neck. The sound creates a throbbing rhythm, growing in crescendo with each downbeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor looks up from his instrument to the audience, a half-crooked grin on his lips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor confidently strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Life is a blur&lt;br /&gt;
     The Arkati laugh, we&#039;re amateur!&lt;br /&gt;
     So we defer&lt;br /&gt;
     Our love and our lives for favor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor runs his fingers across his black star sapphire and a dark flame flares up around it, wavering briefly before fading into nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a violin bow into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor wraps his fingers around the neck of his cittern and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a flute of Dhe&#039;nari blood wine from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor takes a drink from his Dhe&#039;nari blood wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a flute of Dhe&#039;nari blood wine into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor smacks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So time and again, we&#039;re shattered and tattered&lt;br /&gt;
     Drown sorrow in liquor&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s quicker&lt;br /&gt;
          And we&#039;re sicker&lt;br /&gt;
               But sane&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor strums the cittern&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
The shimmering multicolored sphere fades from around Telare.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Striking a final vibrant chord, Talinvor allows the song to fade into silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resonantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Blood in my veins&lt;br /&gt;
     My heart and my brain&lt;br /&gt;
     No guilt, &#039;cuz it stains&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Despite all the pain&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet here I remain&lt;br /&gt;
          ...yet here I remain&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor begins pacing back and forth across the stage, his longcoat sweeping out behind his angry steps before turning again to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Once I believed in what I was told&lt;br /&gt;
     To fit in the mold&lt;br /&gt;
     Be part of the fold&lt;br /&gt;
     But it felt so controlled&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor clenches his fist.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor scowls.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slings a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor spins his instrument and continues the rhythm in staccato beats with his thumbs on the back of it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Fire in my blood, lost passion and ashen&lt;br /&gt;
     Fueled it again with pride&lt;br /&gt;
     I defied&lt;br /&gt;
          And terrified&lt;br /&gt;
               Like a hurricane&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings chantingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I left home for a time&lt;br /&gt;
     Sailed, flew, walked and climbed&lt;br /&gt;
     Then across the Spine&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether fate or by design&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lifting my voice with story and rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     The bardic life - sublime&lt;br /&gt;
     Fingers wrapped around some wine&lt;br /&gt;
     ...or champagne&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resonantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Blood in my veins&lt;br /&gt;
     My heart and my brain&lt;br /&gt;
     No guilt, &#039;cuz it stains&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Despite all the pain&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet here I remain&lt;br /&gt;
          ...yet here I remain&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a violin bow from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slings a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor turns his cittern back over to reveal the strings, then scratches the bow in a bouncing chordic beat along the frets..)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I started to see&lt;br /&gt;
     Eventually&lt;br /&gt;
     Falsity and fallacy&lt;br /&gt;
     Hard to trust entirely&lt;br /&gt;
     All of my serenity&lt;br /&gt;
     Bottled up with my mentality&lt;br /&gt;
     Exploded exponentially&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor makes a gesture like an explosion near his head, as he swiftly stows the bow again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a violin bow into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor attends to his mahogany cittern, making the cittern as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I reconsidered destiny&lt;br /&gt;
     Embraced my devilry&lt;br /&gt;
     Began to play my *own* melody&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tilts his head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor gazes with interest at the mahogany cittern in his hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor plucks the strings of his cittern slowly with his fingers, letting the chords blend together and then fade. Lifting his head again to the audience, he continues in a cappella.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;People think that they know me&lt;br /&gt;
     By color and category&lt;br /&gt;
     Inflammatory or flattery&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Listen well, that is key&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor removes a wild black rose from in his black suede case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sniffs at his black rose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Once you know my story&lt;br /&gt;
     I rather the respect&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor drops a wild black rose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;...and the glory!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s fist rises above his head, before he drops it suddenly to strum the strings of his cittern.  He repeats his staccato melody twice again before he stills the strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor strides a few steps backward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s form fades into the darkness of the stage as the lights slowly dim, leaving only his shadow before the curtains rustle with his departure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136940</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136940"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T04:38:13Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Talinvor */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is a tale of a legendary bard, some greedy soldiers, and an unexpected theft. I call it &#039;Skullduggery.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and, with a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp. Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr grins merrily and plucks an irreverent, puckish, musical thumb-to-the nose statement on his harp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day in his travels, he chanced on a camp...and a general gobbling his meat,&lt;br /&gt;
     And not far away was a town long-besieged, one scoured of aught left to eat.&lt;br /&gt;
     The bard toured the camp (for the soldiers were proud), but he left with a word: &amp;quot;You have lost.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Abandon your camp and flee now to the hills, or you&#039;ll be quite ashamed of the cost.&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he pauses dramatically in his exuberant harp performance, only to pounce and charge into the next phrases with a bright steely tone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not a tooth-glint was seen of the merry bard-rogue concealed by shadow and cowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      The general fleered and the majors all sneered and swore Cor&#039;s prediction was foul.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Neath a moon&#039;s reddish light the supply hut unlocked, and its contents flew into a cloak,&lt;br /&gt;
      Then Corenthi found cannons, ballistas and bows, used some stealth, and prepared his great joke.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now the city was cursed and it had been for years--by war and by famine and blight.&lt;br /&gt;
      It had run out of arrows, priests, empaths, herbs, food, and the will to continue the fight.&lt;br /&gt;
      On the Feast of Immortals, the last siege began, at the first winter-pale light of day&lt;br /&gt;
      And the cityfolk burned with the rage of the lost as the soldiers began the affray.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first cannon boomed, the first catapult roared, sharp logs from ballistas rained down.&lt;br /&gt;
      A sigh of despair like a tidal wave swept from the west to the east side of town.&lt;br /&gt;
      Then an urchin cried out, &amp;quot;Look at what I have found!&amp;quot; For attached to a catapult stone,&lt;br /&gt;
     Padded and bound and half-hidden by spells, was a feast that would make gluttons groan.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he thumps his harp&#039;s  soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with his left hand while the right races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each cannonball, each ballista log, each stone that flew over the wall&lt;br /&gt;
      Brought water and food, clothing, blankets and herbs, seeds, and weapons to make their foes fall.&lt;br /&gt;
      And on the last package, the folk found a note &#039;You&#039;ve had things uncommonly hard.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;I thought it was time that your foes shared with YOU. Happy feasting! Corenthi the Bard.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The siege was soon broken. The soldiers ran off. The officers? They were all shamed.&lt;br /&gt;
      And from that day to this, nobody knows what any or all were then named.&lt;br /&gt;
      But the minstrel&#039;s recalled, for in stealing a feast, he stole from the gods some bright fire&lt;br /&gt;
      Bringing hope, laughter, joy, and a sliver of faith, and the fight to grab what you desire.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp.  Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps gaily into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And the city stood then, and it stands to this day, and will stand till the sun is no more.&lt;br /&gt;
      For a city can fall, it can sicken and starve, but some fierceness remains at its core.&lt;br /&gt;
      Unquenchable flame from the hearts of the gods can never be easily slain &lt;br /&gt;
     Like a troubadour&#039;s tune, old and slumbering now, but with spirit that&#039;s ever germane.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr taps the fingers of his right hand on the soundboard of his harp, sounding like so many finger snaps while the beat goes on below.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr produces a boisterous downward progression on his harp, like an avalanche of notes, all rumbling over each other and piling in a tumble at the bottom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Corenthi himself? He still wanders the lands. From the Oracle Skulls of the elves&lt;br /&gt;
      To a mythical town hiding deep underground that all need to find for themselves&lt;br /&gt;
      From the depths of the seas to a desert of death, like diamonds ablaze with white light&lt;br /&gt;
      To this, the last Bardfest, for legends don&#039;t die, and I&#039;ve felt his gaze here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thumps his harp&#039;s soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with the left hand while the right hand races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and bows gracefully and respectfully to the audience and then to the judges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Jersea steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea blows kisses.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea steps through the curtain and takes center stage.  A large spotlight focuses on her as she stands there.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles as she puts a hand up to her eyes and searches out Seomanthe.  She mouths, &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry!&amp;quot; and winks.  Turning back to the audience, she strikes a pose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grabs one end of her white and gold boa and waves it energetically, its feathers fluttering in a sensuous dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites authoritatively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;From the town that brought you Goatfest...&lt;br /&gt;
     Gem of Fate...&lt;br /&gt;
     Dock Diving...&lt;br /&gt;
     And me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea takes a few steps forward, embracing the spotlight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of all the things in River&#039;s Rest that make that town unique&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s one which I must mention, of which I must speak.&lt;br /&gt;
     And if you&#039;ve never seen it, it will make your eyebrow arch...&lt;br /&gt;
     Yup...&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;ve guessed I&#039;m talking &#039;bout...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea winks at Galilea.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea confidently exclaims, &amp;quot;The naked wedding march!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea awkwardly says, &amp;quot;Well...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sets about preparing herself to be as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wonderingly says, &amp;quot;Hmm, I think I might be over dressed for this...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings cheerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s one of those... the special kind... scheduled for today.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings from her earlobes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays in a circle to the right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites skeptically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You&#039;ve never heard of such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites seriously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I assure you that it&#039;s true.&lt;br /&gt;
     I have seen with my own eyes... more than I ever wanted to!&lt;br /&gt;
     I was headed through the Commons on my way out for a hunt,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I could not believe my eyes!  I thought it was a stunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Nope, just a wedding.  Believe it or not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Once the vows are said, then the march gets underway&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Jersea rubs her charm bracelet she gets a faraway look in her eyes, as if remembering the past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a shell-adorned charm bracelet from her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a shell-adorned charm bracelet in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites mischievously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The groom, he wore a fine cravat. The bride, she wore her veil.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everyone was toasting them with Winterberry Ale.&lt;br /&gt;
     But aside from these few touches, the rest was on display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And the guests were just as well dressed...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     In similar array!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea rolls her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea innocently says, &amp;quot;I was quite unsuspecting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is one time you don&#039;t want to only go halfway,&lt;br /&gt;
     For everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a casual flick of her fingers, Jersea effectively brushes a loose speck from one of her elbow-length gloves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves from her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waggles her fingers mystically at Balinworn.  How nice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;You know,&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites embarrassedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I saw much more than I would ever want to see again.&lt;br /&gt;
     I really wish... that it was possible to scrub your brain.&lt;br /&gt;
     But then upon the other hand, here and there, there was a sight......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Jersea steeples her fingers together and gives a little grin.&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;That brought a smile to my face and caused me great delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings flirtatiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will show up polished fine? And who in disarray?&lt;br /&gt;
     For every body&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea whistles a carefree tune, the perfect picture of innocence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In a swooping motion, Jersea removes a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires from her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites fiercely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I guess I didn&#039;t quite fit in, dressed in full battle gear&lt;br /&gt;
     But it&#039;s so easy to make sonic armor disappear.&lt;br /&gt;
     I slipped my sandals off and wiggled my toes in the grass...&lt;br /&gt;
     And went to offer my &amp;quot;Congrats!&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Pardon my trespass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea reasonably says, &amp;quot;It never hurts to be polite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Smiles, cheers and laughter for it&#039;s like a holiday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes off a breezy white silk shirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a breezy white silk shirt in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites dreamily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh, everybody&#039;s welcome,&amp;quot; the couple said with a grin.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;It really doesn&#039;t take much if you want to blend right in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I looked about this boisterous group, and thought a little bit...&lt;br /&gt;
     Free ale, and entertainment, how is this not a great fit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea raises her voice in merry laughter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Just a moment to clean up, I want the best display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea softly hums a merry tune, embellishing upon the melody&#039;s jaunty lilt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells from her neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flirts with Soliere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ve  planned a little tour about the town. And then, &lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll stop at the Stone Eye to fill our tankards up again.&lt;br /&gt;
     Our day will end upon the Point, while strolling hand in hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     In hopes of love as strong as the one written in that sand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sighs dreamily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea exclaims, &amp;quot;A love story for the ages!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll gather in the Commons and give a hip hooray...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s face lights up with joy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her thigh-high stockings, making the stockings as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites grandiosely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course I helped the couple celebrate their special day.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d gone to so much trouble, who was I to turn away?&lt;br /&gt;
     It was a grand adventure, so much better than a hunt...&lt;br /&gt;
     And no, I&#039;m not just saying so, I&#039;m really being blunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Free food...  Free drink...  Lots to look at...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea bats her eyelashes for attention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings whimsically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Can&#039;t wait for all to show up in the suit from their birthday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea quickly removes a series of slender gold hairpins from her dark bronze hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a series of slender gold hairpins in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea gives her head a gentle toss, causing her long hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays about with a contented look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So now when there&#039;s a wedding in the town of River&#039;s Rest...&lt;br /&gt;
     And they  invite friends and family, those they love the best,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s just one thing to remember... and no, it&#039;s not a jest.&lt;br /&gt;
     Check the invitation... to see how you should be dressed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s cheeks turn crimson as she lets out an embarrassed laugh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Or not, as the case may be.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh I&#039;m going to a wedding out in the Rest today,&lt;br /&gt;
     I hurried up, got moving.  I don&#039;t want to be late.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve just time to make the cutter, it will soon be underway...&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join with everybody, &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wiggles her toes at Aurien.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea preens and gives herself a quick once-over, then strikes a pose that is perhaps supposed to be impressive.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites bemusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So, pitch your pants and toss your tops and strip that skirt away,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they&#039;re holding a wedding in River&#039;s Rest today.&lt;br /&gt;
     How this tradition started?&lt;br /&gt;
     I haven&#039;t got a clue...&lt;br /&gt;
     But if love can make it through this...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     It has got to be true blue!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Oh, come one, Did you really think...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes in amazement at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair and wonderful evening to everyone here, and everyone who has been here over the years. There would be no songs without you to listen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril smiles faintly, then steals a glance up at the stage lights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites thoughtfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The orbs are pretty, but sometimes they are rather bright and ostentatious. Let them rest a while, and I shall tell a story like we used to.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With nimble fingers, Meril unfastens each of the buttons holding her instrument case closed, and draws the flap open.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gently removes a sleek black willow lyre with leaf-shaped azure crystal pegs from the protection of its case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril sets herself down on the edge of the stage as the lights dim and gives a few trying notes on her lyre.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril carefully places a rose-etched black instrument case on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites regretfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am not as practiced at the lyre as a master troubadour, but I hope it will suffice.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril gets a far-off look in her eyes and, gently, starts to play in the manner of a simple country ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings appealingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a small and nameless village upon foggy rolling hills,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a stream that ran yet pristine clear beneath the farming mills,&lt;br /&gt;
     In the shade of a weeping willow, in the quiet of the morn,&lt;br /&gt;
     A boy and girl were playing -- at an age when dreams are born.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves a more complex melody with the lyre, shifting between two parts in harmony, a brighter color against a flowing undercurrent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Have you ever seen the castle knights, riding to their quest?&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join them when I&#039;m old enough, and learn to be their best!&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
     The boy wielded a fallen stick picked from the shady knoll,&lt;br /&gt;
     Flourishing it with feinting thrusts against a phantom troll.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Knights are lunkheads,&#039; the girl said crossly, &#039;and only learn to fight.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;d spend your days in training yards until you&#039;ve lost your sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Besides, you wouldn&#039;t even be a squire with that lot --&lt;br /&gt;
     We won&#039;t ever be castle-folk, and titles can&#039;t be bought.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Well, whatever I&#039;d be,&#039; he said, &#039;I still would like to go.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s so much of the world to see, and so much we don&#039;t know.&lt;br /&gt;
     If I can&#039;t be a questing knight, then at least a famous skald --&lt;br /&gt;
     A warrior-bard who roams the lands wherever heroes are called.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings teasingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She flicked a small stone up at him, and he batted it away.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;All right,&#039; she told him with a smile, &#039;if truly you won&#039;t stay,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you&#039;re so set on joining up with some fool lord&#039;s campaign,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll be there too the day you go, to save you from the pain.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril furrows her brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings slowly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You always hated fighting,&#039; he said, casting a wary glance.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I&#039;ve never talked you into giving it even half a chance,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never even the slightest luck, but suddenly you&#039;ve changed now.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is it my immense bardic skill that has you convinced -- ow!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril flinches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wryly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She made a face, and pointedly picked up another stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;An army needs its healers, for mending flesh and bone.&lt;br /&gt;
     I would be there to keep them safe, to learn a useful skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And if I must go to pull you out of trouble, then I will.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays on wordlessly for the space of a verse, modulating to a darker key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril looks up, tracking the stars across an invisible wheeling sky.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril pauses in an observational trance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a tent upon a muddy field with posts in ragged sleeves,&lt;br /&gt;
     On a litter roughly fashioned for a bed of cloth and leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a light that wavered and dimmed, as if &#039;twas almost there,&lt;br /&gt;
     He awoke to the scent of dry acantha in the morning air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He raised a hand unsteadily to rub his bleary eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then took a breath and, wincing, found he lacked the strength to rise.&lt;br /&gt;
     He felt at the bandages at his side, yet streaked with deep-red stain,&lt;br /&gt;
     As memories of yesterday came back as sharp as pain.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes in concentration for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril launches into another verse, striking each chord with a focused intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He still could hear the horn blasts sound against the setting sun --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could see the riders bearing down as he fought the need to run --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could feel the clash of axe on shield as they breached through the wall --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could taste the blood upon his tongue when he began to fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, gradually softening the melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A few murmured words passed his lips, a prayer his soul to keep,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, lying back, he fell again into a troubled sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The battle raged on in his dreams -- &#039;til at last he could hear&lt;br /&gt;
     The sound of her voice calling him, for the first time in a year.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the heavier part of the melody fade as she plays a procession of chords, quiet as flowing water.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in an apprentice&#039;s simple coat, layered white-on-green,&lt;br /&gt;
     Its colors faded with all the washes it took to be clean.&lt;br /&gt;
     And even as she knelt beside him with a practiced grace,&lt;br /&gt;
     The deepening worry-lines were plain to see upon her face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She pressed a cool cloth to his brow and washed his face with care --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You almost bled out on the field before we found you there.&lt;br /&gt;
     Too many friends were lost last night. I am glad you made it through,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never would I forgive myself if somehow I lost you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings weakly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He tried to smile at that remark, but was not sure it took.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I guess I&#039;m lucky you were here, among healers by your look.&lt;br /&gt;
     Before today I thought maybe our chance had come and gone,&lt;br /&gt;
     But now that you&#039;ve arrived to help, I suppose we fight on.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;There are but few of us,&#039; she said, resentment in her voice --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;And we are given lists to treat, oft not by our own choice.&lt;br /&gt;
     The lords and knights are first seen to, then those with silver or skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And as for commoners without wealth, well, we are lower still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I&#039;ve done for you all that I could, but it was not enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;ll not watch you limp along to prove you are so tough.&lt;br /&gt;
     I might not be much of a healer yet, by practice nor by tome,&lt;br /&gt;
     But with the wounds you suffered here, I must now send you home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings hesitantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He stared at her, feeling a sudden unease in his heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I want to return home, of course, once I have done my part,&lt;br /&gt;
     But not while there is so much of the world that I&#039;ve not known,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I had hoped, when that day comes, I wouldn&#039;t go alone.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wistfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She stayed silent a long while as she wrung the bandages dry.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;If only we could wander without ever knowing why...&lt;br /&gt;
     But there are so many who need me here, and much still left to do.&lt;br /&gt;
     This is to keep you safe, but... no, I cannot leave with you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He drank a tincture for the pain -- she rose and turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And offered a smile of encouragement with a hand over her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, with a rustle of the tent, she was gone from his sight,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though the morning was early yet, he could see only night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody descend into the deep, then plays on for a few more wordless verses. Note by note, it starts to climb -- still shaped by what came before, but now a distant mirror of the original ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a city somewhere, many years hence -- a summer sun shone bright&lt;br /&gt;
     In skies of pure untarnished blue with nary a cloud in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     A warm breeze swept over the docks, and past its merchant fleets,&lt;br /&gt;
     And through the myriad festive stalls that lined the busy streets.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And there within the festooned square, beneath a tavern&#039;s sign,&lt;br /&gt;
     A once-soldier turned minstrel played for silver and for wine --&lt;br /&gt;
     One ballad done, he tipped his hat for a patron&#039;s sparing fee,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then strummed his lute anew, starting a folksy melody.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril shapes the melody into its simplest form, skipping along the notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chords were from a childhood song that he held in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     The words gathered from strangeling lands and places he would find.&lt;br /&gt;
     The music fluttered with wonder, shifting with the beat,&lt;br /&gt;
     As cityfolk quickly gathered about, crowding around his seat.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they heard in it the glittering sights that far-off realms could send,&lt;br /&gt;
     From peak to shining peak until they cheered him to the end.&lt;br /&gt;
     He stood -- though not easily, with the old wound in his side --&lt;br /&gt;
     And looked over the crowd, and then -- at once his eyes went wide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves the flowing undercurrent back into the song, richer and more complex than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in the colors of the guild, dark laurel-green on white,&lt;br /&gt;
     But her smile was as bright as memory, a salve to bleary sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Moving beside him carefully, she reached to help him stand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And hugged him, laughing as she pressed a gold coin to his hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I haven&#039;t heard that melody since... ah, since a lifetime ago,&lt;br /&gt;
     But you have played it here today more sweetly than I know.&lt;br /&gt;
     It is a rare and precious thing to see a friend so dear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Will you not share a drink with me? The tavern is right here.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They spoke of his adventures across cities near and far,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of her unwavering task to mend both wound and scar,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of past and present, and of mountains yet to climb --&lt;br /&gt;
     They drank a toast to childhood dreams, and drank a toast to time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At last the conversation died with no more tales to tell,&lt;br /&gt;
     And into a quieter afternoon they emerged to say farewell.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;When you are next in town,&#039; she said, &#039;returned from a distant shore,&lt;br /&gt;
     Be sure to come -- we&#039;ll always keep for you an open door.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She paused for just a moment as she half-turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And raised her hand toward him to ever briefly touch her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     He waved and let her slip into the distance and the crowd,&lt;br /&gt;
     Humming to himself a wistful tune, neither long nor loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody drift slowly, until it is a phantom of what came before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It was the shadow of a song, its faint strains in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song ever beyond his grasp, as hues are to the blind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song she lived -- not knowingly, as strange as it might seem --&lt;br /&gt;
     Not as she is, not as she breathes, but as she fills his dream.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows even the phantoms to drift into the silence and the dark.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah, the stage lights are coming to life again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes fondly at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is a lovely stage, but like all beautiful things, one cannot have it forever. Thank you all, again, for gently listening.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril picks up a rose-etched black instrument case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s voice carries over the darkness of the stage where the shadow of his form is just out of view.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor deliberately says, &amp;quot;Many have felt the burden of your family, your house...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor resolutely says, &amp;quot;For me, it&#039;s what I am.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor resolutely says, &amp;quot;I give you... &amp;quot;Bloodline&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor boldly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor smiles briefly, then makes a descreet gesture - a clear signal. Suddenly the darkness of the stage peels back as it becomes underlit by a row of lamps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor removes a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard from in his black suede case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a violin bow from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s fingers slide along the unusually thick strings of his cittern, then bounces the bow across the lower part of the neck. The sound creates a throbbing rhythm, growing in crescendo with each downbeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor looks up from his instrument to the audience, a half-crooked grin on his lips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor confidently strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Life is a blur&lt;br /&gt;
     The Arkati laugh, we&#039;re amateur!&lt;br /&gt;
     So we defer&lt;br /&gt;
     Our love and our lives for favor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor runs his fingers across his black star sapphire and a dark flame flares up around it, wavering briefly before fading into nothing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a violin bow into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor wraps his fingers around the neck of his cittern and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a flute of Dhe&#039;nari blood wine from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor takes a drink from his Dhe&#039;nari blood wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a flute of Dhe&#039;nari blood wine into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor smacks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So time and again, we&#039;re shattered and tattered&lt;br /&gt;
     Drown sorrow in liquor&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s quicker&lt;br /&gt;
          And we&#039;re sicker&lt;br /&gt;
               But sane&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor strums the cittern&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
The shimmering multicolored sphere fades from around Telare.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Striking a final vibrant chord, Talinvor allows the song to fade into silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resonantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Blood in my veins&lt;br /&gt;
     My heart and my brain&lt;br /&gt;
     No guilt, &#039;cuz it stains&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Despite all the pain&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet here I remain&lt;br /&gt;
          ...yet here I remain&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor begins pacing back and forth across the stage, his longcoat sweeping out behind his angry steps before turning again to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Once I believed in what I was told&lt;br /&gt;
     To fit in the mold&lt;br /&gt;
     Be part of the fold&lt;br /&gt;
     But it felt so controlled&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor clenches his fist.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor scowls.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slings a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor spins his instrument and continues the rhythm in staccato beats with his thumbs on the back of it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Fire in my blood, lost passion and ashen&lt;br /&gt;
     Fueled it again with pride&lt;br /&gt;
     I defied&lt;br /&gt;
          And terrified&lt;br /&gt;
               Like a hurricane&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings chantingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I left home for a time&lt;br /&gt;
     Sailed, flew, walked and climbed&lt;br /&gt;
     Then across the Spine&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether fate or by design&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lifting my voice with story and rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     The bardic life - sublime&lt;br /&gt;
     Fingers wrapped around some wine&lt;br /&gt;
     ...or champagne&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resonantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Blood in my veins&lt;br /&gt;
     My heart and my brain&lt;br /&gt;
     No guilt, &#039;cuz it stains&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Despite all the pain&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet here I remain&lt;br /&gt;
          ...yet here I remain&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grabs a violin bow from a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor slings a burnished mahogany cittern with a scalloped black ash fretboard off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor turns his cittern back over to reveal the strings, then scratches the bow in a bouncing chordic beat along the frets..)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I started to see&lt;br /&gt;
     Eventually&lt;br /&gt;
     Falsity and fallacy&lt;br /&gt;
     Hard to trust entirely&lt;br /&gt;
     All of my serenity&lt;br /&gt;
     Bottled up with my mentality&lt;br /&gt;
     Exploded exponentially&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor makes a gesture like an explosion near his head, as he swiftly stows the bow again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tucks a violin bow into a small pocket inside of his silver-buckled longcoat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor attends to his mahogany cittern, making the cittern as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I reconsidered destiny&lt;br /&gt;
     Embraced my devilry&lt;br /&gt;
     Began to play my *own* melody&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor tilts his head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor gazes with interest at the mahogany cittern in his hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor plucks the strings of his cittern slowly with his fingers, letting the chords blend together and then fade. Lifting his head again to the audience, he continues in a cappella.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;People think that they know me&lt;br /&gt;
     By color and category&lt;br /&gt;
     Inflammatory or flattery&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Listen well, that is key&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor removes a wild black rose from in his black suede case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sniffs at his black rose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Once you know my story&lt;br /&gt;
     I rather the respect&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor drops a wild black rose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;...and the glory!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s fist rises above his head, before he drops it suddenly to strum the strings of his cittern.  He repeats his staccato melody twice again before he stills the strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Talinvor strides a few steps backward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Talinvor&#039;s form fades into the darkness of the stage as the lights slowly dim, leaving only his shadow before the curtains rustle with his departure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136939</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136939"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T04:25:55Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Meril */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is a tale of a legendary bard, some greedy soldiers, and an unexpected theft. I call it &#039;Skullduggery.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and, with a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp. Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr grins merrily and plucks an irreverent, puckish, musical thumb-to-the nose statement on his harp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day in his travels, he chanced on a camp...and a general gobbling his meat,&lt;br /&gt;
     And not far away was a town long-besieged, one scoured of aught left to eat.&lt;br /&gt;
     The bard toured the camp (for the soldiers were proud), but he left with a word: &amp;quot;You have lost.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Abandon your camp and flee now to the hills, or you&#039;ll be quite ashamed of the cost.&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he pauses dramatically in his exuberant harp performance, only to pounce and charge into the next phrases with a bright steely tone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not a tooth-glint was seen of the merry bard-rogue concealed by shadow and cowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      The general fleered and the majors all sneered and swore Cor&#039;s prediction was foul.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Neath a moon&#039;s reddish light the supply hut unlocked, and its contents flew into a cloak,&lt;br /&gt;
      Then Corenthi found cannons, ballistas and bows, used some stealth, and prepared his great joke.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now the city was cursed and it had been for years--by war and by famine and blight.&lt;br /&gt;
      It had run out of arrows, priests, empaths, herbs, food, and the will to continue the fight.&lt;br /&gt;
      On the Feast of Immortals, the last siege began, at the first winter-pale light of day&lt;br /&gt;
      And the cityfolk burned with the rage of the lost as the soldiers began the affray.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first cannon boomed, the first catapult roared, sharp logs from ballistas rained down.&lt;br /&gt;
      A sigh of despair like a tidal wave swept from the west to the east side of town.&lt;br /&gt;
      Then an urchin cried out, &amp;quot;Look at what I have found!&amp;quot; For attached to a catapult stone,&lt;br /&gt;
     Padded and bound and half-hidden by spells, was a feast that would make gluttons groan.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he thumps his harp&#039;s  soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with his left hand while the right races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each cannonball, each ballista log, each stone that flew over the wall&lt;br /&gt;
      Brought water and food, clothing, blankets and herbs, seeds, and weapons to make their foes fall.&lt;br /&gt;
      And on the last package, the folk found a note &#039;You&#039;ve had things uncommonly hard.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;I thought it was time that your foes shared with YOU. Happy feasting! Corenthi the Bard.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The siege was soon broken. The soldiers ran off. The officers? They were all shamed.&lt;br /&gt;
      And from that day to this, nobody knows what any or all were then named.&lt;br /&gt;
      But the minstrel&#039;s recalled, for in stealing a feast, he stole from the gods some bright fire&lt;br /&gt;
      Bringing hope, laughter, joy, and a sliver of faith, and the fight to grab what you desire.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp.  Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps gaily into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And the city stood then, and it stands to this day, and will stand till the sun is no more.&lt;br /&gt;
      For a city can fall, it can sicken and starve, but some fierceness remains at its core.&lt;br /&gt;
      Unquenchable flame from the hearts of the gods can never be easily slain &lt;br /&gt;
     Like a troubadour&#039;s tune, old and slumbering now, but with spirit that&#039;s ever germane.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr taps the fingers of his right hand on the soundboard of his harp, sounding like so many finger snaps while the beat goes on below.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr produces a boisterous downward progression on his harp, like an avalanche of notes, all rumbling over each other and piling in a tumble at the bottom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Corenthi himself? He still wanders the lands. From the Oracle Skulls of the elves&lt;br /&gt;
      To a mythical town hiding deep underground that all need to find for themselves&lt;br /&gt;
      From the depths of the seas to a desert of death, like diamonds ablaze with white light&lt;br /&gt;
      To this, the last Bardfest, for legends don&#039;t die, and I&#039;ve felt his gaze here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thumps his harp&#039;s soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with the left hand while the right hand races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and bows gracefully and respectfully to the audience and then to the judges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Jersea steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea blows kisses.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea steps through the curtain and takes center stage.  A large spotlight focuses on her as she stands there.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles as she puts a hand up to her eyes and searches out Seomanthe.  She mouths, &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry!&amp;quot; and winks.  Turning back to the audience, she strikes a pose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grabs one end of her white and gold boa and waves it energetically, its feathers fluttering in a sensuous dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites authoritatively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;From the town that brought you Goatfest...&lt;br /&gt;
     Gem of Fate...&lt;br /&gt;
     Dock Diving...&lt;br /&gt;
     And me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea takes a few steps forward, embracing the spotlight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of all the things in River&#039;s Rest that make that town unique&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s one which I must mention, of which I must speak.&lt;br /&gt;
     And if you&#039;ve never seen it, it will make your eyebrow arch...&lt;br /&gt;
     Yup...&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;ve guessed I&#039;m talking &#039;bout...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea winks at Galilea.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea confidently exclaims, &amp;quot;The naked wedding march!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea awkwardly says, &amp;quot;Well...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sets about preparing herself to be as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wonderingly says, &amp;quot;Hmm, I think I might be over dressed for this...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings cheerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s one of those... the special kind... scheduled for today.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings from her earlobes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays in a circle to the right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites skeptically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You&#039;ve never heard of such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites seriously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I assure you that it&#039;s true.&lt;br /&gt;
     I have seen with my own eyes... more than I ever wanted to!&lt;br /&gt;
     I was headed through the Commons on my way out for a hunt,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I could not believe my eyes!  I thought it was a stunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Nope, just a wedding.  Believe it or not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Once the vows are said, then the march gets underway&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Jersea rubs her charm bracelet she gets a faraway look in her eyes, as if remembering the past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a shell-adorned charm bracelet from her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a shell-adorned charm bracelet in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites mischievously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The groom, he wore a fine cravat. The bride, she wore her veil.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everyone was toasting them with Winterberry Ale.&lt;br /&gt;
     But aside from these few touches, the rest was on display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And the guests were just as well dressed...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     In similar array!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea rolls her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea innocently says, &amp;quot;I was quite unsuspecting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is one time you don&#039;t want to only go halfway,&lt;br /&gt;
     For everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a casual flick of her fingers, Jersea effectively brushes a loose speck from one of her elbow-length gloves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves from her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waggles her fingers mystically at Balinworn.  How nice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;You know,&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites embarrassedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I saw much more than I would ever want to see again.&lt;br /&gt;
     I really wish... that it was possible to scrub your brain.&lt;br /&gt;
     But then upon the other hand, here and there, there was a sight......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Jersea steeples her fingers together and gives a little grin.&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;That brought a smile to my face and caused me great delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings flirtatiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will show up polished fine? And who in disarray?&lt;br /&gt;
     For every body&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea whistles a carefree tune, the perfect picture of innocence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In a swooping motion, Jersea removes a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires from her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites fiercely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I guess I didn&#039;t quite fit in, dressed in full battle gear&lt;br /&gt;
     But it&#039;s so easy to make sonic armor disappear.&lt;br /&gt;
     I slipped my sandals off and wiggled my toes in the grass...&lt;br /&gt;
     And went to offer my &amp;quot;Congrats!&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Pardon my trespass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea reasonably says, &amp;quot;It never hurts to be polite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Smiles, cheers and laughter for it&#039;s like a holiday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes off a breezy white silk shirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a breezy white silk shirt in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites dreamily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh, everybody&#039;s welcome,&amp;quot; the couple said with a grin.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;It really doesn&#039;t take much if you want to blend right in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I looked about this boisterous group, and thought a little bit...&lt;br /&gt;
     Free ale, and entertainment, how is this not a great fit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea raises her voice in merry laughter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Just a moment to clean up, I want the best display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea softly hums a merry tune, embellishing upon the melody&#039;s jaunty lilt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells from her neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flirts with Soliere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ve  planned a little tour about the town. And then, &lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll stop at the Stone Eye to fill our tankards up again.&lt;br /&gt;
     Our day will end upon the Point, while strolling hand in hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     In hopes of love as strong as the one written in that sand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sighs dreamily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea exclaims, &amp;quot;A love story for the ages!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll gather in the Commons and give a hip hooray...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s face lights up with joy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her thigh-high stockings, making the stockings as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites grandiosely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course I helped the couple celebrate their special day.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d gone to so much trouble, who was I to turn away?&lt;br /&gt;
     It was a grand adventure, so much better than a hunt...&lt;br /&gt;
     And no, I&#039;m not just saying so, I&#039;m really being blunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Free food...  Free drink...  Lots to look at...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea bats her eyelashes for attention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings whimsically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Can&#039;t wait for all to show up in the suit from their birthday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea quickly removes a series of slender gold hairpins from her dark bronze hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a series of slender gold hairpins in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea gives her head a gentle toss, causing her long hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays about with a contented look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So now when there&#039;s a wedding in the town of River&#039;s Rest...&lt;br /&gt;
     And they  invite friends and family, those they love the best,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s just one thing to remember... and no, it&#039;s not a jest.&lt;br /&gt;
     Check the invitation... to see how you should be dressed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s cheeks turn crimson as she lets out an embarrassed laugh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Or not, as the case may be.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh I&#039;m going to a wedding out in the Rest today,&lt;br /&gt;
     I hurried up, got moving.  I don&#039;t want to be late.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve just time to make the cutter, it will soon be underway...&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join with everybody, &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wiggles her toes at Aurien.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea preens and gives herself a quick once-over, then strikes a pose that is perhaps supposed to be impressive.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites bemusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So, pitch your pants and toss your tops and strip that skirt away,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they&#039;re holding a wedding in River&#039;s Rest today.&lt;br /&gt;
     How this tradition started?&lt;br /&gt;
     I haven&#039;t got a clue...&lt;br /&gt;
     But if love can make it through this...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     It has got to be true blue!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Oh, come one, Did you really think...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes in amazement at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair and wonderful evening to everyone here, and everyone who has been here over the years. There would be no songs without you to listen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clasps her hands in a reverent gesture.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril smiles faintly, then steals a glance up at the stage lights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites thoughtfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The orbs are pretty, but sometimes they are rather bright and ostentatious. Let them rest a while, and I shall tell a story like we used to.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With nimble fingers, Meril unfastens each of the buttons holding her instrument case closed, and draws the flap open.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gently removes a sleek black willow lyre with leaf-shaped azure crystal pegs from the protection of its case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril sets herself down on the edge of the stage as the lights dim and gives a few trying notes on her lyre.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril carefully places a rose-etched black instrument case on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites regretfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am not as practiced at the lyre as a master troubadour, but I hope it will suffice.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril gets a far-off look in her eyes and, gently, starts to play in the manner of a simple country ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings appealingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a small and nameless village upon foggy rolling hills,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a stream that ran yet pristine clear beneath the farming mills,&lt;br /&gt;
     In the shade of a weeping willow, in the quiet of the morn,&lt;br /&gt;
     A boy and girl were playing -- at an age when dreams are born.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves a more complex melody with the lyre, shifting between two parts in harmony, a brighter color against a flowing undercurrent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Have you ever seen the castle knights, riding to their quest?&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join them when I&#039;m old enough, and learn to be their best!&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
     The boy wielded a fallen stick picked from the shady knoll,&lt;br /&gt;
     Flourishing it with feinting thrusts against a phantom troll.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Knights are lunkheads,&#039; the girl said crossly, &#039;and only learn to fight.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;d spend your days in training yards until you&#039;ve lost your sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Besides, you wouldn&#039;t even be a squire with that lot --&lt;br /&gt;
     We won&#039;t ever be castle-folk, and titles can&#039;t be bought.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Well, whatever I&#039;d be,&#039; he said, &#039;I still would like to go.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s so much of the world to see, and so much we don&#039;t know.&lt;br /&gt;
     If I can&#039;t be a questing knight, then at least a famous skald --&lt;br /&gt;
     A warrior-bard who roams the lands wherever heroes are called.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings teasingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She flicked a small stone up at him, and he batted it away.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;All right,&#039; she told him with a smile, &#039;if truly you won&#039;t stay,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you&#039;re so set on joining up with some fool lord&#039;s campaign,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll be there too the day you go, to save you from the pain.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril furrows her brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings slowly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You always hated fighting,&#039; he said, casting a wary glance.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I&#039;ve never talked you into giving it even half a chance,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never even the slightest luck, but suddenly you&#039;ve changed now.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is it my immense bardic skill that has you convinced -- ow!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril flinches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wryly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She made a face, and pointedly picked up another stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;An army needs its healers, for mending flesh and bone.&lt;br /&gt;
     I would be there to keep them safe, to learn a useful skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And if I must go to pull you out of trouble, then I will.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays on wordlessly for the space of a verse, modulating to a darker key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril looks up, tracking the stars across an invisible wheeling sky.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril pauses in an observational trance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a tent upon a muddy field with posts in ragged sleeves,&lt;br /&gt;
     On a litter roughly fashioned for a bed of cloth and leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     By a light that wavered and dimmed, as if &#039;twas almost there,&lt;br /&gt;
     He awoke to the scent of dry acantha in the morning air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He raised a hand unsteadily to rub his bleary eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then took a breath and, wincing, found he lacked the strength to rise.&lt;br /&gt;
     He felt at the bandages at his side, yet streaked with deep-red stain,&lt;br /&gt;
     As memories of yesterday came back as sharp as pain.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes in concentration for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril launches into another verse, striking each chord with a focused intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He still could hear the horn blasts sound against the setting sun --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could see the riders bearing down as he fought the need to run --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could feel the clash of axe on shield as they breached through the wall --&lt;br /&gt;
     Could taste the blood upon his tongue when he began to fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, gradually softening the melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A few murmured words passed his lips, a prayer his soul to keep,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, lying back, he fell again into a troubled sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The battle raged on in his dreams -- &#039;til at last he could hear&lt;br /&gt;
     The sound of her voice calling him, for the first time in a year.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the heavier part of the melody fade as she plays a procession of chords, quiet as flowing water.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in an apprentice&#039;s simple coat, layered white-on-green,&lt;br /&gt;
     Its colors faded with all the washes it took to be clean.&lt;br /&gt;
     And even as she knelt beside him with a practiced grace,&lt;br /&gt;
     The deepening worry-lines were plain to see upon her face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She pressed a cool cloth to his brow and washed his face with care --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You almost bled out on the field before we found you there.&lt;br /&gt;
     Too many friends were lost last night. I am glad you made it through,&lt;br /&gt;
     Never would I forgive myself if somehow I lost you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings weakly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He tried to smile at that remark, but was not sure it took.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I guess I&#039;m lucky you were here, among healers by your look.&lt;br /&gt;
     Before today I thought maybe our chance had come and gone,&lt;br /&gt;
     But now that you&#039;ve arrived to help, I suppose we fight on.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;There are but few of us,&#039; she said, resentment in her voice --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;And we are given lists to treat, oft not by our own choice.&lt;br /&gt;
     The lords and knights are first seen to, then those with silver or skill,&lt;br /&gt;
     And as for commoners without wealth, well, we are lower still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I&#039;ve done for you all that I could, but it was not enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;ll not watch you limp along to prove you are so tough.&lt;br /&gt;
     I might not be much of a healer yet, by practice nor by tome,&lt;br /&gt;
     But with the wounds you suffered here, I must now send you home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings hesitantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He stared at her, feeling a sudden unease in his heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I want to return home, of course, once I have done my part,&lt;br /&gt;
     But not while there is so much of the world that I&#039;ve not known,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I had hoped, when that day comes, I wouldn&#039;t go alone.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings wistfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She stayed silent a long while as she wrung the bandages dry.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;If only we could wander without ever knowing why...&lt;br /&gt;
     But there are so many who need me here, and much still left to do.&lt;br /&gt;
     This is to keep you safe, but... no, I cannot leave with you.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He drank a tincture for the pain -- she rose and turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And offered a smile of encouragement with a hand over her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     Then, with a rustle of the tent, she was gone from his sight,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though the morning was early yet, he could see only night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody descend into the deep, then plays on for a few more wordless verses. Note by note, it starts to climb -- still shaped by what came before, but now a distant mirror of the original ballad.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a city somewhere, many years hence -- a summer sun shone bright&lt;br /&gt;
     In skies of pure untarnished blue with nary a cloud in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     A warm breeze swept over the docks, and past its merchant fleets,&lt;br /&gt;
     And through the myriad festive stalls that lined the busy streets.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And there within the festooned square, beneath a tavern&#039;s sign,&lt;br /&gt;
     A once-soldier turned minstrel played for silver and for wine --&lt;br /&gt;
     One ballad done, he tipped his hat for a patron&#039;s sparing fee,&lt;br /&gt;
     Then strummed his lute anew, starting a folksy melody.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril shapes the melody into its simplest form, skipping along the notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chords were from a childhood song that he held in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     The words gathered from strangeling lands and places he would find.&lt;br /&gt;
     The music fluttered with wonder, shifting with the beat,&lt;br /&gt;
     As cityfolk quickly gathered about, crowding around his seat.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they heard in it the glittering sights that far-off realms could send,&lt;br /&gt;
     From peak to shining peak until they cheered him to the end.&lt;br /&gt;
     He stood -- though not easily, with the old wound in his side --&lt;br /&gt;
     And looked over the crowd, and then -- at once his eyes went wide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril weaves the flowing undercurrent back into the song, richer and more complex than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She was dressed in the colors of the guild, dark laurel-green on white,&lt;br /&gt;
     But her smile was as bright as memory, a salve to bleary sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Moving beside him carefully, she reached to help him stand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And hugged him, laughing as she pressed a gold coin to his hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I haven&#039;t heard that melody since... ah, since a lifetime ago,&lt;br /&gt;
     But you have played it here today more sweetly than I know.&lt;br /&gt;
     It is a rare and precious thing to see a friend so dear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Will you not share a drink with me? The tavern is right here.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her right slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril leans to her left slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They spoke of his adventures across cities near and far,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of her unwavering task to mend both wound and scar,&lt;br /&gt;
     They spoke of past and present, and of mountains yet to climb --&lt;br /&gt;
     They drank a toast to childhood dreams, and drank a toast to time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At last the conversation died with no more tales to tell,&lt;br /&gt;
     And into a quieter afternoon they emerged to say farewell.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;When you are next in town,&#039; she said, &#039;returned from a distant shore,&lt;br /&gt;
     Be sure to come -- we&#039;ll always keep for you an open door.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She paused for just a moment as she half-turned to depart,&lt;br /&gt;
     And raised her hand toward him to ever briefly touch her heart --&lt;br /&gt;
     He waved and let her slip into the distance and the crowd,&lt;br /&gt;
     Humming to himself a wistful tune, neither long nor loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the melody drift slowly, until it is a phantom of what came before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It was the shadow of a song, its faint strains in his mind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song ever beyond his grasp, as hues are to the blind,&lt;br /&gt;
     A song she lived -- not knowingly, as strange as it might seem --&lt;br /&gt;
     Not as she is, not as she breathes, but as she fills his dream.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows even the phantoms to drift into the silence and the dark.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah, the stage lights are coming to life again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes fondly at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is a lovely stage, but like all beautiful things, one cannot have it forever. Thank you all, again, for gently listening.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril picks up a rose-etched black instrument case.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136938</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136938"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T04:13:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Jersea */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is a tale of a legendary bard, some greedy soldiers, and an unexpected theft. I call it &#039;Skullduggery.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and, with a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp. Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr grins merrily and plucks an irreverent, puckish, musical thumb-to-the nose statement on his harp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day in his travels, he chanced on a camp...and a general gobbling his meat,&lt;br /&gt;
     And not far away was a town long-besieged, one scoured of aught left to eat.&lt;br /&gt;
     The bard toured the camp (for the soldiers were proud), but he left with a word: &amp;quot;You have lost.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Abandon your camp and flee now to the hills, or you&#039;ll be quite ashamed of the cost.&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he pauses dramatically in his exuberant harp performance, only to pounce and charge into the next phrases with a bright steely tone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not a tooth-glint was seen of the merry bard-rogue concealed by shadow and cowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      The general fleered and the majors all sneered and swore Cor&#039;s prediction was foul.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Neath a moon&#039;s reddish light the supply hut unlocked, and its contents flew into a cloak,&lt;br /&gt;
      Then Corenthi found cannons, ballistas and bows, used some stealth, and prepared his great joke.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now the city was cursed and it had been for years--by war and by famine and blight.&lt;br /&gt;
      It had run out of arrows, priests, empaths, herbs, food, and the will to continue the fight.&lt;br /&gt;
      On the Feast of Immortals, the last siege began, at the first winter-pale light of day&lt;br /&gt;
      And the cityfolk burned with the rage of the lost as the soldiers began the affray.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first cannon boomed, the first catapult roared, sharp logs from ballistas rained down.&lt;br /&gt;
      A sigh of despair like a tidal wave swept from the west to the east side of town.&lt;br /&gt;
      Then an urchin cried out, &amp;quot;Look at what I have found!&amp;quot; For attached to a catapult stone,&lt;br /&gt;
     Padded and bound and half-hidden by spells, was a feast that would make gluttons groan.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he thumps his harp&#039;s  soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with his left hand while the right races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each cannonball, each ballista log, each stone that flew over the wall&lt;br /&gt;
      Brought water and food, clothing, blankets and herbs, seeds, and weapons to make their foes fall.&lt;br /&gt;
      And on the last package, the folk found a note &#039;You&#039;ve had things uncommonly hard.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;I thought it was time that your foes shared with YOU. Happy feasting! Corenthi the Bard.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The siege was soon broken. The soldiers ran off. The officers? They were all shamed.&lt;br /&gt;
      And from that day to this, nobody knows what any or all were then named.&lt;br /&gt;
      But the minstrel&#039;s recalled, for in stealing a feast, he stole from the gods some bright fire&lt;br /&gt;
      Bringing hope, laughter, joy, and a sliver of faith, and the fight to grab what you desire.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp.  Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps gaily into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And the city stood then, and it stands to this day, and will stand till the sun is no more.&lt;br /&gt;
      For a city can fall, it can sicken and starve, but some fierceness remains at its core.&lt;br /&gt;
      Unquenchable flame from the hearts of the gods can never be easily slain &lt;br /&gt;
     Like a troubadour&#039;s tune, old and slumbering now, but with spirit that&#039;s ever germane.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr taps the fingers of his right hand on the soundboard of his harp, sounding like so many finger snaps while the beat goes on below.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr produces a boisterous downward progression on his harp, like an avalanche of notes, all rumbling over each other and piling in a tumble at the bottom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Corenthi himself? He still wanders the lands. From the Oracle Skulls of the elves&lt;br /&gt;
      To a mythical town hiding deep underground that all need to find for themselves&lt;br /&gt;
      From the depths of the seas to a desert of death, like diamonds ablaze with white light&lt;br /&gt;
      To this, the last Bardfest, for legends don&#039;t die, and I&#039;ve felt his gaze here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thumps his harp&#039;s soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with the left hand while the right hand races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and bows gracefully and respectfully to the audience and then to the judges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Jersea steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea blows kisses.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea steps through the curtain and takes center stage.  A large spotlight focuses on her as she stands there.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles as she puts a hand up to her eyes and searches out Seomanthe.  She mouths, &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry!&amp;quot; and winks.  Turning back to the audience, she strikes a pose.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grabs one end of her white and gold boa and waves it energetically, its feathers fluttering in a sensuous dance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites authoritatively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;From the town that brought you Goatfest...&lt;br /&gt;
     Gem of Fate...&lt;br /&gt;
     Dock Diving...&lt;br /&gt;
     And me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Jersea takes a few steps forward, embracing the spotlight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of all the things in River&#039;s Rest that make that town unique&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s one which I must mention, of which I must speak.&lt;br /&gt;
     And if you&#039;ve never seen it, it will make your eyebrow arch...&lt;br /&gt;
     Yup...&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;ve guessed I&#039;m talking &#039;bout...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea winks at Galilea.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea confidently exclaims, &amp;quot;The naked wedding march!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea awkwardly says, &amp;quot;Well...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sets about preparing herself to be as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wonderingly says, &amp;quot;Hmm, I think I might be over dressed for this...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings cheerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     It&#039;s one of those... the special kind... scheduled for today.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings from her earlobes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of tiny dangling seashell earrings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays in a circle to the right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites skeptically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You&#039;ve never heard of such a thing?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites seriously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I assure you that it&#039;s true.&lt;br /&gt;
     I have seen with my own eyes... more than I ever wanted to!&lt;br /&gt;
     I was headed through the Commons on my way out for a hunt,&lt;br /&gt;
     And I could not believe my eyes!  I thought it was a stunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Nope, just a wedding.  Believe it or not.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Once the vows are said, then the march gets underway&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Jersea rubs her charm bracelet she gets a faraway look in her eyes, as if remembering the past.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a shell-adorned charm bracelet from her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a shell-adorned charm bracelet in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites mischievously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The groom, he wore a fine cravat. The bride, she wore her veil.&lt;br /&gt;
     And everyone was toasting them with Winterberry Ale.&lt;br /&gt;
     But aside from these few touches, the rest was on display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And the guests were just as well dressed...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     In similar array!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea rolls her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea innocently says, &amp;quot;I was quite unsuspecting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is one time you don&#039;t want to only go halfway,&lt;br /&gt;
     For everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a casual flick of her fingers, Jersea effectively brushes a loose speck from one of her elbow-length gloves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves from her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of elbow-length muted gold silk gloves in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waggles her fingers mystically at Balinworn.  How nice.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;You know,&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites embarrassedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I saw much more than I would ever want to see again.&lt;br /&gt;
     I really wish... that it was possible to scrub your brain.&lt;br /&gt;
     But then upon the other hand, here and there, there was a sight......&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Jersea steeples her fingers together and gives a little grin.&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;That brought a smile to my face and caused me great delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea looks lost in thought.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings flirtatiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will show up polished fine? And who in disarray?&lt;br /&gt;
     For every body&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea whistles a carefree tune, the perfect picture of innocence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
In a swooping motion, Jersea removes a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires from her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a feathered white and gold boa adorned with shimmering mermaid&#039;s-tear sapphires in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites fiercely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I guess I didn&#039;t quite fit in, dressed in full battle gear&lt;br /&gt;
     But it&#039;s so easy to make sonic armor disappear.&lt;br /&gt;
     I slipped my sandals off and wiggled my toes in the grass...&lt;br /&gt;
     And went to offer my &amp;quot;Congrats!&amp;quot; and &amp;quot;Pardon my trespass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea reasonably says, &amp;quot;It never hurts to be polite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Smiles, cheers and laughter for it&#039;s like a holiday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes off a breezy white silk shirt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a breezy white silk shirt in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites dreamily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh, everybody&#039;s welcome,&amp;quot; the couple said with a grin.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;It really doesn&#039;t take much if you want to blend right in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I looked about this boisterous group, and thought a little bit...&lt;br /&gt;
     Free ale, and entertainment, how is this not a great fit?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea raises her voice in merry laughter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Just a moment to clean up, I want the best display...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea softly hums a merry tune, embellishing upon the melody&#039;s jaunty lilt.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells from her neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a silver-strung necklace hung with colorful seashells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flirts with Soliere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites happily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ve  planned a little tour about the town. And then, &lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll stop at the Stone Eye to fill our tankards up again.&lt;br /&gt;
     Our day will end upon the Point, while strolling hand in hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     In hopes of love as strong as the one written in that sand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sighs dreamily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea exclaims, &amp;quot;A love story for the ages!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ll gather in the Commons and give a hip hooray...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s face lights up with joy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea takes a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of dainty driftwood sandals decorated with tiny shells in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her thigh-high stockings, making the stockings as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites grandiosely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course I helped the couple celebrate their special day.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d gone to so much trouble, who was I to turn away?&lt;br /&gt;
     It was a grand adventure, so much better than a hunt...&lt;br /&gt;
     And no, I&#039;m not just saying so, I&#039;m really being blunt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Free food...  Free drink...  Lots to look at...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea bats her eyelashes for attention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings whimsically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s going to be a wedding out in the Rest they say,&lt;br /&gt;
     So, hurry up!  Get moving!  For who wants to be late?&lt;br /&gt;
     Can&#039;t wait for all to show up in the suit from their birthday...&lt;br /&gt;
     And everybody&#039;s welcome &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea quickly removes a series of slender gold hairpins from her dark bronze hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a series of slender gold hairpins in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea gives her head a gentle toss, causing her long hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sashays about with a contented look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So now when there&#039;s a wedding in the town of River&#039;s Rest...&lt;br /&gt;
     And they  invite friends and family, those they love the best,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s just one thing to remember... and no, it&#039;s not a jest.&lt;br /&gt;
     Check the invitation... to see how you should be dressed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea&#039;s cheeks turn crimson as she lets out an embarrassed laugh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Or not, as the case may be.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh I&#039;m going to a wedding out in the Rest today,&lt;br /&gt;
     I hurried up, got moving.  I don&#039;t want to be late.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve just time to make the cutter, it will soon be underway...&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll join with everybody, &#039;cause it&#039;s time to celebrate!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea removes a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea put a pair of sheer thigh-high stockings in her silver samite rucksack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea wiggles her toes at Aurien.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea preens and gives herself a quick once-over, then strikes a pose that is perhaps supposed to be impressive.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea recites bemusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So, pitch your pants and toss your tops and strip that skirt away,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they&#039;re holding a wedding in River&#039;s Rest today.&lt;br /&gt;
     How this tradition started?&lt;br /&gt;
     I haven&#039;t got a clue...&lt;br /&gt;
     But if love can make it through this...&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     It has got to be true blue!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea says, &amp;quot;Oh, come one, Did you really think...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea attends to her blue silk dress, making the dress as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jersea retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136937</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136937"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T03:55:13Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Nazarr */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is a tale of a legendary bard, some greedy soldiers, and an unexpected theft. I call it &#039;Skullduggery.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and, with a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp. Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr grins merrily and plucks an irreverent, puckish, musical thumb-to-the nose statement on his harp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day in his travels, he chanced on a camp...and a general gobbling his meat,&lt;br /&gt;
     And not far away was a town long-besieged, one scoured of aught left to eat.&lt;br /&gt;
     The bard toured the camp (for the soldiers were proud), but he left with a word: &amp;quot;You have lost.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Abandon your camp and flee now to the hills, or you&#039;ll be quite ashamed of the cost.&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he pauses dramatically in his exuberant harp performance, only to pounce and charge into the next phrases with a bright steely tone.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not a tooth-glint was seen of the merry bard-rogue concealed by shadow and cowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      The general fleered and the majors all sneered and swore Cor&#039;s prediction was foul.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Neath a moon&#039;s reddish light the supply hut unlocked, and its contents flew into a cloak,&lt;br /&gt;
      Then Corenthi found cannons, ballistas and bows, used some stealth, and prepared his great joke.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now the city was cursed and it had been for years--by war and by famine and blight.&lt;br /&gt;
      It had run out of arrows, priests, empaths, herbs, food, and the will to continue the fight.&lt;br /&gt;
      On the Feast of Immortals, the last siege began, at the first winter-pale light of day&lt;br /&gt;
      And the cityfolk burned with the rage of the lost as the soldiers began the affray.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first cannon boomed, the first catapult roared, sharp logs from ballistas rained down.&lt;br /&gt;
      A sigh of despair like a tidal wave swept from the west to the east side of town.&lt;br /&gt;
      Then an urchin cried out, &amp;quot;Look at what I have found!&amp;quot; For attached to a catapult stone,&lt;br /&gt;
     Padded and bound and half-hidden by spells, was a feast that would make gluttons groan.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles as he thumps his harp&#039;s  soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with his left hand while the right races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each cannonball, each ballista log, each stone that flew over the wall&lt;br /&gt;
      Brought water and food, clothing, blankets and herbs, seeds, and weapons to make their foes fall.&lt;br /&gt;
      And on the last package, the folk found a note &#039;You&#039;ve had things uncommonly hard.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;I thought it was time that your foes shared with YOU. Happy feasting! Corenthi the Bard.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr sweeps his fingers over his harp, producing an absolutely boisterous rendition of a flamboyant reel, emblazoned with wild ornamentation.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The siege was soon broken. The soldiers ran off. The officers? They were all shamed.&lt;br /&gt;
      And from that day to this, nobody knows what any or all were then named.&lt;br /&gt;
      But the minstrel&#039;s recalled, for in stealing a feast, he stole from the gods some bright fire&lt;br /&gt;
      Bringing hope, laughter, joy, and a sliver of faith, and the fight to grab what you desire.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a toss of his head, Nazarr places his hands on his harp.  Then, with a wink and a grin, he leaps gaily into a jaunty, lighthearted tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And the city stood then, and it stands to this day, and will stand till the sun is no more.&lt;br /&gt;
      For a city can fall, it can sicken and starve, but some fierceness remains at its core.&lt;br /&gt;
      Unquenchable flame from the hearts of the gods can never be easily slain &lt;br /&gt;
     Like a troubadour&#039;s tune, old and slumbering now, but with spirit that&#039;s ever germane.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr taps the fingers of his right hand on the soundboard of his harp, sounding like so many finger snaps while the beat goes on below.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr produces a boisterous downward progression on his harp, like an avalanche of notes, all rumbling over each other and piling in a tumble at the bottom.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Corenthi himself? He still wanders the lands. From the Oracle Skulls of the elves&lt;br /&gt;
      To a mythical town hiding deep underground that all need to find for themselves&lt;br /&gt;
      From the depths of the seas to a desert of death, like diamonds ablaze with white light&lt;br /&gt;
      To this, the last Bardfest, for legends don&#039;t die, and I&#039;ve felt his gaze here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ll sing you a song of Corenthi the bard,&lt;br /&gt;
     The trickster of mortals and gods.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;d a harp and light fingers, a shipload of nerve,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he always defied the worst odds.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thumps his harp&#039;s soundboard with both hands, then returns to plucking strings, only to start tapping the soundboard again with the left hand while the right hand races up and down the strings with wild abandon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles and bows gracefully and respectfully to the audience and then to the judges.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136936</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136936"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T03:45:19Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Balley */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Balley steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Hello.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee peers quizzically at Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee recites softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ladies and Gentlemen&lt;br /&gt;
      It is a great pleasure to present to you&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      The Queen&#039;s Bees&lt;br /&gt;
      Featuring&lt;br /&gt;
      Balley, Dwi and Bbee&lt;br /&gt;
     ***&lt;br /&gt;
      Performing&lt;br /&gt;
      Sessy Lespike&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley points at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi joins Balley&#039;s group.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Staring blatantly at Bbee, Balley props a hand on her outthrust hip and rolls her eyes skyward in an overtly exaggerated fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts at Bbee in annoyance, rolling her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee removes a set of stained bagpipes from in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee picks up his bagpipes and plays the first notes of a jaunty tune.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi stuffs a large wad of cotton into both her ears.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly exclaims, &amp;quot;Are we ready? Here we go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Dwi offers Balley some cotton.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;Not today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley grins at Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was a young lass named Sessy Lespike&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran around town looking for a good hike&lt;br /&gt;
      With all of the men folk chasing her &#039;round&lt;br /&gt;
      She was surely, most dearly, the hot ticket in town!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts noncommittally and shrugs her shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d smile anna flirt wit alla dem men.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d laugh anna giggle all o&#039;er agin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dey wantin&#039; to kiss&#039;er anna make&#039;er der bride...&lt;br /&gt;
      Stead she kicked dem in &amp;quot;places&amp;quot; anna wounded der pride!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sticks her tongue out at Bbee, and lets out with a loud, &amp;quot;Thbtbtbtbt&amp;quot; from her lips!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Young Sessy was sassy and spunky by choice&lt;br /&gt;
     She danced and she sang with her dulcet sweet voice&lt;br /&gt;
      The men flocked to see her and called at her door&lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s when she would knock&#039;em all down to the floor&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Raising his hands before him, Bbee quickly backpedals away from Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley kicks Bbee down to the ground.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She&#039;d laugh anna giggle n&#039; drink all da ale.&lt;br /&gt;
      Dey tried to get more, but dey always would fail.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wassa too quick, beat dem all to da bar.&lt;br /&gt;
      She could run bery fast anna go bery far!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With an upwards skirl of notes, Bbee elaborates the melody into a cheerful reel.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley arranges herself carefully before beginning an intricate, graceful dance.  As she dances, the bells on her teal silk skirt chime in harmony with her movements.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee starts jumping around like a twelve-year-old.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day this young lass got tired of things&lt;br /&gt;
     She dreamed and she hoped of getting some rings&lt;br /&gt;
     So, off to go hunting to find a good mate&lt;br /&gt;
     But wound up in bed which was her mistake&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;How could she haff fallen unner a spell?&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat made her head spin &#039;n her heart start to swell?&lt;br /&gt;
     Dis man was her callin&#039;, far as she knew...&lt;br /&gt;
      Dat&#039;s when she done tole him, &#039;Imma go home now witchoo!&#039; &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley scoffs at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi grunts, amused.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley thumps Bbee!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley takes ahold of part of her teal silk skirt, waving it about and causing the bells on it to jingle melodically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley skips over to Bbee merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At his house this man Sessy did bed&lt;br /&gt;
     It was over so fast it made her go red&lt;br /&gt;
     She flipped him right over and and tied him right down&lt;br /&gt;
     And ran nimbly away to the far side of town&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee glances between Dwi and Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Bzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz&lt;br /&gt;
     Jus&#039; Pollinatin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Poor Sessy turn&#039;d sad, atta loss fer her mind.&lt;br /&gt;
      She&#039;d hoped dat one day, a good man she&#039;da find.&lt;br /&gt;
     Whom waddn&#039;t a dork, but still good inna sack,&lt;br /&gt;
      den she&#039;d be happy... eben flat on &#039;er back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley slaps Bbee across the face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee falls over.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his bagpipes, launching into a foot-tapping melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Dwi.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee skips in a circle around Balley.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She wandered and searched for a man day and night&lt;br /&gt;
     She even got into a large bar room fight&lt;br /&gt;
     Sessy got tired and said, &amp;quot;Heck with that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     She gave up on men and that was just that&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley shrugs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee hoots.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee obviously doesn&#039;t realize you can see him scratching under his suede loincloth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sings operatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Der once wassa lass name o&#039; Sessy Lespike,&lt;br /&gt;
      became sure dat da men ain&#039;t sumpthin she&#039;d like.&lt;br /&gt;
     She ran as dey chased&#039;er anna called out &#039;er name...&lt;br /&gt;
      anna dat poor sassy girl waddn&#039;t ne&#039;er da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee touches his fingers to the bagpipes, chasing the chords up and down the scale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee plops down to the ground in a sitting position.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ne-eh-eh-eh-ver da same!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi glances at Bbee.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Balley bops Bbee on the head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final breath, Bbee removes the bagpipes from his lips, allowing the last jaunty notes to fade away.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley softly says, &amp;quot;We are the Queen&#039;s Bees. We hope you liked our song about Sessy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee put a set of stained bagpipes in his long cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee gives Balley a warm buss on the lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bbee bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi tries to pull Bbee towards her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dwi points at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Balley waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136935</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=136935"/>
		<updated>2020-09-08T03:23:59Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Traiva */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is preceded on stage by a quartet of slim figures dressed in black carrying instruments. One sets a polished maoral cittern inlaid with mahogany onto a gleaming metal stand, while another sets some black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones onto a carved ebonwood stand. The third figure places a silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones onto a spindly ebonwood stand, and the fourth sets a wooden drum down on its side, supported by a brushed metal rack. The figures then dash off to stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes lovingly at the instruments set out for her before picking up the cittern. She cradles it against her torso and begins to strum a quiet melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Many of you here know me as a healer from the Square, or as Paupers&#039;s Chatelaine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks slowly about the stage, her fingers bringing forth a series of soft notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites amusedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or perhaps you are confused because the last few Bardfests saw me in a much more enviable position.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns her head toward the Judges&#039; table and smirks before giving a cheeky wink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I could not let this momentous occasion go without a return to the stage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva suddenly stills her fingers and stares out at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites reflectively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty-five years of Bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva resumes her quiet strumming, the notes plucky and lively, and paces across the stage, the hem of her skirt brushing against the well worn boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites airily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So many artists brought their songs and stories here during the last twenty-five years. So many instruments have sung out from this stage. . . .&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva leans forward toward the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites incredulously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And, if I recall, even a weaver&#039;s loom!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva straightens and stares around her in disbelief, then turns her incredulous gaze to the Judges&#039; table.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva makes an exaggerated motion of letting out a breath before letting her lips spread into a wide smile, her eyes sparkling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It is always a wonder, how these performances are put together year after year, to showcase the finest among us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stops her melodic strumming to run her fingers across her cittern&#039;s strings in a loud, trumpeting chord that reverberates from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here I am, one of them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva laughs softly as the chord fades. She begins to strum a bright melody, the music slightly at odds with her passioned singing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Night after night by the candlelight gleam&lt;br /&gt;
     I go through the parchment, ream after ream,&lt;br /&gt;
     Looking for the right word, just the right rhyme&lt;br /&gt;
     To perfectly capture this one moment in time.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes up toward the sky above the audience, her lips slightly pursed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I see the moons wax, I see the moons wane.&lt;br /&gt;
     The sun, how it taunts through my window pane!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva returns her gaze down to the audience, a pleading expression crossing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My quill spits and it splits, ink&#039;s all over - and yet&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;m still striving for the one song no one will forget.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva stares down at her cittern, stopping the melody to strum a simple chord on every other beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings flowingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is the melody that will hook them in?&lt;br /&gt;
     What is that lyric? Where does it all begin?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva begins to layer a lush melody as a bright smile spreads across her face, her chords interspersed with light, jubilant notes. She strides across the stage, the platinum-threaded indigo silk of her skirt shimmering with each step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop near the instruments and their stands set on the stage, the last bright notes from her cittern fading away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites whiningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Wait a moment! The words -and- the MUSIC? Thinking of the words is hard enough, and now I need to add music to this?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva casts her gaze over the audience with a look of bewilderment at the perceived injustice before turning to stare at the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites indignantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That table really does ask too much of us.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lovingly caresses her cittern as she sets it onto its empty stand.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites resignedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Very well then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva grins smugly as she lifts the black leather bagpipes with iridescent green ribbons woven around the drones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But I think a bit of change is in order.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva walks to the front edge of the stage as she settles the bag in her arms and places her fingers along the chanter, then leans forward to shout into the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva recites loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I told you I would work them in this year!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a jaunty toss of her head before taking the mouthpiece between her lips and playing a few lively notes. She suddenly stops, frowning slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva mutters, &amp;quot;Ahem.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva carefully cradles her bagpipes in her left arm as she gathers some of the right side of her skirt and tucks it under the bottom hem of her cincher, then swaps her bagpipes to her right arm to repeat the process with the left side of her skirt, lifting the hem from the floor enough to uncover her dark blue silken slippers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gives a firm nod of satisfaction and again settles her bagpipes into position. She begins with a low bass drone as she strides back to the drum set onto its side, then returns to the lively melody she started a moment ago.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva uses her foot to kick out a steady beat on the drum as her fingers dance over the chanter for a sprightly jig. Her hips sway slightly as she shifts her weight with each beat, the platinum threads in her gown catching the light as she dances in place with the music.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva spins the reel into an increasingly paced whirl of notes, her cheeks puffing out with each exhalation. She finally gives the drum one final THUMP with her foot and lifts her mouth from her bagpipes, the last bright note seeming to hang in the air around her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it all comes together&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out.&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;m in the magic when it all comes together -&lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I lose all my doubt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva turns to set the bagpipes on their ebonwood stand and tugs on her skirt, letting the hem fall back to the floor as she gazes evenly at her instruments.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the moment of truth is here,&lt;br /&gt;
     And it&#039;s time to push aside all the nerves and fear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva picks up her silvery mistwood flute encrusted with faceted firestones and cradles it against her chest before turning to the audience, the stage going dark except for a solitary spotlight on her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s just me and the stage - and all of you -&lt;br /&gt;
     The time has come to see exactly what I can do!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gets a determined look on her face and lifts her flute to her lips. She goes still for a moment, her fingers poised to play, then suddenly lights into a lilting melody.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s sprightly melody sings out from the stage as she sashays and spins about, her skirt swirling around her legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the Judges&#039; table and leans forward, a mischievous glint in her eyes as her wings spread in an iridescent emerald fan behind her. Her fingers fly nimbly over her flute, the spill of notes almost, but not quite, running together.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva winks at Ruthiford before straightening and skipping over to the flute&#039;s empty stand. Bringing the melody to an end with a joyful trill, she sets the flute down and quickly reaches for her cittern, strumming the first triumphant chord even before the instrument&#039;s body is set in place against her. The stage lights gradually return as the spotlight dims, bathing Traiva and her instruments in a warm glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings powerfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all of a sudden it&#039;s all come together,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the words and the music come spilling out!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gradually slows her song through the final bars, drawing out her words, and strides to the front of center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings jubilantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m here in the magic of it coming together. . .&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That wonderful moment when I&#039;ve lost all my doubt!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva is nearly lost in darkness as all lights go out, except for the dim backstage light visible from the wings. A few shadows can be seen darting across the stage, but when the stage lights return, Traiva is alone at the front, her instruments and their stands cleared.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva clasps her hands at her waist and sinks into a deep curtsy, her skirts pooling slightly. She straightens gracefully and makes her way from the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=135178</id>
		<title>Bardfest 5120 Performances</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Bardfest_5120_Performances&amp;diff=135178"/>
		<updated>2020-08-08T20:36:36Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Created page with &amp;quot;The 25th Annual Bardfest  House Argent Aspis held this annual showcase of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.  7 Contestants took the stage for the 512...&amp;quot;&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;The 25th Annual Bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
House Argent Aspis held this [[Bardfest|annual showcase]] of talent inside their Den of the Dragon Theater.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
7 Contestants took the stage for the 5120 Bardfest Finals on Friday, July 24, 2020. The results:&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
1st Place: Meril&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
2nd Place: Juspera&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
3rd Place: Regwen&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
4th Place: Alosaka&amp;lt;BR /&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
5th, 6th, and 7th Place: Tolwynn, Nazarr, and Traiva (in no particular order)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Their challenge from the judges for the words of inspiration were: booze and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 1==&lt;br /&gt;
The first day of the semi-finals featured 5 contestants on Monday, July 13, 2020: Soliere, Yukito, Elphieya, Nuc, and Faerinn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Soliere===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Solie an&#039; Polvie&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere blushes a nice shade of rosy pink.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A wee love story. well mostly&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Friends an&#039; friends-ta-be, here be a story&lt;br /&gt;
     Of a sorcerer named Polveiss in all his glory.&lt;br /&gt;
     He has most surely been tested an&#039; tried,&lt;br /&gt;
     Nothin&#039; in Elanthia makes &#039;im horrified.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere winks at Polveiss.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One day Polveiss he did set out a-travelin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     All the world&#039;s mysteries ta him unravelin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     At a tavern he was drinkin&#039; but he did stop...&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid sauntered over, handed &#039;im a mop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere appears to be trying hard not to grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss was one very surprised little elf.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;Young miss! But I&#039;ve been compliant myself!&lt;br /&gt;
     Not once have I made any messes or spillage...&lt;br /&gt;
     I have not even begun ta rove nor pillage!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid winked an&#039; said with a big smile,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;You, fair sir, have traveled many a mile!&lt;br /&gt;
     I have it on good authority that your money,&lt;br /&gt;
     Is not worth peanuts here, so GET MOPPIN, HONEY!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere raises her fist defiantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss responded by moppin&#039; an&#039; cleanin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     But while he mopped, information he was gleanin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     The owner of this bar was a very fine fellow,&lt;br /&gt;
     Who, Polveiss discerned, was named Mister Armadellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss finished moppin&#039; an&#039; the barmaid he found&lt;br /&gt;
     Outside pickin&#039; up trash an&#039; sweepin&#039; the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss said &amp;quot;Honey cake, you come across ferocious&lt;br /&gt;
     But look: &#039;SuperMaliFrockaLipstickKoboldPallieDozeious!!!!&#039;&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The barmaid scratched her head, looking distraught&lt;br /&gt;
     By this new incredible unforeseen verbal assault!&lt;br /&gt;
     She went inside, returned with Armadellow in tow.&lt;br /&gt;
     Matter-of-factly she stated, &amp;quot;I&#039;m gonna lay this giant low!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere flutters her eyelashes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere puckers her lips expectantly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mr. Armadellow, he looked quite frightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     His grip on his bar owner&#039;s broom he tightened!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid proceeded ta kiss our hero Polveiss&lt;br /&gt;
     And laid &#039;im flat faster&#039;n a gigantic arctic poltergeist!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere wiggles her eyebrows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss squealed an&#039; moaned, fell over like a tree!&lt;br /&gt;
     Mr. Armadellow, ta his home, he did flee!&lt;br /&gt;
     The barmaid poured herself a nice big whiskey,&lt;br /&gt;
     Satisfied in her abilities, fast an&#039; friskey!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chapter ends well: Polveiss recovered...&lt;br /&gt;
     For months after that, round the bar he hovered&lt;br /&gt;
     Courted that ole barmaid Soliere til she fell&lt;br /&gt;
     Steadfast in love, an&#039; this their story I tell........&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One night while ole Polveiss was a-moppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     In came Soliere, dancin&#039; an&#039; a-hoppin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss raised his brow, Solie started grinnin&#039;,&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Polveiss you know, your hand I am winnin&#039;!!&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere glances at Polveiss and folds her arms over her chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Polveiss denied it with all his might,&lt;br /&gt;
     But ole Soliere she put up a fight!&lt;br /&gt;
     She threw &#039;im down, put a ring on his hand,&lt;br /&gt;
     And never again was he a single man!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The rest of the story came too quick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Children were born an&#039; beat with a stick,&lt;br /&gt;
     Polveiss an&#039; Soliere, with smiles an&#039; laughter,&lt;br /&gt;
     Went on an&#039; lived happily ever after!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere says, &amp;quot;Thank ya all so kindly, yer a fine crowd.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Soliere smiles and blows kisses.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Yukito===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito holds up his cloth-bound book, the words, &amp;quot;Dawn to Evening&amp;quot;, written with large, bold letters across one page as he holds it high overhead for a long moment.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito put a deep blue cloth-bound book in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito walks toward a small section of an old tree stump prop set in the middle of the stage, just high enough to make a comfortable seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito carefully adjusts the silver bells hung at his hip, letting his fingers linger over each one as they descend in a line from their gathered ribbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles almost contemplatively from where he sits on the stage, face slightly flushed.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances anxiously around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito removes a set of tiny silver finger cymbals from in his hooded cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito lifts his arms up from his sides, and slightly tilts his slend wrists so that the silver finger cymbals on his hands glint off of his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito pats the base of one palm lightly with the fingers of his other hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito turns his wrists upward and begins a clapping beat with his silver finger cymbals, their ringing tones muted into hushed taps.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a slow, low whistle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a skillful reproduction of the delicate chirp of a sparrow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito purses his lips and blows air through his clenched teeth, mimicking the hollow sound of rushing wind in the confines of the stage area.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances at the stage left exit.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a thrush.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his silver finger cymbals side to side, making the light play off it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito continues to play a soft, muted rhythm on his left hand, but brings his thumb inward on his right hand to tap out a faster, more sprightly beat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito drags his fingers lightly down the length of the silver bells, creating textures of ringing melodies that are interwoven with his simple bird calls.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a soft tinkling as Yukito slowly turns the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito smiles while giving a shy, sidelong glance at the audience, offering a bird whistle that almost fumbles for his slight trembling.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito licks his lips.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito slightly lifts his left foot and stomps it down hard onto the stage floor in an booming THUD, sliding his boot back in a loud, slow rasp.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito strums his fingers over the bells.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito opens his mouth to attempt another imitation but makes a quiet, rather garbled noise instead.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito releases a tiny squeak of surprise!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clears his throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito clenches his jaw.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito blushes a pink hue to the tops of his ears.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito produces a passable imitation of a cougar&#039;s purr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito beams, his eyes filled with delight!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stomps once more and sweeps his foot again.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito moves his hands quickly, the silver finger cymbals clattering as he plays wildly discordant tones, clapping his hands together and letting the disks rattle, clank, and slide.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito intersperses coughing, hacking growls and halting purrs with strident whistles, his boots lightly brushing over the floor from where he sits.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stops dead in his tracks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito glances apprehensively around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito grins sheepishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito shuffles his feet with increasing softness, the growls tapering off into silence filled with the hushed, muted clap of his silver finger cymbals.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito allows the silence to linger a few more heartbeats, staring upward.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito emits a fair reproduction of the whistle of a mockingbird.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito hides a bit of a wry grin as he slowly fills the stage with the calls of multiple birds, chasing the effervescent noise with the bright sound of the chimes at his side and at his fingertips.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito makes a subtle shushing sound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito tapers off with his playing until there is silence, and presses a finger to his lips, staring up toward the ceiling.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You hear a skillful imitation of the hoot of an owl come from Yukito.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Yukito stills his playing and bows from his seat.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Yukito bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Elphieya===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya carefully places her white square candle on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya lights the white square candle, which flickers and begins to burn.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares at the candle. Her voice is quiet and timid as she begins to speak while keeping her focus solely on the flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites timidly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Bard&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya slowly empties her lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He speaks in flickering pictures&lt;br /&gt;
     He spins his stories in sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Defying all audible strictures&lt;br /&gt;
     Elicting awe and delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The white square candle burns warmly, lending a soft light to the surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya smiles quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya raises her eyes to the crowd. The shy smile on her face takes on a haunting quality in the flicker of candlelight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites wonderingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Each flick and flip of his tongue&lt;br /&gt;
     Paints passing prose in archive.&lt;br /&gt;
     Each silence and sentence unsung&lt;br /&gt;
     Echoes memories barely alive.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya sways back and forth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya closes her eyes and sways in time to some unheard music, making the light glisten off her features. Her head tilts to the side as if listening to something and she starts to move her feet in a slow dance. Eyes no longer on the crowd, she glides across the stage with her head tilted back smiling up at her invisible partner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle burns with a warm golden light.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He whispers in wavering melody&lt;br /&gt;
     His brush varies shades of the truth.&lt;br /&gt;
     Betraying the weight of fidelity&lt;br /&gt;
     His words drip a tune quite uncouth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya dances around the room to music only she can hear.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya calmly flutters her wings to an unheard rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya starts to spin and twirl around the candle. Each swoosh of her skirt and flutter of her wings teases the flame into dancing with her. She loses herself in her dance moving faster and faster around the candle but her words continue to come steadily.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A lily-scented white square candle flickers a moment and nearly goes out, then its flame springs to life again, burning merrily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites animatedly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With a smirk and a sly disposition&lt;br /&gt;
     He beckons and banters and lures.&lt;br /&gt;
     With baited and hung proposition&lt;br /&gt;
     His listener&#039;s will he secures.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya spins to a stop behind the candle. The flickering light casts shadows on her face that twist and shift with each movement.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites breathlessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A jester or juggling poet&lt;br /&gt;
     A scoundrel and sometimes a thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya flutters her wings before they droop tiredly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares vacantly at the candle appearing completely lost in thought. Her slender fingers reach out as if to touch the dancing flame.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya snuffs out a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya sucks in a quick breath as the stage is plunged into complete darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya recites shakily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If his word could be kept, I would stow it&lt;br /&gt;
     Useless dagger now dulled in a sheath.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya picks up a lily-scented white square candle.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya rubs her stormy green eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya stares with wide eyes at the crowd as her eyes adjust to the ambient light in the room.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Elphieya&#039;s wings flutter, trembling slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Elphieya runs off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nuc===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc quickly walks to center of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc clears his throat violently, unleashing a digustingly large amount of phlegm where small droplets fly far enough to reach the closest audience seating areas.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc casually exclaims, &amp;quot;Much better!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the left in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc turns his shoulders to the right in a long, slow stretch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They stand in the square, without a worry and care&lt;br /&gt;
     Kindhearted, generous and oh so very fair&lt;br /&gt;
     But predators come, in both darkness and light&lt;br /&gt;
     And for their affection these men do fight&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings painfully badly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For they are the healers of many and they nurse us all&lt;br /&gt;
     To many lonely hearts does the Lady Empath call&lt;br /&gt;
     Whether human, or dwarf, or Aeletoi&lt;br /&gt;
     They heal, they smile, they play coy&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc utters a low, long-lasting growl of pleasure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings deafeningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Its not hard to notice that in men&#039;s eyes they are meat&lt;br /&gt;
     But a great one comes, to whom they will all admit defeat&lt;br /&gt;
     Healers&#039; passion overcomes them like Ivas herself&lt;br /&gt;
     He appeals to each nurse, be it gnome, erithian, or elf&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc takes an aggressive stance, lowering his head as he growls in challenge.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings tunelessly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He will stand out from the lewd ones in the square&lt;br /&gt;
     And they will soon realize this contest is not fair&lt;br /&gt;
     Be careful sir, of your beloved healer,&lt;br /&gt;
     Or this one of Krolvin blood will steal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc unleashes a string of quick, excited barks in a high tone as his eyes grow large with greedy desire.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Triumphantly, he will step foot into the area,&lt;br /&gt;
     People will cover their noses, and ensue mass hysteria&lt;br /&gt;
     If others go near, they won&#039;t be able to swallow or eat&lt;br /&gt;
     For even being able to breath around him is an insurmountable feat!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc throws his head back and howls, sounding quite like a night hound!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shriekingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He carries a unique, fetid stench of decay,&lt;br /&gt;
     Always told by many that love it would dismay&lt;br /&gt;
     But he captivates the heart of the ravishing healer&lt;br /&gt;
     His pungent odor, the secret to seal her&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings thunderously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He&#039;ll step forward and give her his heart,&lt;br /&gt;
     She may not accept it at first, but it is only the start&lt;br /&gt;
     As next will be a stomach, or an intestine,&lt;br /&gt;
     As he sees that their eternal love is destined&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a fat-laced fleshy black heart from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his fleshy black heart skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc pulls out some long, black, withered instestines from his cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc skillfully twirls and twists the intestines into a perfectly symmetrical shaped silhouette of a heart and holds it up for all to see.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nuc suddenly swings the bound intestines above his head and tosses them high into the air towards the audience, making a loud squishing sound as it lands around Balley&#039;s neck.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings shrilly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When she opens wide her eyes&lt;br /&gt;
     And with an awkward twitch she replies&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;No thank you sir&amp;quot; in utter disgust&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows this beauty to be pursued is a must!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In a sudden flash without hesitation&lt;br /&gt;
     He will fall to his knees to formalize the relation&lt;br /&gt;
     A ring in his hand, and in the other a tumored liver&lt;br /&gt;
     This Krolvin&#039;s marriage proposition he will deliver&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc removes a simple wedding band from in his spidersilk cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc raises his wedding band skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings horribly off-key:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It may only take the seventeenth or eighteenth attempt&lt;br /&gt;
     Confident in his filth and soiled hair unkempt&lt;br /&gt;
     He knows in due time she will undoubtedly say yes&lt;br /&gt;
     For he will not settle for anything less!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc nods vigorously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So young man it is imperative that you beware&lt;br /&gt;
     Of that bethrothed empath that is in your care&lt;br /&gt;
     Treat her like an unremittingly sweet and gracious queen&lt;br /&gt;
     Never take her for granted or dare to be mean&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc growls ferociously!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or you will suddenly smell the stench&lt;br /&gt;
     Your nose you will forcibly clench&lt;br /&gt;
     And your empath&#039;s heart and soul will no longer belong&lt;br /&gt;
     To you ungrateful man who has treated her wrong&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She will be swept away as you stroll through the park&lt;br /&gt;
     With a slew of intestines and a triumphant bark&lt;br /&gt;
     He will walk away with a proud bristle&lt;br /&gt;
     As your once beloved waves you a gesture of dismissal&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc holds himself in dignified silence, bristling with pride.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nuc bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Faerinn===&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Faerinn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn strides across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites jovially:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to tell y&#039;all a story my mother used to tell me at bedtime.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn sits over the edge of the stage with his legs hang over the side.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn deftly removes a two-toned snakewood kora with onyx pegs from his thin leather straps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn places his hands on his kora, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites devilishly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;About how peace will finally come between the eastern and western sides of the Dragonspine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In fact all across Elanith.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Faerinn noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his kora, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
Neopuron nods at Darksin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brushes his fingers over the strings, modulating softly from chord to chord as if playing to himself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The first sign will be on the beaches. The whales and the creatures of the deep will let themselves strand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As if throwing themselves against an enemy wall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn plucks a quiet song on his snakewood kora with ease and subtlety; the musical nuances appealingly intimate.&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The estruaries will became dammed by the walls of dead fish pouring in from the river.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then finally the sea will rise and the mountains will meet each over in the center as Cholen and Imaera clash.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They attack each other ferouciously.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Faerinn intertwines the lines of a solemn fugue on his kora, he produces lingering, moving lines that are neither miserable nor depressing but intriguing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Mouth on each other&#039;s mouth. My childhoode self knew that this was a serious fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Imaera would gain the upper hand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Pinning down Charl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And piercing him through with a spike thorn.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over and over again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Until he rises to his feet and puts his hands upon her shoulders.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn brings a hard-hitting fresh energy to the chorus as his hands race over his snakewood kora, barely touching one string before attacking the next.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Faerinn&#039;s fingers strike his kora&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She furiously uses the palm of her knife until his blade is sharp again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a thoroughpaced drone in the bass, Faerinn plucks the melody on his kora with measured vigor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They wrestle back and forth like this until it reaches the climax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Just absolutely going at it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;An epic fight for the ages.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn says, &amp;quot;Elanith is leveled in their struggles and then goes still.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a marvelous display of the sublime, Faerinn strikes his kora with intense energy, giving profound voice to the composition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As all the waters pours across Elanith. Peace will finally come to this continent.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Using thirds in the right hand and simple dominant chords in the left, Faerinn partners with his kora to sing with clean, clear sound and strong rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent kora performance.  Faerinn stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn rolls back into a standing position on the stage and bows.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn doesn&#039;t seem to notice that baby opossum that pokes its head out from behind his shirt collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Faerinn withdraws back through the curtains, grinning at the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Faerinn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 2==&lt;br /&gt;
The second day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Tuesday, July 14, 2020: Traiva, Balley, Nazarr, Jersea, Meril, and Talinvor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Balley===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Jersea===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Talinvor===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==Semifinals Night 3==&lt;br /&gt;
The third day of the semi-finals featured 6 contestants on Wednesday, July 15, 2020: Juspera, Alosaka, Regwen, Tolwynn, Cyar, and Mekimin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera comes to stand front and center, clad in simple, dark clothing that fades into the dimmed background of the stage. In point of fact, it&#039;s a little difficult to see her.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This one is inspired by some recent events in the Landing and Mist Harbor. It&#039;s called:&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;Of Justice and Romance.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly. She strikes a ringing chord, embarking on a nearly martial tune that steps out at a jaunty cadence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All across the empire&#039;s watch, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They strain to hear the sentence when old judges take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And barristers may count their coins, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That justice is an old man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her hand to play a few tripping notes at a higher pitch, weaving a bright, wistful melody into the martial beat. She nods her head in time with her picking.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods rhythmically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the nations bright, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     They weep for joy at balls to see young sweethearts take the floor&lt;br /&gt;
     And swains may count their conquests, oh, but lonely mothers know&lt;br /&gt;
     That romance is a young man&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches the end of her stanza and simply stops, slipping the lute back into her cloak. The strings reverberate discordantly for a moment before muffling. She then takes out a boxy object about the size of a crate.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera indicates her dollhouse toy with a smile.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a small maroon dollhouse toy on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sets up the dollhouse, dusting off its little roof. She opens and closes the little windows, sets a tuft of cotton on top of its little chimney in a perfect facsimile of smoke, and even knocks the tiny knocker on the front door. Then she swings the door open, peering inside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A boy. His name is Terrin. On the post beside his head,&lt;br /&gt;
     A mark denotes each night his mother failed to come to bed.&lt;br /&gt;
     Is she drinking in the tavern? With some stranger? Or in jail?&lt;br /&gt;
     Young Terrin carves another mark, and prays in mama&#039;s stead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera&#039;s voice rings out unaccompanied across the silence of the amphitheater. She extends her skinny arm through the dollhouse&#039;s open door, pulling out a diminutive figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a copper praying child miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a little bed out as well, setting the praying child miniature upon it. The figure is small compared to the size of the bed; it seems to engulf him.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera manipulates the figure, moving it against the tiny bedpost as if he were carving another mark into the wood. As Juspera&#039;s dark clothing and cowl shroud her from the lights, it seems as if the miniature is moving on its own.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Perhaps she lies in jail, he thinks -- the taxman&#039;s got his due --&lt;br /&gt;
     The taxman who campaigned on guarantees of law and truth&lt;br /&gt;
     And where do all these taxes go?  Young Terrin wonders now&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s never seen a penny come to pay for bread or stew.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles wistfully and shakes her head, gazing pityingly down at the little praying figure.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Or if mama were out drinking, what had stirred her grief tonight?&lt;br /&gt;
     Was it memories of papa, who could not forgive the sight&lt;br /&gt;
     Of her flirting with the minstrel? -- he had spat and cursed her name,&lt;br /&gt;
     And quit on her and Terrin both, and broke his vows for spite.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera reaches again into the house, rummaging around, and draws out a male and female figure.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a pewter tavern wench sculpture on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a malachite innkeeper miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shifts her black-gloved hands, and the serving wench and innkeeper seem to move on their own, turning their backs to each other.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings clearly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Is there romance in our justice, when we love the law so much&lt;br /&gt;
     That reproof becomes our idol, and integrity our crutch?&lt;br /&gt;
     Is there justice in our romance, when we hold to wrongs so tight&lt;br /&gt;
     That forgiveness is forgotten, and we shrink from passion&#039;s touch?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shakes her head, and her gaze sweeps over the audience, her eyes landing on one listener after another.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But all across the parish halls, the crowds cry out for more!&lt;br /&gt;
     They scorn the vile adultress as if kindness were a chore&lt;br /&gt;
     And priests may count their converts, but the nuns in ebon know&lt;br /&gt;
     That doctrine is a grownup&#039;s game where children keep the score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles sadly, regarding her little family unit, each of the figurines apart from the others. Then she thrusts in again through the house&#039;s door and feels around, coming up with a maiden miniature.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places an ebonwood maiden miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera draws out another bed, setting the maiden on it, separated from the other figures by the house looming between them. As before, the child is dwarfed by the bed, and both look tiny indeed upon the great sea of the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A girl. Her name is Aya. Is she Halfling, Elf, or Gnome?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her hair is sleek, or never sees a comb?&lt;br /&gt;
     Does it matter if her father serves a regiment at war&lt;br /&gt;
     And she marks each day with chalk until they let him stumble home?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera claps her hands together and opens them to reveal a rough stick of white chalk!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera scrawls a line of chalk on the side of the house. The contact of chalk on paint makes a faint whispering sound that echoes through the amphitheater.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera delves into the house and retrieves an axeman miniature, setting it a good distance away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a mahogany axeman miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Depleted by his battles, still he manages to find&lt;br /&gt;
     A shepherdess&#039;s friendly face -- and bed -- to soothe his mind.&lt;br /&gt;
     When orders come, he carries both his greataxe and his guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     That now there&#039;ll be a second little child he&#039;ll leave behind.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls a shepherdess miniature from the house and sets it beside the axeman.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera carefully places a garnet-inset shepherdess miniature on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes an unseen motion and the figures turn to face away from each other, staring outward. Then, on the stage between them, she places a bundle, small enough to be a swaddled babe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though Aya and this girl will never meet, they share a life,&lt;br /&gt;
     A loneliness, their melancholy trenchant as a knife.&lt;br /&gt;
     Their father&#039;s careless actions bent to suit the course of war --&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet they curse their father&#039;s flaw, and not the battle&#039;s strife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, dusting her hands, and reaches into her cloak.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tiny pearwood matchbox from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera opens a tiny pearwood matchbox, revealing several matches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a match from a tiny pearwood matchbox.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera lights a match by flicking it against her thumb.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly, wryly, holding the burning match up before her as if it were an accusation.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera touches the match to the eaves of the little house. A glow of flame begins to flicker in a line along one side of the structure, blackening its painted shutters and gables.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You see a burning match being waved around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The burning match goes out, disappearing in a small puff of smoke.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings gravely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Have you swindled? Have you stolen? Have you broken someone&#039;s heart?&lt;br /&gt;
     Have you spoken ill of friends, and later claimed to have no part?&lt;br /&gt;
     The streets are filled with liars, and with suitors bearing gold&lt;br /&gt;
     Who whisper of undying love, and then one day depart.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes thoughtfully at a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a dark ebonwood lute from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to play, making an ambling circuit about the stage as if there were not a burning dollhouse in the center of it. She strums lightly, revisiting the jaunty tune from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of justice and of romance: one is cold, the other hot.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ve cried the call for justice much, though cried from romance not.&lt;br /&gt;
     To stake our lives on either is to bind ourselves in chains,&lt;br /&gt;
     And neither brings the comfort that good whiskey could have bought.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera continues playing brightly. A chunk of charred wood and paint separates from one side of the house, hitting the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera sings loudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And all across the continent, the crowds cry out for more --&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d linger singing on this stage until my voice were sore&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could spare one Terrin from a single bedpost mark&lt;br /&gt;
     For neither love nor law can reign &#039;till no one&#039;s keeping score.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera sounds a final chord. She glances to the dollhouse, which has failed to fully catch fire and now sits smoldering, only a few licks of flame showing. A sluggish wisp of smoke trails from the chimney up to the ceiling of the hall, almost as if a little fire were lit in the home&#039;s tiny hearth; but the figures that had once inhabited the house remain scattered, alone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;The end.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a dark ebonwood lute in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stomps out the remaining flames, crushing some of the dollhouse in the process.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera picks up a small maroon dollhouse toy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera curtsies.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka distantly says, &amp;quot;I wandered, one day, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore, beyond which the Tehir dwell. The Empire&#039;s guards raised their shields and spears, and shouted to me from behind their walls, &#039;Beware, beware!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka loudly says, &amp;quot;I called to them, &#039;I am looking for a story!&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;&#039;Beware, beware!,&#039; they shouted again. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And nothing more they said. I wandered past, beneath their frightened gaze, into the sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka steps lightly across the stage, from the right wing to near the center, where the crumpled robe lays unfolded on the floor. He stops, his foot just inches from touching it, and looks down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I met another wanderer, in that foreign land. A ghost, a slip of moonlight caught on a yucca&#039;s spiny leaves. I asked him for a story, and he whispered, &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way into some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And as night fell I came across an arid stream, cracked and lifeless. And there I met another traveller in that foreign land. He was a pile of bones, as dry as that river, with one arm outstretched, pointing the way. Beside him, drawn in the sand, was written: &#039;Find the beginning.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks from the center of the stage to the left, where the headband rests. He leans down and snags it with one finger.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up a bone-inlaid ora headband.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puts a bone-inlaid ora headband on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Further I wandered into the wastes. And there rose before me an ancient forest, seared into ash. Black trunks rose like tombstones from the gray and blasted sands.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks in a meandering path back to the center of the stage, one hand raised beside him, brushing against unseen giants. The hem of his robe drags in the ashes of Juspera&#039;s dollhouse fire, staining it with dark streaks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;At last, I found the wandering Tehir. And they were not warriors to beware. They loved peace and hated violence. A full year I spent with them, and not once did I witness any conflict or quarrel. No fights over spilled mead or unfaithful women.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I saw, once, a young shepherd who fell asleep on a hill while stargazing, and woke to find a colony of anxious blister ants crawling across his legs. Rather than beat them off with stones, he suffered the pain of their countless footsteps, and used a blade of the softest willow to brush them away, one by one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds out his arm, perfectly still, and with his other hand gently touches his fingers to it, as though allowing some unseen insect to walk up into his palm. With exaggerated care he leans down and deposits his little friend in the grass.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;In the watch-grass fires they set each night, they made a game of discerning fantastic beasts whose shapes were traced by flickering flames. I joined their games, and they let me work the bellows that stoked the fires, sending clouds of embers miles into the desert sky. They glittered like stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka tilts his head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;They taught me stories, around that camp fire. Stories about the legendary Mir Ul&#039;din, who first stole fire from the gods for the mortal races. About the Ur-Daemon princess Traces-of-Snow-in-the-Void, who taught the young Lorminstra the names of every mortal who would ever die of cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;But none of these were my story. For all they helped me, I still could not find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And I asked them, once, when my year with them was nearly complete, why they set the fires at every sunset, no matter how hot the summer night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And they told me a new story. Of Nurul abu Sana, a shaman so ancient that only his name remains. His name, and a prophecy he delivered one night in the grips of a terrible fever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka hunches down and wraps his arms around his knees, shivering. He wipes an arm across his forehead, then gazes up with glassy eyes into the bright stage lights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;He saw a monster that walked among the stars. A monster in the shape of a raven, whose wings stretched from horizon to horizon, and each of her thousand wings bore a thousand feathers, each of which bore a thousand eyes, and these eyes were as countless as the stars.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;The monster drank enmity and violence, and her infinite eyes watched the world, searching the souls of the mortals below for the spark of hatred. And every thousand years, when she was gorged and rotten and bursting full of darkness, she came upon the world as a great mass of fire, igniting everything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lowers his face between his knees and covers his head with his arms, cowering from some unseen wrath.)&lt;br /&gt;
Hycis winces.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Only by forswearing the emotions she consumed, and distracting her eyes every night with the light of countless embers, could her reckoning be delayed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And then my year was done, and I packed my meager things, and went back into the desert.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I wandered into a forest, lush and green, with trees like giants rising toward the sky.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And as I looked up the sun grew hot and fierce and burning, and the heavens wept with fire, and all around me the trees turned to ash. And when I woke, all was as I saw before: gray, blasted sands, with black trunks rising from them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka traces his fingers in the ashes on the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, until I found a dried-out desert arroyo, and I laid my weary bones to rest in it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a bone-inlaid ora headband off his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places a bone-inlaid ora headband on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And, relieved of half my burdens, I wandered further, searching for my story. And I found a stubborn yucca with spindly leaves, and I hung my spirit on it to rest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka works his way out of some soft white linen robes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka carefully places some soft white linen robes on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And still I wandered, looking for my story, to the Sea of Fire&#039;s shore. And there I found the Empire&#039;s guardsmen. &#039;Beware, beware!&#039; they shouted, as they always had. As they always would. &#039;Only ghosts and death walk these sands.&#039;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Walk back with me, friends. Walk back with me through our history, through our countless wars, through our love of death. Sift your hands with me through these sands, through this dust of empires. To the start of our story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reaches down and cups an invisible handful of sand, letting it sift through his fingers to the floor.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Help me find the beginning.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.  I&#039;m delighted to be here tonight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have a little play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, a pace away from the burn spot, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;Once upon a time, not far from here, there lived a lovely elven queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;A bit cliche, but, the Queen told people that she liked long walks in the woods, good food and lively music.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bluntly confesses, &amp;quot;What she didn&#039;t tell them was that she complained constantly and she didn&#039;t like to do anything for herself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen emphasizes, &amp;quot;She liked LOTS of attention too.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;As a matter of fact, she pretty much demanded constant attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins wryly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen purses her lips and puts a hand her hip, mimicing the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly demands, &amp;quot;I want this! I need that! Entertain me, I&#039;m bored...NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet puffs out its little chest and straightens its shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen casually walks toward stage left.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Roelaren says, &amp;quot;Oh  how cute.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;One rather misty morning, the queen decided to have a picnic at a lake in the woods so, she called for her knight-errand.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, imitating the queen and shrilly demands...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice shrilly demands, &amp;quot;Knight! I say knight!  I want a picnic today.  Now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen snaps her fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles at the audience as she walks back toward stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen assumes the stiff straight posture and in the deep voice of the knight, says...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deeply acknowledges, &amp;quot;Yes, my Queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet nods its head emphatically.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen admits, &amp;quot;The knight wanted to please the queen, so he spared no expense and gathered a group to prepare an extravagent picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly continues, &amp;quot;Soon the picnicers were headed through the forest, on the way to the lake, with the knight in the lead.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen Assumes a stiff posture and tilts the knight hand-puppet side as she marches a few steps across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marches along, proudly displaying a tall armor-clad male knight hand-puppet with dark hair!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen brightly states, &amp;quot;After what seemed like a long time, with all the queens complaining, the trees parted and they arrived at a lovely glade near a mist covered lake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds a painted banner depicting a mist-shrouded woodland lake scene in front of herself, displaying it for all to see.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen continues, &amp;quot;The royal baker, who was following the knight, was carrying the picnic basket.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a flour-stained toy gnome baker from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slouches, acting as the baker, and trudges a few paces while tilting the baker doll side to side as if he were trudging after the knight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a flour-stained toy gnome baker, Regwen&#039;s voice grimly laments, &amp;quot;She probably won&#039;t like anything.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hurriedly says, &amp;quot;The baker unpacked the picnic basket quickly, sighing at how delicious everything looked.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a white wicker picnic basket from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly from in a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen teasingly discloses, &amp;quot;He then sat nearby; out of sight of the queen.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grandiosely announces, &amp;quot;Then the queen arrived in her usual grand fashion; yelling that the picnic should commense....NOW!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sashays lightly farther along the stage tilting the queen hand-puppet side to side as if she were sashaying into a grand ball.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen merrily says, &amp;quot;And lastly, the bard, who was dancing and playing a lively tune, while enjoying the spectacle.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a costumed bard marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a sardonic smile, as the bard, and dances along the edge of the stage so that the footlights light her to perfection, and croons to the Queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings crooningly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh lovely Queen none do compare&lt;br /&gt;
     To one as lovely and so fair.&lt;br /&gt;
     On this picnic fine,&lt;br /&gt;
     We all will dine.&lt;br /&gt;
     You do everything with such flair!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen shakes the bard marionette to make it&#039;s eyes roll.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns her Queen hand puppet to stare at the bard, briefly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she carefully sits the bard next to the picnic basket; putting his little hands in his lap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles slightly as she moves silently to center stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen runs her hand down the front of her brushed cotton gown, discreetly re-arranging the drape.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen disappointedly continues, &amp;quot;Well, the queen started to complain straight away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts on a haughty aire, scowls and with a high pitched voice and complains...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen shrilly complains, &amp;quot;I have to sit on the ground?!  Someone cut my food! There are ants on the blanket, kill them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen direly warns, &amp;quot;The queens complaining was so loud, that it woke a dragon who had slept in peace for eons.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a grinning skeletal dragon marionette from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly explains, &amp;quot;He had slept for so long in fact, that he was nothing but a skeleton.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen acts like the dragon; spreads her arms as if she were very large and bellows in a monstrous voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen angrily bellows, &amp;quot;What is that noise?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly reveals, &amp;quot;The dragon lumbered out of its lair to stop the noise but instead spots the queens tiny gold crown, in an instant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly interjects, &amp;quot;Dragons have very keen eyes for spotting gold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette pokes its finger into its own hollow eye socket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen breaks out in a silly grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves like the dragon, trying to look even more immense, turns the dragon marrionette quickly toward the queen.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice excitedly gasps, &amp;quot;Gold! ALL the gold must be mine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at a grinning skeletal dragon marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to shuffle its bony feet forward, arms outstretched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stubbornly protests, &amp;quot;The queen was not about to give up her lovely crown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at her elven queen hand-puppet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet shakes its head from side to side, as if saying no.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s elven queen hand-puppet folds its arms over its chest.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen yells and in her deep booming dragon voice...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen declares, &amp;quot;Then you shall be mine too....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette turns in mid-air with a silent, deadly grace.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coolly blurts, &amp;quot;So he ate her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen quietly elaborates, &amp;quot;But, because the dragon&#039;s a skeleton, you can see her through the ribs, pacing about and you can still her muffled rantings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a delicate elven queen hand-puppet with a tiny gold crown, Regwen&#039;s voice distantly exclaims, &amp;quot;Save me!  Help! You&#039;d better get me out of here!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles wryly as she quickly picks up the bard and mimics the bards next song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Oh my! The Queen is in a dreadful plight!&lt;br /&gt;
     Her gold crown is now a Dragons delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     She became a light snack.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now how about that.&lt;br /&gt;
     Now lets see if there&#039;ll be a fight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette collapses to its knees, its tiny wooden hands clasping in prayer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen chuckles at the bard as she reseats him at the picnic and twitches his strings so the bard seems to rummage in the picnic basket; finding the ale.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks at her bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen expectantly reveals, &amp;quot;The knight, who had been seated, jumped up, took one good look at the immense dragon and....&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s male knight hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen bemusedly observes, &amp;quot;Being true to his name, Sir Render, surrendered.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply comments, &amp;quot;And the dragon ate him as well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s skeletal dragon marionette opens its jaw with a deathly clack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen singing whimsically as the bard, pulls the marionettes strings to cause melodramatic gestures...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings whimsically to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There goes the &amp;quot;Brave&amp;quot; knight Sir Render.&lt;br /&gt;
     He did not even try to defend her.&lt;br /&gt;
     So with a big huff,&lt;br /&gt;
     He just gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     He&#039;s an armor-clad sorry pretender.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s marionette begins to dance in mid-air, moving more gracefully than most of the bards you&#039;ve met.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she reseats the bard, pulling his strings to play a more raucous tune on his little lute and to help himself to another ale from the basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen begins chuckling at a costumed bard marionette!&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a flour-stained toy gnome baker.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;Now the baker, who had been watching from the side of the glade, boldly stepped up and stared in alarm at the dragon...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen hugs her toy gnome baker, and its eyes bulge out alarmingly!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen giggles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly says, &amp;quot;He then threw a tart at the dragon and yelled something in protest, before running off into the woods.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a flour-stained toy gnome baker in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen adopts the bards wry slighty inebriated expression and sings the bards song.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings merrily to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Well the baker decided to make a play.&lt;br /&gt;
     He told the dragon &amp;quot;What for&amp;quot;, I&#039;d say.&lt;br /&gt;
     He at least threw a tart,&lt;br /&gt;
     But without much heart.&lt;br /&gt;
     Who will finally save the day?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bard marionette raises its hand to its forehead and swings about, eyes peering out in wooden puzzlement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen puts the bard near the picnic basket and raises his little ale mug with one string.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attests, &amp;quot;Finally, the queen, seeing that she was getting nowhere fast, thought to herself, &amp;quot;I have to do something...MYSELF!&amp;quot;.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a short little hum of surprise.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen agonizes, &amp;quot;What could she do?  All she had with her was her silver spoon from the picnic.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals from in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen encouragingly regales, &amp;quot;She took her little silver spoon and started to run it back and forth across the dragons ribs.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly declares, &amp;quot;This tickled the dragon terribly, and he roared with laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a grinning skeletal dragon marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice incredulously bellows, &amp;quot;Stop! stop!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s waves the bars above her skeletal dragon marionette, causing it to jerk its arms and legs around in a frenzied dance that threatens to shake its bones apart!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen marvels, &amp;quot;The queen continued tickling the dragons ribs with her spoon until he could take it no longer.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly continues, &amp;quot;The dragon stood up to run, which allowed the Queen and the knight to simply step between the ribs and run away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a grinning skeletal dragon marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a polished silver spoon enameled with tiny white opals in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a costumed bard marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to the front of the stage and stands poised in the foot lights once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly to her bard marionette:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Queen was left without a friend.&lt;br /&gt;
     Some effort she then had to expend.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tickled enough,&lt;br /&gt;
     That the dragon gave up.&lt;br /&gt;
     Sometimes you have to save yourself in&lt;br /&gt;
     The End.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen holds the sides of her brushed cotton gown outward and performs a graceful curtsy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a costumed bard marionette in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a purple cotton blanket embroidered with a butterfly in a white wicker picnic basket that is on the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a white wicker picnic basket.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a white wicker picnic basket in her dark red sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a deep indigo thanot cittern trimmed with storm grey vaalin fittings and keys from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;And a fairest evening to all of you there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Twenty five years.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Quite the span, and I am glad to have been a part of it both this evening and in the past.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;So then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn makes his way to the front of the stage and cradles his deep indigo thanot cittern in his arms as the lights gradually tint to a muted orange glow.  He taps his foot a few times to set his beat and begins to lightly strum his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll call this one guild for reasons which will become obvious very soon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If your accounts are running low, and your skills could use a build,&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a place to help with both, you know, just head over to the guild.&lt;br /&gt;
     Talk with the master -  Klidel&#039;s ours, then put on your badge of tin.&lt;br /&gt;
     Gather friends and muster powers, and then you&#039;re ready to begin!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn taps a tin-bound ceramic badge that he is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn paces steadily across the stage as his fingers pluck the light melody, his gaze settled on the first few rows of the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I used to still adventure, I would often haunt the guild&lt;br /&gt;
     And I&#039;d structure things to ensure that each bounty could be filled.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ve got broad and deep assortment, and most handle with great ease.&lt;br /&gt;
     But there&#039;s one that tests comportment, most avoid like a disease.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn comes to a stop and glares about him, his fingers abruptly lifting from his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn disdainfully growls, &amp;quot;Rescue missions.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn resumes playing his cittern, though the melody seems somewhat more subdued than before.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Other bounties are a blessing, rescue missions are the curse.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;re not as bad as you&#039;re guessing, no, they&#039;re sev&#039;ral times more worse!&lt;br /&gt;
     You have to find some wayward sprat.  Their presence there&#039;s perplexing.&lt;br /&gt;
     The hunting part, it&#039;s easy that - escorting through is vexing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn lifts his chin and squares his shoulders as he struts across the stage to the front right corner, his music returning to the bright notes from earlier.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings confidently:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So I thought myself quite clever as I strode into the hall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Rescue missions?  Let&#039;s try never, I had vouchers for them all.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel shot a withering glance as I passed up two and three.&lt;br /&gt;
     He said, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll do your little dance, but the one who leads is me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn puffs out his chest and widens his stance as the rollicking melody spills forth from his cittern.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I declined a hundred more then, and requested my next task.&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Ah, that&#039;s much more like it, Warden, I was hoping you might ask.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re annoyingly persistent, I think this task may best you.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He was equally consistent - The next one was a rescue.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gets a blank look on his face as his cittern falls quiet once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn begins a plucky melody, his fingers dancing over his cittern&#039;s strings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve just the job for you,&amp;quot; he smiled. &amp;quot;Now let&#039;s see you swiftly off.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s a precious little child lost beneath the Thanatoph.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I sped there like a thunderbolt, and in nick of time arrived&lt;br /&gt;
     Well deep in Illoke&#039;s underholt, where the lad somehow survived.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn smooths out his notes with a gradual decrescendo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I stared at the boy and blustered, &amp;quot;Do your parents know you&#039;re here?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     He replied to me unflustered, &amp;quot;Yes, you&#039;ll see it&#039;s very clear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     Two bandits roared with laughter as they sprung to the attack.&lt;br /&gt;
     I set both ablaze, then after brought their new-made orphan back.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn briefly flicks his fingers dismissively before taking a step forward and leaning toward the first row of seats.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites disdainfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I asked for doubled credit for the extra bounty done.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel said, &amp;quot;Just you forget it, that still only counts as one!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives a sigh of exasperation and picks up the pace of the tune flowing from his cittern, the volume gradually modulating to the earlier tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The next job was a rescue too, was there any sense of doubt?&lt;br /&gt;
     Down into Illoke&#039;s nest anew, to haul another young one out.&lt;br /&gt;
     A long stream of rescues followed, like some strangest ferry run -&lt;br /&gt;
     By the tenth I felt quite hollowed, and by fifteenth very done.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn winces slightly as he suddenly strums a discordant chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn dryly states, &amp;quot;To this day, I&#039;ve never used a voucher again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stares down at his cittern and draws his fingers over the strings, the notes seeming to plod along as he paces slowly across the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings lethargically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I returned once more, strength fading, feeling that I might just die.&lt;br /&gt;
     Klidel simply stood there waiting, asking &amp;quot;Have you figured why?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns to face the audience, the tone of his cittern&#039;s notes steadily brightening.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rescue bounties hold a lesson, if not obvious at first.&lt;br /&gt;
     Dealing with them is unpleasant, I&#039;ve heard most say they&#039;re the worst.&lt;br /&gt;
     You&#039;re dealing with some headstrong soul in a place they shouldn&#039;t go,&lt;br /&gt;
     Rushing headlong to reach a goal that no other soul might know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn slowly strides forward, keeping his gaze steady on the crowd.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings with measured tones:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They act so rash, this wayward lot, doing things they oughtn&#039;t do.&lt;br /&gt;
     But take a moment, give some thought: Am I describing them - or you?&lt;br /&gt;
     So please show some understanding for these tykes of which we&#039;re fond.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;ll in time defend the Landing and all else that lays beyond.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn relaxes his stance and strums a flashy series of chords.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings gleefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, let&#039;s get back to our routines, and get one last bounty down!&lt;br /&gt;
     Good Murdos requests seven sphenes . . . and he says please make them brown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn&#039;s music fades away as he throws his hand up in exasperated defeat.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sharply inhales and exhales a heavy breath in annoyance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites sternly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So parents, please do listen hence, and take these words to trust:&lt;br /&gt;
     Teach well your kids some common sense, or they&#039;ll end up bad as us!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn gives an emphatic nod of his head as he lowers his cittern to his side. He bows smoothly to the audience, then straightens to turn to the judges with another deep bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Cyar===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Cheers to all of you!!!!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar yells, &amp;quot;By the gods!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;Blessed are we by such performances!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;We have seen many master!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Now something simple...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles quietly around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar exclaims, &amp;quot;My thanks and welcomes extended to all in attendance of this special 25th! house aspis bardfest!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles and strides to the front of the stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;25 years of awesome performances by honestly far more talenteted folks then myself.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Indeed this may mark a pause or break in our fest for a while.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So I thought I would give it a go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar walks to the center of the stage, turning to the crowd he says,.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays off from over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;For you see this is not my first performance.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;In fact.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings a folded ebonwood chair off of his shoulder and secures its strap to the side of the chair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Being a bit erm wiser...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfolds his chair and carefully places the chair on the floor.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Forgive me a sit.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar settles himself on a lacquered ebonwood chair draped with silk.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar settles a bit forward on the chair, resting his mandolin on one knee and adopting a casual pose.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar carefully checks the strings of his mandolin, plucking them lightly and adjusting the tension until the sound is perfectly pitched.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Cyar glances up thoughtfully.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;This is my third performance for you the races of elanthia.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;And it is my great honor.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;I shall reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Cyar begins a gentle ballad on his mandolin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My first time on stage&lt;br /&gt;
      was not quite the rage&lt;br /&gt;
      for I was a pitiful youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For inspiration came&lt;br /&gt;
      My lust drove me insane&lt;br /&gt;
      My desire a beautiful lass.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in a great rush &lt;br /&gt;
     I mused on my crush&lt;br /&gt;
      and her suffering.... a bad cold.?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar squints.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With strong fingers, Cyar increases the complexity of his chords, taking the song to new melodic heights.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sadly says, &amp;quot;Yes i sang about my sick girl and my desire to help her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar distantly says, &amp;quot;Yes i know, i know... I didnt win.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So then i tried again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar coaxes rich notes from his mandolin with a showy variant on the common strum.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My second time on show&lt;br /&gt;
      I had a skull from Nafuu&lt;br /&gt;
      a bard long dead and decayed&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And here on the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      I awoke his dead rage&lt;br /&gt;
      Awakening this magical sage.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;That effort was better&lt;br /&gt;
      Nafuu was no quiter&lt;br /&gt;
      and I did make the finals I say.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With great proficiency, Cyar further complicates the melody, making it ever more elaborate until it is nearly lost in decorative notes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With the word &amp;quot;finger&amp;quot; I toiled&lt;br /&gt;
      won my harp as my spoils&lt;br /&gt;
      and the title of &amp;quot;best new voice.&amp;quot; of the day&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar adds in a soft harmony, the muted strains complimenting the melody beautifully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar nods.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar humbly says, &amp;quot;I was quite humbled.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;So tonight i will sing of the one thing I have loved since day one.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;House Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar smiles happily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Impishly, Cyar thumps out a complicated little beat on the belly of his mandolin, displaying a possible proficiency in percussion as well as strings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cryheart grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A choice of house&lt;br /&gt;
      one should not take lightly&lt;br /&gt;
      so many to choose &lt;br /&gt;
      so many shine brightly.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I thought much about it&lt;br /&gt;
      listened to rumors and boasts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I wandered houseless&lt;br /&gt;
      which offered most?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When i heard of bardfest&lt;br /&gt;
      attended my first show&lt;br /&gt;
      I sat there agape&lt;br /&gt;
      my mind was just blown.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar makes the simplest of strains as complex as is possible, coloring it with harmonies and chord variations.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar strums the strings of his mandolin with a wide sweep of his arm and a convoluted pattern of fingering.  Showoff!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Aspis it seems, was a hope and a dream&lt;br /&gt;
      found all that I needed&lt;br /&gt;
      I applied and in the next meet&lt;br /&gt;
      &amp;quot;your accepted&amp;quot; words that I greeted.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now in just hearing your in&lt;br /&gt;
      you would think that is done.&lt;br /&gt;
      for many a house that is it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;Not Aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Suddenly, Cyar ceases his song!  With a grin, Cyar uses the opportunity to begin again in a manner that is more flamboyant yet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Lead to a fountain&lt;br /&gt;
      told to kneel&lt;br /&gt;
     My neck was stretched&lt;br /&gt;
     I thought &amp;quot;whats the deal?&amp;quot;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Paying complete attention to the mandolin&#039;s strings, Cyar begins building an intense melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;All sibs stood around me&lt;br /&gt;
      choosing my stuff they would hoard&lt;br /&gt;
      for standing above was the boss man&lt;br /&gt;
      in his hands held a sword.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For knowledge you must show&lt;br /&gt;
      the answer you must know&lt;br /&gt;
      or your head shall roll.&lt;br /&gt;
      then sibs loot your body and go!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;My heart is quite light&lt;br /&gt;
      My answer was right&lt;br /&gt;
     Kept head out of fear&lt;br /&gt;
     My new sibs happily cheer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar plucks his instrument&#039;s lower strings, adding a driving bass foundation to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar sings tunefully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The years have gone by&lt;br /&gt;
      with new sibs and a few old&lt;br /&gt;
      but Aspis is plainly&lt;br /&gt;
      not just a house&lt;br /&gt;
      but simply my home...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final dramatic flourish, Cyar takes his fingers from the strings, letting the notes fade into a profound silence.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar collapses the legs of his ebonwood chair and folds it up, tucking it under his arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar unfastens the strap on the side of his folded ebonwood chair and slings it over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar slings an ebonwood mandolin with star-shaped cloud agate inlays over his shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar says, &amp;quot;My thanks to aspis.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Cyar bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Mekimin===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Mekimin steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin reaches out and touches her Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae symbol.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin politely squeaks, &amp;quot;I beg your silence and attention, please.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begins, &amp;quot;This is a story told to me by my grandfather. It&#039;s an old Vylem tale, from way back before the gnomes separated into the clans.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin continues, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a story from before the rest of the gnomes stopped tellin&#039; stories with gods in them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin muses, &amp;quot;We still tell it in the Vylem burrows though. Because it&#039;s true.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin rubs her chin thoughtfully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin innocently asks, &amp;quot;How do I know it&#039;s true?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin confidently squeaks, &amp;quot;Because my grandfather was there!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin slowly takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin solemnly intones, &amp;quot;Long, long ago, Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae first brought fire to the round-ears.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flails her arms about.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin quickly interrupts, &amp;quot;But that&#039;s a round-ear story, and our tale isn&#039;t about that!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin proudly crows, &amp;quot;It&#039;s about what came just after, and of how Grandfather made the gnomes what we are.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin lets out a long, contemplative breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, all peoples know of how Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae stole the ember of fire from Koar&#039;s hearth and smuggled it to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin cocks her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods approvingly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ominously says, &amp;quot;Well, this theft so angered Koar that his fists shook with lightning. As he stood before his darkened hearth, poking at the cold, black ashes, he roared:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Someone bring me the head of that wicked, old Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;And as he bellowed the ashes came to life!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin frightenedly squeaks, &amp;quot;A great dark cloud poured forth from Koar&#039;s fireplace!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking grimly to her Onar figurine, Mekimin says, &amp;quot;The darkness&#039; name was Onar, and it whirled about Koar, waiting for instruction.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Koar hesitated but for a moment, before he yelled once more:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Go forth! And don&#039;t come back without the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin yelps, &amp;quot;With a &#039;whoosh!&#039;, the black wind flew up through Koar&#039;s chimney and out the top! Off Onar flew with his black knife, to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her left.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gently says, &amp;quot;Now, of course Grandfather saw all of this.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin explains, &amp;quot;In those days, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae had a mirror with a hundred-and-one facets that showed a hundred-and-one worlds, and he could look in it to see anywhere he pleased.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And so, with his hundred slitted eyes fixed upon his mirror, he saw the coming of Onar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Quick as a thought came Onar to the castle of Grandfather! But Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae is quicker still, and fled on a moonbeam to the mortal world.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather found himself in a great field of grass, and his hundred eyes saw Onar hurtling down from the Moon.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances apprehensively up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And so Grandfather turned himself into a tiny snake, and slithered into the grass. But Onar became a Black Mongoose, and gave chase!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is faster still, and became a songbird and flew into the sky! But Onar became a hawk, and followed!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;On and on the chase proceeded, now trout and garr, now velnalin and lion, now fox and hound, round the whole belt of the world!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And just as Onar was about to catch him, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae became a muskrat and dove into a hole in the ground!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin ducks slightly and covers her head with her arms.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Down, down, down, went Grandfather. Down all the way into the winding depths of the earth, taking many a secret, twisting tunnel.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Finally, grandfather pushed his way through a tangle of roots and dirt and found himself in a dark cave.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin asks, &amp;quot;And what did Grandfather see there?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;Seven little muskrats!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Grandfather stared back at the muskrats in wonder, hidden so deep in the ground that not even his gazing-mirror had found them!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Secret dwellers of the earth&#039;s belly: will you help an old man whose death is near?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin begs for mercy!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the seven muskrats turned to each other and consulted among themselves.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers quietly to herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Then the wisest and most beautiful among them smiled and nodded, and so the seven gathered around Grandfather, moving to protect him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Gentle, secret dwellers of the underground!&lt;br /&gt;
     You shall be my refuge!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae took his form of an ancient old man, hunched and wizened.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And he lifted his gazing-mirror high above his head!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin seems to be waiting for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin excitedly hollers, &amp;quot;And he brought the mirror down upon the ground, shattering it into a hundred-and-one pieces!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gazes with awe at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gasps, &amp;quot;As its shattered pieces fell, the faces of the cave dwellers were caught in its hundred reflections, and lo: Their forms suddenly hunched and sprouted great, long beards to match Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae&#039;s own!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And Grandfather said:&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You will be the grandfathers of the people I name Gnomes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grins wickedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites slyly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And you are all named Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin purposefully walks to stand behind a podium.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Now, Onar still poured like black smoke through the tunnels, tracking the scent of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae. Round and round he circled, until suddenly...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin waves an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin raises her Onar figurine skyward!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin roars!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin suddenly bellows, &amp;quot;He burst through the wall and into the cavern!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Dumbfounded, Onar looked over the many identical faces turned toward him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites angrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am here to claim the head of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;So Grandfather turned to greet Death, flashing his yellow teeth. Grandfather grinned and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites dramatically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;And the little one next to him said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a podium, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some open curtains, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind some heavy wooden pews, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind Seomanthe, Mekimin&#039;s voice exclaims, &amp;quot;I am Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin crows, &amp;quot;Their voices all cried out in a jumble!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin grips her Onar figurine a little tighter.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glowers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;Enraged, Onar rushed forth, quick as thought, and thrust his knife at Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin softly says, &amp;quot;But Grandfather is quicker still...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;...and moved a step to the right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin takes a few steps to her right.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin wails, &amp;quot;And Onar&#039;s knife cleaved the neck of the gnome that stood behind him!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin squeamishly moans, &amp;quot;A spray of gore!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin gives a slight flick of her wrist, and a small totem head suddenly appears in her hand!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;The sickening thump as a head hit the floor!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin drops a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Onar&#039;s inky fingers wound through the hair of the decapitated grandfather and lifted it from the stained dirt.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin picks up a small totem head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin nods firmly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin hisses, &amp;quot;His duty dispatched, the head claimed, Onar vanished through the tunnels of the earth to deliver his prize to Koar&#039;s table.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put a small totem head in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin put an onyx-inlaid Onar figurine in her barkcloth pack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin turns around.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin says, &amp;quot;Grandfather Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae spread his arms wide as he turned to the gnomes. And he said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites solemnly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You gave me refuge in my time of need. And so I, Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae the Firebringer, shall be among you always.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The secret places of the the world shall be your home&lt;br /&gt;
     And all the secret things of the world shall be your delight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin flashes a wide grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin chirps, &amp;quot;And so the gnomes ventured from their cave and went out into the world, and spread far and wide among the cities of men, and elves, and dwarves, and everyone else too, for that matter!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin exclaims, &amp;quot;And, as Grandfather promised, we found safety in secret places, and solace in secret things!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin warns, &amp;quot;But to this day, one can never be too sure...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Should an ancient gnome give you a wink as you pass them by, remember...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin recites triumphantly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They might be Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae, the Firebringer!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin folds her hands behind her back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mekimin retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
==The Finals==&lt;br /&gt;
The finals featured 7 contestants on Friday, July 24, 2020: Traiva, Nazarr, Tolwynn, Meril, Alosaka, Juspera, and Regwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Traiva===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Traiva steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pauses at the rear of the dimly lit stage as a simple vanity and bench are set into place and three musicians take their seats. The vanity is angled so that Traiva is still clearly visible as she settles onto the bench and gazes into the mirror, the lights dimming to a pale blue glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva appears oblivious to the fact that she is on stage as the harpist behind her begins to play a soft melody, a repeated cycle of the middle strings followed by a soft *plink* of a soprano chord.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings quietly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There&#039;s so much emotion - how to begin?&lt;br /&gt;
     How long will it take for it to sink in?&lt;br /&gt;
     This is it, there&#039;s no more Bardfests to win -&lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest Era has come to a close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva continues to gaze at her reflection in the mirror as a flute joins the harp, starting with the last note of Traiva&#039;s verse.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I feel it could have been just yesterday&lt;br /&gt;
     I learned the greatest were showcased this way.&lt;br /&gt;
     But they&#039;ll find new stages which they can play - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     That&#039;s how the life of a performer goes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts a bright white cloth from the vanity as a third musician joins with a set of finger cymbals. She places the cloth against her right cheek, then against her left, as if cleansing her face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I first heard about it on summer&#039;s breeze:&lt;br /&gt;
     &amp;quot;Go to House Aspis to watch, if you please!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     I swelled with wonder as they sang with ease - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva at last turns her gaze to the audience and leans toward them, her eyes shining brightly as a smile spreads across her lips. The music behind her increases slightly in volume, the pluck of the harp strings and the tinkling of the finger cymbals mirroring the growing excitement in her voice.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;There was more magic the following night&lt;br /&gt;
     With stories, and songs, and dances delight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Being amidst it to me felt so right - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I found myself spurred to write and compose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly rises to her feet and strides a few steps forward toward the edge of the stage as the music modulates to a series of flowing, melodic notes.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So next year I stepped on stage here to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     A small song I wrote, not such a big thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     Except the thrill I felt the applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva slowly paces the front of the stage, the skirt of her silver dressing gown peeking out from beneath her viridian robe with every measured step. She glances quickly at the musicians and flashes a bright smile.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Of course, we know I&#039;m not a Bard by trade,&lt;br /&gt;
     But that&#039;s no reason for passion to fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     So I took to heart the notes that they made - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     And to their challenge I eagerly rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva strides over to the vanity and perches on the end of the bench. She crosses her left leg over her right knee to remove one slipper, then mirrors the action to remove her other slipper.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva takes some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers off her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some sparkling crystal-heeled slippers in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings proudly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Another year passed and with practiced hand&lt;br /&gt;
     I joined in with the brightest of our land.&lt;br /&gt;
     And in second place I took my proud stand! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva pours herself a glass of bright purple wine from the carafe on the vanity and takes a small sip. She turns to gaze at her reflection in the mirror and places her palm against the intricate knot of hair twisted at the back of her head.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The prize was so near, I heard its sweet call,&lt;br /&gt;
     So I tried yet again, bound not to fall.&lt;br /&gt;
     I sang and I danced - I flashed them my all! - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     I prayed I&#039;d be the one the judges chose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes another sip of her wine, then sets her glass on the vanity and bends down to slip her hands beneath her skirts. Lifting one foot and then the other, she pulls her stockings down each leg and off her feet.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva removes some opaque spidersilk stockings from her feet.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some opaque spidersilk stockings in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With bated breath I awaited my name&lt;br /&gt;
     (While sipping the booze - how could someone blame?)&lt;br /&gt;
     And then they called - TRAIVA! - I&#039;d found my fame - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     But Bardfest&#039;s time is now coming to close.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva gazes proudly at her reflection and reaches up to pull her platinum hairsticks free as the flute and the finger cymbals begin to play a light staccato over the harp&#039;s warm gliding melody. She gives her head a gentle shake, sending the twisted cordovan mass of hair spilling down her back.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva quickly removes some twisted platinum hairsticks from her deep cordovan hair, and returns it to its normal style.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva put some twisted platinum hairsticks in her paeline robe.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings with a warm alto:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;With title in hand, I felt quite able&lt;br /&gt;
     To now sit behind the Judges&#039; Table,&lt;br /&gt;
     And my position there remained stable - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     Each year the wish to perform again grows.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva&#039;s gaze suddenly turns thoughtful as the musicians make a sharp decrescendo, her wings twitching slightly across her back. Her voice, while soft, maintains a clarity of tone.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The stage is a Siren, she loves to sing&lt;br /&gt;
     To make you recall that glorious thing,&lt;br /&gt;
     And long for the thrill you feel applause bring - &lt;br /&gt;
      &lt;br /&gt;
     The Bardfest spirit will never be gone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva takes one last sip of her wine, draining the glass. She rises to her feet and unties the silver cords securing her robe to shrug free from it, fully revealing the dressing gown beneath. She drapes the robe across the bench and slowly paces the front of the stage, the lights catching the rose pattern woven into the moonlight silver flyrsilk with each deliberate step.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;ve sung and I&#039;ve danced, and instruments played.&lt;br /&gt;
     Soon the notes and lights around us will fade.&lt;br /&gt;
     And we&#039;ll reminisce on magic we made - &amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva comes to a stop in front of the vanity and turns to face the audience, turning her head slightly as she gazes over those assembled. She folds her hands over her chest and bows her head slightly as the musicians still their instruments, a smile spreading across her lips as the final notes fade out.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva sings tenderly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Through those here the spirit lives ever on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva lifts her head as the stage lights go dark. There is a soft rustle as the vanity and bench are cleared from the stage. When the lights return, the three musicians are standing behind Traiva.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Traiva sinks into a deep curtsy as the musicians bow slightly behind her. When she rises, Traiva sweeps her arms toward the musicians and clasps her hands with a bow of gratitude toward them. She turns toward the judges and dips into final quick curtsy before following the musicians off the stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Traiva exits stage right.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Nazarr===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Nazarr steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;This is called &#039;Strange Wine.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Over the years, I&#039;ve sampled almost every form of booze available in the Landing.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr places his hands on his harp, then, seemingly without a thought, begins to play, his fingers beginning a little ditty almost of their own volition.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Barely paying attention, Nazarr noodles through a lightweight improvisation on his harp, capriciously using random chord-progressions and simple melodic lines.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Absinthe at the Enclave, stout and bitters at Troll&#039;s Head.&lt;br /&gt;
      The gin fizz at the Sleeping Dragon will just knock you dead.&lt;br /&gt;
      The very finest whisky? Go to reivers. Check with Jock.&lt;br /&gt;
      When I squired for House Onoir, I bought up all his stock.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Squires supply food and drink for Onoir meetings, and since I always brought a backpack full of beverages,  I got to know Jock very well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I also learned the name of every shop in the lands that sells doughnuts, but that&#039;s not relevant.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr plucks one harp string, pauses, then plucks another, then produces a sprinkling of cascading notes like sparkling droplets falling in a pond.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;At Helga&#039;s you&#039;ll get Blackdew grog, which will help you relax&lt;br /&gt;
      House Paupers serves you Poison and a stunning sort of Tax.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins evilly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And Aspis has the Bardfest Brew for which contestants pine &lt;br /&gt;
      But the oddest drink I&#039;ve ever found is Old Elbanev wine.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr thoughtlessly wanders through an improvisation, using fifths in the bass -- little melody snippets issue from his harp through happenstance and  spontaneous invention.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Intricate double counterpoint adds interest to the composition as Nazarr&#039;s fingers strike his harp&#039;s strings with rapid rhythm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When I was young, I stumbled on a path in manticores&lt;br /&gt;
      My battles with the beasties left me thirsty and quite sore&lt;br /&gt;
      The path led from the Mine Road to a halfling town benign&lt;br /&gt;
      And a tavern with some troubadours and Old Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Just four things on the menu, folks, and none of them were tarts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;m sure that simple fact has broken many halfling hearts.&lt;br /&gt;
      I sampled their best honey mead, roast haunch of rolton too &lt;br /&gt;
     Not chocolate-covered grasshoppers. Some things I just won&#039;t do.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp playing becomes breathless in its inexorable pace, his fingers flying faster than a hummingbird&#039;s wings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr shudders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m not saying I haven&#039;t eaten lizard and locust kabobs--and enjoyed them--but there&#039;s just something about combining insects with chocolate.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The one thing left to sample was the Old Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      The barkeep gazed at me as if he&#039;d just drunk turpentine.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;This wine is very powerful,&#039; he told me with a glare,&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;And once you drink it you could wind up almost anywhere.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr aimlessly plucks at his harp, first trying one tune, then another, then playing a continuous set of phrases packed with familiar song fragments.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He said the grapes that formed the wine grew in enchanted soil,&lt;br /&gt;
      And sometimes, in the fermenting, a grape or two would spoil.&lt;br /&gt;
      Still flavorful and succulent, but magic would leak through&lt;br /&gt;
      And the drinker would with oddity be on a rendezvous.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You might awake before there was a world on which to stand,&lt;br /&gt;
      Be flung into a future where your armor&#039;s contraband,&lt;br /&gt;
      Or crash into red Tilaok, the moon that loves to roam &lt;br /&gt;
      All places without portals, so you&#039;d never make it home.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;How do I know the wine can do a single thing you claim?&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      I asked the barkeep, eyeing him. He seemed devoid of shame.&lt;br /&gt;
      This was the sort of joke some folks would pull upon a rube,&lt;br /&gt;
     A  youngster who&#039;s no brighter than a stale bouillon cube.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;Oh, it&#039;s done that and even more,&#039; he told me with a scowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;It turned the inn&#039;s last customer into a waterfowl.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;The one before was wise, but now she sips from Zelia&#039;s cup.&lt;br /&gt;
      &#039;But if you will not heed my words, then go ahead! Drink up!&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr slides his right hand up the strings of his harp repeatedly in ringing glissandos while his left hand deftly plucks quick triads.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed upon the sideboard where the tavern menu sat.&lt;br /&gt;
      I didn&#039;t have the slightest urge to be a hog-nosed bat&lt;br /&gt;
      Or waken in a time from which I never could return.&lt;br /&gt;
      I couldn&#039;t face such prospects then with reckless unconcern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I knew he might be lying, but I couldn&#039;t take the risk.&lt;br /&gt;
      I had no wish to land myself in creamy lobster bisque.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harp sings in high, clear unaffected melody, while the bass strings hum a happy counterpoint.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If I were human, I&#039;d say &#039;land myself in a stew,&#039; but I&#039;m a Faendryl.  Even those of us who grew up on rolton farms in the mountains have to be fancy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr grins mischievously.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a rule.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I gazed at him and shook my head. &#039;The wine I will delay.&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
      My blush near-immolated me. I quickly stole away.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s harmony dances about the melody, fingers of both hands plucking with clean clear sound in the higher octaves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With lots of great chord work, Nazarr varies the rhythm, contour, and intervals as he pulls the tune from his harp, bringing an intensity to the air that is all his own.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr&#039;s final forceful chord progression produces a unique and strong close to an excellent harp performance.  Nazarr stills the reverberations with both hands and looks up, a satisfied look on his face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Though now and then I&#039;ve visited the town near Leya&#039;s shrine&lt;br /&gt;
      I&#039;ve yet to nerve myself to taste its strange enchanted wine.&lt;br /&gt;
      And so I&#039;ve brought some here tonight to test upon the stage&lt;br /&gt;
      And you can witness if I vanish to a distant age.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr removes a glass of Elbanev wine from in his cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr asks, &amp;quot;What, you thought I was kidding?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr gazes at the wine with deep suspicion, and then says, &amp;quot;If I do end up getting hurtled into the future, I promise you that I will spend half the time reminiscing about all the great people I knew in my Elanthia and the other half complaining that I can&#039;t get back there.&amp;quot; He smiles and raises his Elbanev wine in a toast to the audience.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr takes a drink from his Elbanev wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr swoons.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr looks around with pleading eyes, wondering what&#039;s going on!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Nazarr says in a slow, thoughtful tone that does not bode well for the subject, &amp;quot;That barkeep has been keeping all the good stuff for himself.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr sings with a clear tenor:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;If you&#039;ll excuse me, folks, there is a tavern I must raid&lt;br /&gt;
      And a greedy, selfish barkeep whose wrongs must be repaid.&lt;br /&gt;
      The prospect of a jail cell and Renpaw&#039;s hefty fine&lt;br /&gt;
      Mean nothing when they&#039;re weighed against the strange Elbanev wine!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Nazarr retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Tolwynn===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Tolwynn steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind him.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn saunters up to the front of the stage as a lively, tinkling tune begins. He juts his hip out slightly and rests his fist against it, his arm akimbo.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It&#039;s been twenty-five years now!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Now, those of you with very long memories might remember a piece I did many years ago.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Frustrated at Cholen and writer&#039;s block alike, I called the eventual piece &#039;Never Trust a Man Wearing a Dress.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn deadpans, &amp;quot;And here we are today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn picks idly at a diaphonous white silk gown elaborately patterned with brilliant red veniom-threaded roses.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A patient human can take years to square things, a patient elf, centuries.  But an Arkati, well, their long game can extend to forever.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;So in honor of Lord Cholen, and a game played long and well, I offer you...  &#039;Forever.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides back to the waiting cart at center stage, pouring himself a glass of blood-red wine as the music gathers speed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rollickingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember far back, back when things were simple, And so very much simpler than this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I dwell well on the ways of those halcyon days, and the path I so willingly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     It seems so long ago - oh, it isn&#039;t, I know, when I first gave myself to the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate gold vaalin chain from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slips a delicate gold vaalin chain over his head and settles the chain around his neck.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings jauntily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met my very first lad, in a smaller town, one much like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I was fervently courted, proudly escorted to shine bright at each glamorous ball.&lt;br /&gt;
     Yet it still surprised me, when he dropped to one knee, and we were soon to the wedding hall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn raises his glass of wine toward the audience in celebratory toast before taking a small sip.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings earnestly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, believed in forever, but oh, cruel fates in time interposed.&lt;br /&gt;
     My temple sent me west, and his folk forced him east, and our story was suddenly closed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply to the left, then to the right, then faces the audience once more.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites passionately:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We were young, but we both really tried. Oh, the both of us certainly tried.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigree-encircled milky jade wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn strides to the left side of the stage, the veniom-threaded white silk of his gown catching the light as he moves.)&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings rhythmically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the earnest young gent, in a frontier town very like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to take my time and relax with my wine, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     We set forth every day, and grew close &#039;long the way, we could neither bear staying alone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me a ring, more than fit for a king, well-crowned with a magnificent stone.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn holds his hand out in front of him, as if to admire a ring on his finger, then takes a hearty sip of his blood-red wine.  As he lingers over the wine, the music drops to a slower pace, evocative of a funeral march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his blood-red wine back on the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a second forever, but he died and then crumbled away.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had he passed the pale lady that stone and not me, we might still be together today.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his palm against his chest and tilts his head down.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Keeping hopes up -  I certainly tried.  But it&#039;s hard when your other half&#039;s died.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a wide vaalin band set with a large diamond onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn turns sharply on his heel and returns to the silver-traced carved mahogany cart.  The music resumes its spirited pace as he pours himself a diamond-cut tumbler of rich amber bourbon.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met a silver-tongued man, and he sang to me something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I like to pause and think, with a bit of fine drink, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     By days I was lavished, by evenings ravished, he swift set my head spinning awhirl.&lt;br /&gt;
     He then asked for my hand with a bejeweled band - if I&#039;d swear pledge as his only girl.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, a third now forever, then soon after, of his wife I heard.&lt;br /&gt;
     He offered me the sun, and the moons, and the stars, if he could have just kept his damned word.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn scowls darkly and throws back his bourbon before slamming the empty tumbler onto the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites haughtily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In his last act, that jewel he pried, he can have it, I still kept my pride.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn glowers at the damaged ring.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a dented silver ring with an empty four-pronged setting onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a deep breath, then slowly exhales and smooths out the front of his skirt, the veniom threads shimmering softly.  He returns to the cart and pours himself a brimming mug of dwarven stout.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the brazen young lass, I first saw her dressed something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll sit and I&#039;ll muse with a tall mug of strong booze, it makes for loveliest reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     She all but enshrined me, she wined me and dined me, and she whispered her nothings quite sweet.&lt;br /&gt;
     She lured with her carriage, and soon asked of marriage, and she swept me right off of my feet.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn hoists his mug of dwarven stout up for a toast before taking a long drink.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings harshly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, forth and fourth forever, she swore she&#039;d be better than those men.&lt;br /&gt;
     She was best in persuasion but also deceit, there&#039;s not much to be proud about then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn disheartenedly sets his dwarven stout aside.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites flatly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Despite all her assertions she lied.  Not just me, but four others beside.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a delicate ivory wedding band intertwined with shimmering platinum that forms a setting bearing an exquisite polished haon rose onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a moment to slide his hand beneath the rings dangling from his vaalin chain and gaze at them before letting them fall against his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn selects an icy cold bottle of beer from the cart.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings smoothly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I remember when I met the bright sailing man, in a port town that&#039;s something like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;ll have a good drink, and I try hard not to think, but I can&#039;t help but to reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     He served the Wavedancer, and served as the answer, to save me from my sorriest plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     He soon took me to sail, lofted at the bow rail, and we found ourselves wedding that night.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn takes a slow sip from his bottle of beer.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;We pledged for forever, five times now forever, but forever is so very short.&lt;br /&gt;
     His treatment was royal, his manner disloyal, with a lass kept in every port.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn closes his eyes for a moment before taking another long draw from his beer, nearly emptying the bottle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a pelagian glaes wedding band from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a pelagian glaes wedding band onto his gold vaalin chain.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites tiredly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Rose, I&#039;m tired of fighting the tide.  I&#039;m so tired of fighting the tide.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn places his bottle of beer on the cart, swapping it out for another glass of wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn pours himself some blood-red wine.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes a filigreed silver poison ring from in his silk gown.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn slides a filigreed silver poison ring onto his finger.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn runs one finger around the rim of the glass, eliciting a clear, dulcet tone.  He traces around a second time, tilting his finger to allow a dusting of fine powder to float into the wine.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings dolorously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I like to take my time and a small sip of wine, ah, remembering things just like this&lt;br /&gt;
     Oh, It serves me well still to full strengthen my will, and to not wallow and reminisce.&lt;br /&gt;
     I consider the ways of those poor squandered days, and the path I so foolishly chose.&lt;br /&gt;
     Had I been more aware, I&#039;d have sought to prepare and avoid the sharp thorns of the Rose.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn shivers almost imperceptibly before lowering himself into a graceful descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn lies down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn removes an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes from in his blue drawstring pouch.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn puts an exquisite nedum vereri mask with lustrous vaalin eyes on his head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn stumbles briefly and then draws to full height, scanning the audience with a steady gaze.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn closes his eyes in concentration for a moment.  When he opens them again, a flickering red glow fills them briefly before fading.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn sings eerily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Forever, forever, I&#039;ve lived five forevers, I hope that it&#039;s not starting to show.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s no reason to fear me, come closer near me, there&#039;s no reason at all you should go.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn recites seductively:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;You can stay with me, right at my side.  For forever now, right at my side.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Tolwynn drops into a low curtsy as the stage falls into darkness.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tolwynn exits stage left.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Meril (1st Place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Meril steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;A fair evening to everyone! Thank you all for being here once again to listen to all our wonderfully talented performers, and to me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril waves.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril clears her throat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites curiously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;What is... a dryad?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes thoughtfully at her oaken dryad mask.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;In the Elven Nations, she is a bright flower that grows high in the mountains. For the Ardenai, she has become a symbol of solitude.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites playfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Elves have such short memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For those who live near the great Wyrdeep Forest and remember the ancient legends, they are fey creatures bound by an old magic, who have never taken much interest in mortal folk. No one has seen them, after all, for a very long time. But these legends, too, say they have always been solitary beings.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s expression is thoughtful, but her furrowed brow indicates she&#039;s working something out for herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Stay a while, if you would, and let me tell you another story.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril raises her oaken dryad mask to her face, and it leaps toward the exposed flesh.  After a brief struggle, the mask attaches itself to Meril&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril passes a hand over her oaken mask, her eyes now glimmering feystones. She takes another moment to compose herself and runs her fingers over the lyre, briefly testing its strings. Then the first chords begin to sound, quiet and somber.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings somberly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The skies were dark and moonless in a drear and cloudy gloom,&lt;br /&gt;
     The windows rattled heavily in a small and simple room,&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was full of whispers on a bleak midwinter night&lt;br /&gt;
     As the ranger&#039;s wife lay dying in the waning candlelight.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
Meril frowns.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings grimly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;It might not be easy to find him, even if he is still there,&lt;br /&gt;
     But legends have some truth in them, and this to you I swear:&lt;br /&gt;
     I shall seek the healer of the forest, and there his secrets learn,&lt;br /&gt;
     To find a cure to bring to you the day that I return.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She did not argue with him then, but drifted soon to sleep.&lt;br /&gt;
     He lingered, weighed down heavily by a promise he must keep.&lt;br /&gt;
     The candle flickered out at last with the long night growing old,&lt;br /&gt;
     And he donned his cloak and steeled himself, and stepped into the cold.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes hopefully at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The road ended at the forest&#039;s edge, where the trails were overgrown&lt;br /&gt;
     With dry and thorny brambles over grey and weathered stone.&lt;br /&gt;
     He picked an old path through the rough -- the wild brush scoring his skin --&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it into the wooded labyrinth deep within.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to weave a separate melody into the harmony, interspersed with a sweeping movement like wind between the trees.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Three days he sought the secret there, three nights he spent alone --&lt;br /&gt;
     No fawn yet walked the winter woods, and long the birds had flown --&lt;br /&gt;
     But the winds yet whispered in his ear, from dusk until the dawn.&lt;br /&gt;
     He heard the forest drawing him in, and with that -- he went on.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, beside a quiet pond,&lt;br /&gt;
     He bent to gather water, and first saw the lights beyond --&lt;br /&gt;
     The twinned and glimmering feystone lights behind the shadowy trees,&lt;br /&gt;
     The myriad eyes that watched him as he froze upon his knees.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril surveys her surroundings warily.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Out of the shadows came a voice, a soft and songlike lilt --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;You have come far, o stranger, and on your face such guilt&lt;br /&gt;
     As if a burden consumes you, and are afraid to rest --&lt;br /&gt;
     Pray tell, then, what desire has brought you this far on your quest?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the music rest still for a space.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;I... came for a legend,&#039; he stammered, &#039;of a miracle in the wood,&lt;br /&gt;
     A healer who treats incurable ills, so long as the cause is good,&lt;br /&gt;
     But the tales I heard were from long ago, before my years began --&lt;br /&gt;
     O spirit of the forest, might there yet be such a man?&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril begins to play again, the melody soft and echoing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings melodically:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He heard a murmuring in the trees, as cryptic as a sigh --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;A man there is not, and never was, for tales too often lie.&lt;br /&gt;
     But as you came to us in need, and as your heart is pure,&lt;br /&gt;
     The dryads of the deepwood might offer thee a cure.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril slowly strides a few steps forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She appeared to him as a vision draped in shadowy leaves,&lt;br /&gt;
     A creature of shifting earthen hues, and lightly touched his sleeves --&lt;br /&gt;
     A sudden warmth ran through him, bringing his limbs to life,&lt;br /&gt;
     As she raised her hand before him, and bade him draw his knife.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings liltingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;A dryad&#039;s blood is drawn from old roots deep within the earth,&lt;br /&gt;
     Suffused with the Memory of the Green, to serve it from our birth.&lt;br /&gt;
     You must keep this a secret, forever you must swear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Take but a little, freely, for some power yet lingers there.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the verse once more wordlessly, before the melody starts to shift. A quick procession of notes sparkle down like droplets before converging on a brighter major key.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings merrily:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The tavern was full of noise and laughter on a summer night,&lt;br /&gt;
     For sweet was the kitchen&#039;s aroma, and the lamps were burning bright&lt;br /&gt;
     Where travelers and townsfolk alike were trading tales and far-off news&lt;br /&gt;
     Across the tables piled with plates and countless bottles of booze.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The ranger was drinking with his friends -- more than his usual fill,&lt;br /&gt;
     For they had brought him there to celebrate and already paid his bill.&lt;br /&gt;
     They raised a toast to his wife&#039;s health, and one within the crowd&lt;br /&gt;
     Asked him about his secret, even as the cheers grew loud.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings brightly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You&#039;ve never told us what you found that night within the wood --&lt;br /&gt;
     If it could aid the rest of us, I rather think you should!&lt;br /&gt;
     We&#039;ve all had family taken ill and suffering from poor health,&lt;br /&gt;
     If you know some way to help, &#039;tis only right to share the wealth.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril ponders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril nods slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;He wavered in his promise then, meeting their expectant eyes,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though feeling a sense of dread, he affirmed their surmise --&lt;br /&gt;
     And told them of the dryad&#039;s gift, though he warned them not to go:&lt;br /&gt;
     For they only offer aid to those with hearts as pure as snow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril continues to play, but the notes are growing heavier and more strident now, almost resembling a march.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;But once it is cast to the wind, a secret cannot keep --&lt;br /&gt;
     And soon more came to follow paths into the forest&#039;s deep.&lt;br /&gt;
     Camps were made within its ways, and trails were newly blazed,&lt;br /&gt;
     And pilgrims journeyed ever more with every marker raised.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;And some returned with prize in hand, to soothe a pressing need --&lt;br /&gt;
     And some returned without, to leave an envious heart to bleed --&lt;br /&gt;
     Few spoke of those meetings in the woods, though sightings grew more rare,&lt;br /&gt;
     And some began to doubt if dryads were still dwelling there.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril strikes a heavy chord suddenly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Then came an early winter, and in its sudden chill&lt;br /&gt;
     Townsfolk and travelers alike began to become ill,&lt;br /&gt;
     Stricken by some strange sickness that passed perchance around --&lt;br /&gt;
     But of the dryads of the wood, no more could be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gazes anxiously at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;They sought the aid of the ranger, who had yet remained hale,&lt;br /&gt;
     And though his dread lay heavy, he agreed to take to the trail.&lt;br /&gt;
     He had found them once when none else could, maybe he could again --&lt;br /&gt;
     And the need was just as dire as his own had been back then.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For three long days he walked the paths, three nights he lightly slept,&lt;br /&gt;
     Carrying with him the burden of a promise he had not kept.&lt;br /&gt;
     The wind was quiet as a whisper, but he heard in it their song,&lt;br /&gt;
     And followed it ever deeper in, knowing it would not be long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the chords of the march to fade away, until only the simple melody remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;As night fell on the fourth day there, he saw her once again,&lt;br /&gt;
     Glimmering in the distance as a ghost upon the fen.&lt;br /&gt;
     He called out, and she turned to him, moving with flowing grace --&lt;br /&gt;
     And he swallowed as he saw the scars upon her ageless face.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril attends to her oaken dryad mask, making the mask as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril lets the last note of the verse hang for a moment in the air.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings darkly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;They hunted us with iron in daylight, and with fires in the night.&lt;br /&gt;
     They sought to force us to yield our blood, caring nothing for our plight.&lt;br /&gt;
     But by its use, they bound themselves to us by bloodline ties --&lt;br /&gt;
     Do you know what happens to the man, the day the dryad dies?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril glances around, her eyes falling briefly on each aspect of her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings pleadingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;His face turned ashen, and he dropped down heavily to his knees.&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;I did not know they would come to harm the spirits of the trees.&lt;br /&gt;
     Forgive us for our trespasses, with all my heart I pray --&lt;br /&gt;
     If I could only make this right, there must still be a way.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril violently shakes her head in the negative, causing several strands of waist length hair to fall free and trail around her face in tiny wisps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings sadly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;&#039;You cannot bring my sisters back,&#039; she sighed to reminisce --&lt;br /&gt;
     &#039;They each had songs upon the wind, each voice I&#039;ll dearly miss.&lt;br /&gt;
     Perhaps there might have been, if you had not come far too late.&lt;br /&gt;
     But one more spell I&#039;ll sing for thee, to unbind men from our fate.&#039;&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril gives her head a gentle toss, causing her waist length hair to lift up and away from her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Her face shone with a verdant light as she bade him close his eyes --&lt;br /&gt;
     She sang of the world when it was young, when trees reached to the skies --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of the first settlers upon the land, that she found passing strange --&lt;br /&gt;
     Of towns and cities, farms and mills, and how all things must change.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril allows the music to ascend, the melody sounding with more brightness and intensity.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The spellsong echoed through the wood as she took back the gift --&lt;br /&gt;
     And far away, the sickness started gradually to lift.&lt;br /&gt;
     He opened his eyes to find her gone -- to nevermore appear --&lt;br /&gt;
     But in the remnants of the wind, the words he still could hear.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril&#039;s concentration shifts and becomes more focused as she slightly tilts an ear in a particular direction.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril looks up, as though searching for something.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings softly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the light of the fey has faded, when men have forgotten to pray,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the magic is gone from the forest and our roots are washed away,&lt;br /&gt;
     When the wind no longer whispers, as the world will come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril closes her eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril sings mournfully:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;When the wind no longer whispers, as the world has come to be --&lt;br /&gt;
     When the Green is only a memory, please remember me...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Meril plays the refrain wordlessly once more, before letting it fall into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril recites sincerely:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Thank you all, once again, for listening. And to House Aspis, of course, for being such generous hosts over the years. May the music of the world never die.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril places a hand over her heart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Meril retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Alosaka (4th place, Best New Voice)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka steps through the curtains and walks out on stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka reclines against a simple stage block, a slight smile on his face as he plays with his ayr&#039;s strings, producing the occasional *ping* and *twang*. He looks up abruptly, as if just noticing his audience, and straightens.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, didn&#039;t see you there. Please, don&#039;t mind me. Just waiting for my lover to return.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka closes his eyes, a look of thoughtless serenity flowing over his face.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll like her. I think, in all the world, there must not be another so graceful and kind. Every morning when I wake up beside her, I have to remind myself that I&#039;m not still dreaming.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wryly asks, &amp;quot;Love makes fools of us all, doesn&#039;t it?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stretches.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka brightly asks, &amp;quot;Well, while we wait! Perhaps a little story? About how I came to be so blessed?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up a simple, joyous melody on his ayr, his fingers climbing up the strings in a rising arpeggio accented with the occasional accidental for added color.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I had a dream, one night. A terrible dream. Like my lungs were filled with cotton, and spiders were my clothes. I bobbed on the tides of conciousness, rising and falling, aware and dreaming, never able to wake.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka slows the arpeggio, ending on the tonic and letting the note settle into silence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And in the morning, when I woke drenched in sweat, I found it on the pillow beside me.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka looks around the stage, then hunches forward, shielding himself with the body of the ayr. Thus concealed, he reaches into the depths of his cloak, and...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka raises his studded bronze flask in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;This!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka holds the flask before him, gazing at it with a beatific expression. All traces of higher thought are gone from his face -- only awe remains.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sheepishly says, &amp;quot;Sorry. Now, I know it looks like any old flask. But this is magic! A fragment of the dreaming world that got tangled in my thoughts, and washed up on our shores.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wonderingly says, &amp;quot;It&#039;s a flask that fixes memories.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. All your broken, terrible, hated memories. All the mourning parts of yourself you don&#039;t want to remember. Whenever they surface upon the waves of your mind, you just drink a sip of booze from it, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking raptly to his studded bronze flask, Alosaka says, &amp;quot;It repairs them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;I know. I thought it was silly, too! But it helped me win my very first musical contest. Picture it: the empire&#039;s greatest bards and singers, all gathered to play in the Baron&#039;s court. And there I was, a young and foolish man who barely knew his keys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes up another song on his ayr, an elaborate melodic progression into the instrument&#039;s upper register, followed by a quick descent.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And when I was done, they... pulled me off the stage, and said I&#039;d tried very hard...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly says, &amp;quot;And gave me a little purse...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka puzzledly says, &amp;quot;And... I started to walk away? wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his fingers hovering just above the ayr&#039;s strings. His eyes tighten as he digs through the fog of his memories.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s not how it went...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka looks rather relaxed.&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ohh... now I remember.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka grins.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka excitedly exclaims, &amp;quot;I started to walk away, and then I heard them shout! I turned and saw the whole court chasing me, led by the judges! &#039;Wait,&#039; they cried. &#039;Wait!&#039; they yelled!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Congratulations, Alosaka!&lt;br /&gt;
      We meant to say, you&#039;ve won!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spins in an ecstatic circle, whooping with joy! He overbalances, nearly topples, and catches himself with a nimble shuffle of his feet, arms extended out for balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, That was the start. The day my life turned around!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka put an amber studded bronze flask in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;And it was only up from there! With the Baron&#039;s prize in my pocket, I was off to make my fortune! And where better to do that than the streets of Tamzyrr itself!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Without prelude, Alosaka begins a fast-paced tune on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka precisely picks out his fast-paced melody across the frets of his ayr, each note ringing true despite the speed of the song.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka switches key signatures, playing a rapid off-kilter theme reminiscent of the gallop of a fast horse.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a final rapid pattern across the strings of his ayr, Alosaka ceases his breathless playing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? Set out your hat on a street corner, filled it with your dreams, and played until your fingers bled?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
With a slow lead-in, Alosaka begins a gentle ballad on his ayr.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka absently asks, &amp;quot;Have you sat there in the sun, for hours at a time? Letting your instrument speak for you?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sits down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka strums the ayr&#039;s lower strings, adding a heart-trembling low rumble to the melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka haltingly says, &amp;quot;And watched the noble citizens walk by, never making eye-contact. Never noticing you. Maybe one tosses a few silvers in your hat, and you wonder if she loved your song, or just felt pity...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka furrows his brow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka removes an amber studded bronze flask from in his ivory cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;That&#039;s... no...&amp;quot; He stares down at his instrument, as if seeing it for the first time. His fingers brush across its cracked and glued neck. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not right...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka takes a drink from his studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;Oh, yes. Yes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka beams!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Have you ever been busking, friends? And watched the rapturous crowds fill your hat with silvers? So many you can&#039;t carry them to the bank? To swim in riches like a river? So rich, you think you must be dreaming?! Yes, that&#039;s what I meant to say!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka dances in a circle again, leaping with joy! He spins, arms outstretched, as if hugging the world. His flask sloshes and spills out its dark red contents, leaving a puddle on the floor and staining the air with the sharp tang of alcohol.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka comes to a stumbling stop, still laughing. His foot splashes in the puddle of spilled booze, and he steps away with a little hop.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Oh, and that brings us to the best part. How I met her.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka trails off, his eyes staring out above the crowd, fixed on some distant point. Lost in his reminiscence.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Even now, words fail me. She was graceful as a treble clef, every footstep a chord. When she looked at me, a symphony played, sung by angels.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sighs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets his fingers wander across the ayr&#039;s strings, plucking out a succession of pure, innocent tones.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka asks, &amp;quot;She saw me, playing there in the streets. She, the daughter of a merchant captain, whose boat was in the grand port to offload its cargo of spices and lore. What must she have thought, hearing my humble ayr?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles at some half-remembered dream and strums a faster melody, rising in time with his heartbeat. The simple song builds into a complex air, his fingers dancing over the ayr&#039;s strings, ringing out the highest note in each arpeggio as a layered melody.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka sublimely says, &amp;quot;We snuck away to the docks one night, and exchanged our first kiss. And we whispered promises to each other, sweet notes of a new song, and...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka strikes a minor third. The note hangs in the air, a half-step too low for joy, like a solitary cloud in an endless blue sky. He blinks in surprise and stares down at his fingers.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka quietly says, &amp;quot;We promised each other, and... wait...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka plays a diminished chord next. His face twists in puzzlement as the dissonant notes sweep through the amphitheater, echo back emptily, and die unopposed.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka softly says, &amp;quot;We promised, and... she got on her father&#039;s boat. And they cast off the lines, and she said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Goodbye? No...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lets the ayr fall silent. He draws a sudden, frantic breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;No no no...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka raises the flask for a drink, but nothing remains. He stares into the empty flask, an uncomprehending look on his face. His eyes slowly widen in shock, then horror.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;No!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka drops an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka spots the puddle of spilled booze on the stage. With a hollow cry he tosses himself at it, face pressed hard against the stage&#039;s floor boards, lapping at the filthy liquid.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka desperately shrieks, &amp;quot;Get back! It&#039;s mine! I need it!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka claws at the puddle, trying to gather it toward his face. He licks at his fingers, desperate for every last drop. On and on it goes, mixed with his frantic, hiccuping breaths. Finally he shudders and sits up, the red wine a dark stain dripping down his chest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka closes his eyes for a moment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka faintly says, &amp;quot;Ohhh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Yes. Yes, that&#039;s right.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka laughs!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka wraps his fingers around the neck of his ayr and strikes an ecstatic chord.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka exclaims, &amp;quot;Yes, friends! Her boat came back! And she stood on the prow, leaning over to shout!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I&#039;m sorry, Alosaka,&lt;br /&gt;
     I LOVE YOU AFTER ALL!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka throws his head back and howls!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;Ah... ahh...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka picks up an amber studded bronze flask.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka slowly empties his lungs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;You&#039;re looking at a very lucky man, friends. For he who has love, has the world.&amp;quot; He straightens his stained shirt and smiles. &amp;quot;She&#039;ll be along any moment now, I&#039;m sure.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka lifts the flask to take a drink, and realizes again that it is empty. With a shrug he slips it away into his cloak for later.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka says, &amp;quot;And if not, well, that gives us more time to reminisce.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Alosaka walks his fingers up the ayr&#039;s strings, sounding out a low, aimless melody that slowly fades into silence, like half-forgotten memories of snow falling in a soundless forest.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Alosaka bows.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Juspera (2nd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Juspera steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera steps to the edge of the stage. Her threadbare, oversized clothing hangs limply from her small frame, and she pulls a ragged handkerchief over her hair, taking care to tuck her ears up under it as well.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;This story takes place right here in the Landing. It&#039;s called...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The Master Thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera flashes a quick grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;It hid behind some knickknacks, fine and private like a pearl...&lt;br /&gt;
     And yet she saw it instantly, that perspicacious girl.&lt;br /&gt;
     She wanted it. She asked the kindly chandler for a pan,&lt;br /&gt;
     And when he bent to pick one up, she grabbed the thing and ran.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stuffs something small into her sack and jogs across the stage, the rags she wears flapping loosely on her body.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The chandler yelped, which woke the dozing guard outside the store.&lt;br /&gt;
     Then he yelped another yelp, which summoned six and sundry more.&lt;br /&gt;
     The girl, in castoffs, barefoot, dodged a dozen grasping arms --&lt;br /&gt;
     Slapped one aside, bit two, and sprinted off from their alarms.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts to the left, then the right, bobbing and weaving, her bare feet making little squeaks on the wooden boards.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances at her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins smugly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins stepping sideways, awkwardly, as if squeezing into a narrow place. Reaching the stage curtains, she pulls one aside and takes a quick peek behind it.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The call of &amp;quot;Thief!&amp;quot; pursued her. &amp;quot;Where&#039;d you go, you little sneak?!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
     As if it were her fault she&#039;d barely eaten in a week!&lt;br /&gt;
     She squeezed into an alleyway between some merchant stalls,&lt;br /&gt;
     Panting, wondering if they&#039;d follow -- if they even had the...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera blinks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A pained expression crosses Juspera&#039;s face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera mouths, &amp;quot;Balls!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera suddenly turns and runs straight toward the audience, taking a flying leap off the stage and landing in an aisle.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tucks her chin towards her chest and falls forward in an elegant roll.  She tumbles effortlessly and springs to her feet, ready for action!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera darts into one of the rows of pews, squeezing past knees and stumbling over feet, her slight form quickly becomming hidden among the mass of seated spectators.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She plunged into the Landing&#039;s heart and tried to disappear --&lt;br /&gt;
     Her artery to liberty remained as clear as beer.&lt;br /&gt;
     They&#039;d hunt her if they wanted, but they&#039;d never claim her prize!&lt;br /&gt;
     She hit the ground, and all the city&#039;s stockings met her eyes.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
For no apparent reason, Juspera flings herself at the ground.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera crawls around a bit on her hands and knees.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera crawls under the first pew, then the second, grabbing onto Bluey&#039;s leg and then Terabor&#039;s ankle to help pull her through. When she finally pops up halfway into the audience, she is covered in dust; a small dust bunny clings to her collar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera vigorously shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera shades her eyes with her hand and makes a quick survey of her surroundings, then swears under her breath.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Not only were the city guards advancing on all sides,&lt;br /&gt;
     They leered as if they planned to carve a kirtle from her hide.&lt;br /&gt;
     She paused to think. She knew they each had something that she lacked:&lt;br /&gt;
     A hundred extra pounds! She scaled the closest seedy shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs onto the pew nearest her, clutching arms and shoulders to pull herself up -- then steps up further, balancing precariously on the top rail. She grabs suddenly at Kitagaen&#039;s hair as she wobbles.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera fearfully glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera begins to step from the back of one pew to the next over audience members&#039; shoulders, making her way up the amphitheater. Here and there she continues to clutch at people&#039;s heads to keep her balance.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances over her shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;One pursuer stumbled. Two fell off. One stopped and laughed.&lt;br /&gt;
     But the rest were gaining on her -- then she spied a chimney shaft.&lt;br /&gt;
     While pondering the plunge, she felt a grapple snag her hair&lt;br /&gt;
     And she lashed out like a banshee, tossing punches in the air.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera just punched Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gasps.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera clasps her hand over her mouth.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera&#039;s face turns slightly pale.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers something to Aranrhod.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera hops off the final pew, then slides down a railing between the upper and lower sections of the amphitheater, landing on her rump. She jumps up and jogs down the aisle as far as the judges, scanning her surroundings.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera coughs.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts herself off.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera looks with concern at a small sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera pulls the bauble from her sack and indulges a quick look, turning it wonderingly in her hands, then stuffs it back in and tugs the drawstrings tight.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She tumbled down the chimney, bumbled past a startled dog,&lt;br /&gt;
     And then stumbled to the kitchen, found and drained a half-drunk grog.&lt;br /&gt;
     She tried to lift the door latch, but it wouldn&#039;t even crack --&lt;br /&gt;
     The iron was fast as shackles. She was trapped inside the shack.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera grasps the sides of the judges&#039; table before her as if the table were a recalcitrant door. She shakes it with both hands, sending the papers and quills on top bouncing.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pounds a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting with her fist, but nothing happens.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera abruptly kicks at a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whimpers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances nervously up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera kneels down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a tarnished mithril hairpin from in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera deftly twirls a tarnished mithril hairpin between two fingers.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera breathes very slowly and looks much calmer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles slyly and settles into the difficult task of picking the &amp;quot;lock&amp;quot; on a long fel table draped with silver and green bunting.  Then...CLICK!  It opens!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera stands up.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera put a tarnished mithril hairpin in her cloak.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera dashes off past the table, running the length of the front row.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;She fleetly fled her prison without any more ado.&lt;br /&gt;
     (The dog, now scenting freedom, chose to make his exit too.)&lt;br /&gt;
     At once, she knew the guards had failed to follow. She had won!&lt;br /&gt;
     The triumph made her reminisce on just how far she&#039;d come.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera places her hand on her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera leans against a vast stage.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pants, trying to catch her breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes in wonder at her surroundings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Why, once upon a summer, she could barely crack a lock --&lt;br /&gt;
     Now she picked past seven cylinders to sneak into the docks,&lt;br /&gt;
     Where she&#039;d gamble half the night away and hardly ever lose.&lt;br /&gt;
     And to think there was a time she hadn&#039;t even tasted booze!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Had there really been a moment when she didn&#039;t even know&lt;br /&gt;
     You could tempt a boy with kisses just to part him from his dough?&lt;br /&gt;
     Two years ago, she&#039;d been afraid to curse. But bloody hells!&lt;br /&gt;
     That was back when she was ten, a little girl. Now, she was twelve.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera grins slowly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera glances around the room.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera whispers aloud, &amp;quot;I&#039;ve done it. I&#039;ve lost them.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera climbs slowly onto the stage.  She lets out a sigh of relief, then rakes her hand through her hair, pushing back the kerchief to reveal her sharply pointed ears, before sinking to crouch on the balls of her shoeless feet. She glances left and right again, then, secure in her isolation, withdraws her prize.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera removes a crystalline globe set upon a thick silver base from in her sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera holds the bauble up before her face. The globe encases an entire city in miniature: diminutive buildings huddle by the dozens, outlining grids of streets and parks. Over them looms a great basilica, its domes and spires skillfully cast in gleaming bronze. Instead of the usual snowflakes, scintillating flecks of sand swirl about, alternately shrouding and revealing the scene. On the base of the globe is etched: &amp;quot;The City of New Ta&#039;Faendryl.&amp;quot;)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gazes wistfully at the crystalline globe in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera smiles faintly at the globe. Then her smile fades, her face becoming nearly blank, while the glittering sand flecks spill bright reflections over her cheeks and brow. Only her eyes retain some life, their wide pupils fixed raptly on the scene within the bubble. Moments tick by as she remains there, motionless.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her crystalline globe vigorously and then stops abruptly as she gazes expectantly into the sphere.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera quietly intones, &amp;quot;I was six when I was taken from my home.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera stands up, still gazing into the crystalline globe.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to her crystalline globe, Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who would I be if I had grown up in New Ta&#039;Faendryl, with my family? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera takes a deep breath.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What do they look like now? Do I have any siblings? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera shakes her head.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;What did my house look like? I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera asks, &amp;quot;How do you say &#039;I&#039;d like a glass of milk&#039; in Faendryl?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera gets a blank look on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera faintly says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t know.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera rubs her eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera pauses, a thoughtful expression on her face.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera says, &amp;quot;Who am I now? That, I know all too well.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera nods slightly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera recites:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;For listeners who stand in awe of law-defying deeds,&lt;br /&gt;
     I&#039;d like to share my recipe for girls who thieve with ease:&lt;br /&gt;
     One part longing, two parts fury, three parts devastating grief,&lt;br /&gt;
     And a pinch of dark despair -- that&#039;s how you make a master thief.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera tosses her crystalline globe into the air, where it appears to vanish!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Juspera dusts off her hands.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Juspera makes a swift, emotionless bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Regwen (3rd place)===&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;pre{{log2|border=none|font=arial}}&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The backstage curtains part slightly, and Regwen steps out onto the stage.  A glimpse of the shadowy backstage is briefly visible before the curtains close behind her.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely greets, &amp;quot;Good evening friends and esteemed judges.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely continues, &amp;quot;I&#039;m honored to be here tonight, on this final night of bardfest.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly announces, &amp;quot;I have another play for you this evening.  I hope you enjoy it.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles as she takes her position, center stage, facing the audience.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Standing primly, Regwen fluffs the fabric of her gown out until it drapes down in a perfectly smooth and unblemished fashion.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen theatrically orates, &amp;quot;There is a little tavern not very far from here which many of you have probably visited.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly recalls, &amp;quot;It&#039;s an interesting establishment where the ghostly waitresses wear flirtatious attire and float around the tables.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen taps a beautifully painted banner depicting a bustling tavern scene with a polished bar that she is wearing.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen clearly posits, &amp;quot;And the bartender is quite a shrewd fellow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a half-krolvin bartender marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette jerks forward suddenly, looking remarkably like a rogue falling out of the shadows.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles shrewdly, as the bartender, and struts confidently to stand in the footlights glow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings boisterously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;I serve the best booze around.&lt;br /&gt;
     Look anywhere else in the town.&lt;br /&gt;
     There&#039;s much to reminisce,&lt;br /&gt;
     About a bar like this.&lt;br /&gt;
     A place where good times can be found.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen steps back from the footlights and continues.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen candidly explains, &amp;quot;What you may not be aware of, is that in addition to we adventurers, other inhabitants of the lands also frequent this tavern on occasion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cautions, &amp;quot;Usually, no other customers are present on these special nights. But on this night, Al the wizard was still seated at the bar, drinking.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a tiny scowling halfling wizard hand-puppet in cowled robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raises her green absinthe in a toast!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen mutters something about alchemy.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a gilded glass of opalescent green absinthe in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sways and scowls as the wizard and starts to complain.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily complains, &amp;quot;I never get the good bounties.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sulkily insists, &amp;quot;I need a drinking bounty.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen smile around the room at the crowd and judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically regales, &amp;quot;So on this dark grey misty night, a group of old friends had planned to meet in the tavern for drinks.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically continues, &amp;quot;The first to arrive was...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen wryly reveals, &amp;quot;The kobold; who fancied himself quite the man about town.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen tilts the kobold doll side to side as if he were swaggering in and pushes his head to nod at the bartender...)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen pushes the cross bar of the bartender to have him nod back at the kobold. Then in a deep voice, as the bartender, barks.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a half-krolvin bartender marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice offhandedly barks, &amp;quot;Evening, Kobold.  Table&#039;s waiting.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen positions the bartender near the bar.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen whimsically continues, &amp;quot;As Kobold, swaggered to the table, he winked rakishly at the first pretty ghostly waitress and in a squeaky voice exclaimed.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen squeakily exclaims, &amp;quot;Chasing!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a wolfish grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen sets the kobold down near a table at the side of the banner.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen drops a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen announces, &amp;quot;Next to arrive was..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen happily reveals, &amp;quot;The Zombie.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a threadbare zombie handpuppet from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attaches a threadbare zombie handpuppet to her wrist.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet waves hello with its barely attached left arm.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stumbles toward a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin before regaining her balance.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen speaking in a raspy voice, as the zombie, smiles brightly at the kobold and says.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cheerfully greets, &amp;quot;What a lovely evening, kobold.  Good to see ye.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen excitedly declares, &amp;quot;Just as the zombie was about to sit down, the door burst open with a **BANG!**.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen dramatically exclaims, &amp;quot;In thundered the vereri on her warhorse!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen removes a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes from in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen slips a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes carefully over her hand and adjusts it.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen raptly observes, &amp;quot;Every head in the tavern turned, to see what caused the commotion.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a half-krolvin bartender marionette.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly barks, &amp;quot;The half-krolvin bartender initially barked a yelp of surprise, pulled a dagger and dove behind the bar.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s bartender marionette suddenly begins whirling around uncontrollably before collapsing into a tangled heap.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen nonchalantly comments, &amp;quot;But, he quickly recovered and as nonchalantly as a cat who&#039;s fallen from a ledge, glanced around to see who saw him.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the bartender slightly, then pulls the bartenders strings to wink at the vereri and dusts off his jacket.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen attends to her bartender marionette, making the marionette as presentable as possible.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen chuckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen leans the zombie over to the kobold and whispers aloud, as the zombie.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen amusedly whispers aloud, &amp;quot;Vereri always loves her entrances and the attention.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smirks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen explains, &amp;quot;The warhorse stopped in front of kobolds table and the vereri slid off lithely.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles flirtatiously, as the vereri, and sashays over to her seat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sashays along, displaying a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice flirtatiously gushes, &amp;quot;Hello, Boys.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances between a threadbare zombie handpuppet and a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen manipulates the warhorse, whinnies a greeting, and dips the crossbar, to to allow the warhorse to bow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen mimicking the bartender, in an effort to glean more silvers from the patrons, steps into the footlights.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen makes her warhorse marionette prance anxiously, its bony head lifted as if it were sniffing the air.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen flashes a toothy grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette, Regwen&#039;s voice hoarsely snickers, &amp;quot;MMMmmmm, that smells good!  I&#039;m starving!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen glances at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her hand.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stares off into space.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen animatedly enthuses, &amp;quot;Well, after several rounds of booze and food, the friends started to reminisce about the past get-togethers at the tavern.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen notes, &amp;quot;Zombie stood up to stretch after having sat for too long.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles gazing around the audience as if to confide something to you.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans forward.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen deadpans, &amp;quot;Death&#039;s stiffness was setting in.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen winks.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen leans back.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen stretches her arms out in front of her, attempting to loosen the tension in her neck and shoulders.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen concernedly laments, &amp;quot;Zombie lost his balance and toppled over.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen tilts her head down.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet moans softly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to stage left slightly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen simply states, &amp;quot;Now the wizard, who had been watching from the corner of his eye, turned to attack the zombie while he was down.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the wizard to face the zombie and raises his little wand arm.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen cantankerously sneers, &amp;quot;You&#039;ll fill my crummy bounty!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen enthuses, &amp;quot;The warhorse, with amazing grace and speed, stood up and in one graceful move..&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette rears up on its hind legs and bares its fangs.  The gesture would carry more menace if its fangs weren&#039;t already bared by a conspicuous lack of flesh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen warns, &amp;quot;Speaking to Al, the wizard, the vereri warns.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
From behind a curvaceous vereri hand-puppet with flowing white robes, Regwen&#039;s voice wryly cautions, &amp;quot;Careful, the warhorse used to be a circus pony in her youth.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s warhorse marionette pirouettes comically on its hind legs like a performing circus animal.&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen twitches at an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette&#039;s strings, causing it to frolic adorably, or at least as adorably as a warhorse marionette can frolic.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen moves to center stage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen greedily says, &amp;quot;The bartender, upon hearing the attack and realizing what was happening, let loose a wild yowl of laughter.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen As the bartender, moves quickly to use the attack to his best advantage.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings raucously:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;Ah-ha! The floorshow&#039;s started to the right!&lt;br /&gt;
     Order more glasses and enjoy the sight.&lt;br /&gt;
     Lay yer bet!&lt;br /&gt;
     It ain&#039;t done yet!&lt;br /&gt;
     These moves are a true delight!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen says, &amp;quot;The kobold, brave fighter that he was, hid under the table and watched.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen nudges the kobold doll under the table in the banner, with her foot.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins crookedly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen spins the warhorse marionette which plants its front hooves firmly on the ground and kicks the wizards rear with both hind legs.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gasps, &amp;quot;Al was slammed into the ground with a sickening **THUD**!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen soothingly coos, &amp;quot;The vereri cooed a soothing tune to the wizard as she sashayed closer; not wanting to miss out on the fun.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen boldly marvels, &amp;quot;The kobold saw his chance and scampered out to drag his dear friend Zombie to safety.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
You watch in horror as the left arm of Regwen&#039;s zombie handpuppet frays rapidly and starts to fall off, staying attached only by a mere thread.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen comically tries to re-attach her zombie handpuppet&#039;s arm, while looking nonchalant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen gives a sigh of relief.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen coyly distracts, &amp;quot;To give the kobold more time, the vereri smiled sweetly and said...&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen eagerly distracts, &amp;quot;Am I not beautiful, Al?&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns the vereri to look at Al the wizard expectantly.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen slackens her hand in the wizard hand-puppet as his resistance seems to melt away.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
As Regwen pinches the face of her vereri hand-puppet, its facial expression momentarily transforms into a horridly grotesque visage with a stretched smile and slitted eyes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen&#039;s halfling wizard hand-puppet flails its legs and arms in a brief moment of panic!&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen surprisedly blurts, &amp;quot;The wizard, Al Dunn, ran for the door and was never seen again.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen grins impishly.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen confidently struts, as the bartender, to stand in the footlights glow.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sings resoundingly:&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
    &amp;quot;The floorshow is finished, a good night overall.&lt;br /&gt;
     The zombie was rescued, as you do recall.&lt;br /&gt;
     Remember this lesson,&lt;br /&gt;
     When trouble is pressin&#039;.&lt;br /&gt;
     Friends help one another, if one takes a fall.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen philosophically quips, &amp;quot;Or, When your zombie needs a hand; don&#039;t fall to pieces.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen sincerely concludes, &amp;quot;Thank you, all.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen curtsies gracefully.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
(Regwen turns and curtsies gracefully to the judges.)&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen smiles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a half-krolvin bartender marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put an emaciated skeletal warhorse marionette in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen picks up a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen put a short-horned pudgy kobold doll with hazel eyes and a mischievous grin in her slate grey sack.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Regwen retreats through the backstage curtains, vanishing from sight.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/pre&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Logs]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: Events]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category: CHE]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=128717</id>
		<title>Cast of characters</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=128717"/>
		<updated>2020-02-28T07:33:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: /* Graison */&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
Please feel free to add a brief description of your [[Platinum]] character(s) here.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== NPCS ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jeofrey ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Originally an evil magic user with plans for world domination, he created a group of Homunculi called [[Cast_of_characters#Sieka|Seika]]s to assist him in his work...as well as a vessel for his soul, a young child named Chayka. Through the efforts of various adventurers, he was dissuaded from his evil plan and convinced to walk instead the path of Light. Creating a golem body to inhabit instead of the child, he transferred his essence and became the Golem Lich. He has been missing for many months, along with his vessel Chayka.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Leiana ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Leiana, daughter of the Thrak Inn proprietor Sabrien, has lived in Wehnimer&#039;s Landing most of her life. After losing her mother to disease at the age of 10, Leiana and her father moved to the Landing in search of community and business. She has never left the walls of the Frontier town until 5118 and has led a very sheltered life that bred privilege and a dangerous sense of curiosity as a result.  Acting upon that desire to explore, she has begun seeking out contracts for treasure and adventure across Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Seika ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] created a total of 20 Seika Homunculi originally that awakened upon his death. Many were killed by a mob of villagers angry at the experiments her father, [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]], was performing in their village. After [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] abandoned his evil plans, he deactivated 11 of them...but one Seika escaped his control and was able to absorb the essences of the others. She then was able to use [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]]&#039;s eye to become a lich herself. She has been tormenting [[Cast_of_characters#Qualeric|Qualeric]], possessing him and using his essence to create a group of hybrid bats and elves. Currently her whereabouts are unknown, but dark rumors surround her and her future plots to gain even more power. She has claimed to kill Chayka and [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Olivia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Olivia|Olivia Holster]], widow of Lord Eamon Murchadha and Mother of [[Jaynon]] Murchadha. Born into a lowborn Honneland family. Married into the Murchadha family (a minor noble house in Honneland) with a desire to improve her power, status and legacy. Fell in to the dark arts through societal pressures, and later following the death of her husband made a pact with and joined a clandestine order, in return for aid in her social climbing. She attempted, and ultimately failed, to have her son [[Jaynon]] killed and yet had already announced his death in the Immuron courts. This allowed her to marry Lord Holster (another minor Honneland noble, and former rival to Eamon), passing the Murchadha estates into his name and denying [[Jaynon|Jaynon]] his inheritance and birthright.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Players ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Achsel ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lead singer of the heavy metal band &#039;Mithril Mayhem&#039;, this gruff but friendly fellow is constantly on the look out for inspiration for his next song. With hits like &#039;Invar Mine Lady&#039;, &#039;On the Razern&#039;s Edge&#039;, and &#039;Caligos Isle&#039;, he and his fellow band member [[Cast_of_characters#Zundrar|Zundrar]] have played in such famous locales as The Bluerock Brewery in Zul Logoth, The Thrak Inn at the Landing, and even Caligos Isle itself. He doesn&#039;t pay much attention to politics, though he has a keen sense of right and wrong. He is also a bit of a lush, and has strong opinions on beards, music, and beer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Calauria ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The shy and rather secretive Elven bard hails from Ta’Illistim, but shows little interest in returning. Possessed of proper, ladylike manners, she is easily taken aback by some of her acquaintances, particularly [[Cast_of_characters#Tanai|Tanai]], hinting at a sheltered upbringing. Her current itinerant and rather poor state, given her apparent background, could lead to disconcerting questions. In the past few months, she has started a relationship with Ulvian, grown friendlier, and developed a noticeable distrust of [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Daenamaryllis ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
???&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Dazen ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full of boundless energy that could only be described as &#039;manic&#039;, the always cheerful jester seems in a perpetual state of song, dance, and fits of laughter.  Dazen and his twin brother Vinar were abandoned by a traveling Carnival of Freaks for dubious reasons, though it is implied it was because they were getting too old for their act and becoming too hard to control.  Often hinting at a past of horrid abuse and gleefully reveling in those memories with clapping hands and squealing giggles, Dazen seems to outright revel in pain both inflicted and sustained.  Obsessed with fire and the &#039;Dancing Light&#039;, he also babbles about a mysterious Lady in White with burnt out eyes with reverence and awe. &amp;quot;Watch them dance in the dancing light, we&#039;ll sing them back and dance all night!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ezabell ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Ezabell hasn’t been seen since she was a toddler on the 30th of Jastatos.  She’d been carried through the portal that night in the arms of an Aelotoi man, no relations to the child he carried.  After he’d hid her away for protection when the kiramon came through the portal after the Aelotoi, she was gone.  Now she’s rejoined Elanthian society, albeit, a little off than any normal teenager.  She doesn’t talk much about where she’s been the last 16 years but is all too eager to mention her favorite ways to tear local wild nuisances apart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Gedeon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gedeon was raised in the Wsalamir Arctic Clan, and yet he doesn&#039;t share the need for seclusion like most the clan. Gedeon enjoys being out amongst others and heeds the call for adventure.  While he is a quiet man, he is a devout follower of Ronan and became a paladin in Ronan&#039;s honor.  He would often visit the temple in Icemule to say his prayers, but lately, you can see him wandering with his new found companion, Jourwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Graison ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A Paladin of Lord Voln, [[Graison]] is dedicated to releasing the trapped souls within the undead. This was his passion since he was a young child when he wanted to follow in his father&#039;s footsteps. He also had a vision of Lord Voln visiting him in a dream when he was a young boy. He has recently helped protect Wehnimer&#039;s Landing from those fallen from their faith of the Order of Voln. On a personal quest, Graison has learned he has a younger sister that was born from his father and another woman. Her name is [[Sayakah]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Heliantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Roseantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Idun ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Child-like and free spirited, Idun is kind, very friendly and genuinely cares about others. She loves to be helpful and is easily entertained, usually finding joy in small things.  A difficult and isolated past has had a profound effect on her.  She is most comfortable with another in control.  Idun can be unpredictable and is a bit &amp;quot;touched&amp;quot;, even unstable at times. She is loyal to a fault and values those in her life above all else.  Her dislike of being alone is somewhat mitigated by her love of gowns, toys and visits with her animal friends.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ilynriel ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ilynriel left her home in Ta’Ardenai to improve her skills as a warrior and train with the Guardians of Sunfist, and can most often be found in Ta’Illistim or Ta’Vaalor. Born a bastard, she has steadfastly ignored her father’s side of the family all her life, but is now finding it rather harder to avoid at least one of her half-siblings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ishvari ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A banished Priestess of Lumnis, this knowledge-thirsty Faendryl found an alternative method to become an empath (but not without some heavy side-effects). She is polite, somewhat quiet, and very ladylike although she is not above the &amp;lt;del&amp;gt;frequent&amp;lt;/del&amp;gt; occasional snide remark. Currently, she is often seen with the Dhe&#039;nar, Xindrell, as they are united in a mission yet to be revealed to anyone other than themselves. She is self-conscious of her pale skin, and dislikes anyone staring at her one crimson-hued eye for too long. They can stare at her silver eye all they want, however.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jaired ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trying to live his best life and leave his checkered past behind, Jaired keeps getting drawn back into the troubles of the world.  Once a thief, once a burglar, and once an assassin.  Once a Lord Marshal, once a Warden of Charl, and once a simple barkeep. Through it all he has remained a professional meddler.  For reasons beyond his understanding he is once again burdened with the mantle of a Spirit Walker, a particular state in which he is forced to tread in a state between life and undeath. Husband to Leiana, they now look towards the horizon and the beckoning call of adventure upon their ship, The Whispering Muse... if only they could break away from it all.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jaynon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Formerly a Paladin of Voln, he has recently heard the call of the Sea...partly due to his affiliation with the rogue Tanai. Lord Whick and Jaynon have been bitter enemies, with Jaynon taking a leading role in the prosecution of Whick after his arrest for the kidnapping of Leiana and murder of Izaar. He is a guardian in combat, fighting with a sword and shield, more concerned with the protection of his allies than a quick and easy win. He values honour above all else, and is honest to a fault.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jourwen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jourwen doesn&#039;t know much about her parents, only that her mother was an entertainer to men as they travelled through Highmount onto Kragswell.  Jourwen was sent to River&#039;s Rest when she was 5 years old to get an education from the cleric&#039;s guild there and learn the teachings of Ronan, Lord of Dreams.  Now, as a young adult, she visits temples and shrines learning what she can about Ronan and aiding those in need with her companion, Gedeon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Kaija ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young Aelotoi orphan recently adopted by [[Cast_of_characters#Jaynon|Jaynon]] and [[Cast_of_characters#Tanai|Tanai]], she has finally chosen Niima as her patron deity, also deciding to follow her adopted father&#039;s footsteps in joining the Order of Voln. She is a teenage girl whose emotions are in a constant state of fluctuation, and she often takes them out on her adopted brother, Luca. Normally quiet and polite, Kaija has a tendency to be a know-it-all and correct people if they use bad grammar (usually tormenting Luca with her prim corrections to his amusement).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Kiver ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Named after the boat he was found in, Kiver washed ashore as a babe at [[Maelstrom Bay]] in [[River&#039;s Rest]]. He was adopted into the arms of a reclusive sect of druids. The Half-Krol found his calling not with the old Gods of his [[Klinast]], but instead a militant dedication to the Goddess [[Imaera]]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Lilium ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Lilium]]&#039;s origins are as strange as her appearance.  One day she appeared on [[Lorminstra]]&#039;s Altar in the [[Wehnimer&#039;s Landing]] Temple without any memories or possessions to explain who she is or how she came to be there.  She took her appearance on Lorminstra&#039;s Altar as a sign to dedicate herself to the Goddess.  As a Master in the Order of Voln, Lilium is quite zealous in scouring the undead from all of Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Recent events involving Lord Whick and the death of Bareth have caused Lilium to reconsider her role in safeguarding the souls of the innocent.  A more proactive approach, rather than reactive, might be the best way to prevent another tragedy from occurring.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Luthene ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Having called both New Ta&#039;Faendryl and Ta&#039;Nalfein home at different points in his life, Luthene is now in the process of exploring other regions while plying his trades as locksmith, loresinger, and lapidary.  His coloring is considered suspiciously dark for a Nalfein elf by some, his blue eyes uncharacteristic of a Faendryl by others. A bastard by both blood and inclination, he has a deep appreciation for the proper application of violence as well as the crisp lines of a well-tailored coat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Maralah ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Born and raised in Ta’Loenthra, Maralah began traveling after the untimely death of her twin brother as well as the beginning of Jastev-granted dreams and visions. While she prefers to stick to the Elven Nations, she can often be found in Mist Harbor or Wehnimer’s Landing as well.  Understandably reticent about being a sorceress, she strives to balance this by being a member of Voln, but lacks the proper mindset about undead.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Nimarue ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Likened to a curious bird of prey, the young sylvan seems an untamed creature that belongs in the wilderness, and perhaps kept far away from civilized people.  Her speech patterns are occasionally awkward as though she struggles both for the correct word and, perhaps, polite phrasing. (She fails, often, though this seems little to bother her.) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Oezzilm ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oezzilm is a local farmer of pumpkins, turnips, and carrots near the Landing.  He hopes to eventually have an entire herd of urghs and roltons, but so far he has only one of each.  He can be found selling produce around town, fresh after coming from his fields.  He has a brother who is great at plowing, and a collection of hoes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Phocosoen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone deserves to be free and [[Phocosoen]] will always oppose those that seek to enslave others against their will like any member of the [[Maeramil Wind Runner Clan]] should.  Boisterous and outgoing, he loves nothing more than regaling others with the numerous ways in which he crushes his enemies on a daily basis.  The [[Guardians of Sunfist]] have no shortage of enemies and Phocosoen is a proud member that is all too happy to mercilessly slaughter [[orc]]s, [[troll]]s, [[ogre]]s, and [[giant]]s.  Freedom, muscles, and a song in his heart is all a man needs to enjoy life.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qadheon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qadheon is a Faendryl monk and proprieter of [[https://ps.lichproject.org/shops/6077 Ta&#039;Faendryl Importers]], a business located in the Landing.  In addition to this, he has been searching for some lost artifacts, but rumor has it he is not very focused on this task.  He has been seen worshipping [[Ghezresh]] on Caligos Isle and made mention of importing that spirit&#039;s presence to the Isle of Four Winds.  Despite this intrigue, he is a generally nice fellow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qoshkalia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qoshkalia is a Faendryl paladin of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae dedicated to learning, particularly the use of bladed weapons.  In the pursuit of this, she has been recognized as a Palestra of the Peltast rank.  Recently she has been seen working with [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]] in his actions in the Landing, though the exact reasoning is unclear.  Word has it that she originally came to the Landing to work on finding some ancient artifacts for a Sorcerer in Ta&#039;Faendryl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qualeric ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Qualeric]] is an elderly wizard,  student of the arcane, and an active follower of [[Jastev]].  Hailing from Ta&#039;Illistim, he enjoys learning, raining destruction upon usurpers, and all the opportunities the Shining City represents.  He is currently engaged in sorting through some things owned by his widow that were recently found in an old storage shed, as well as attempting to discover a new metal which he believes exists but is otherwise undocumented.  His familiar is a bat named Klysmar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Rafferty ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A rustic half-elf from the edges of the Wyrdeep Forest, [[Rafferty]] is wary of towns and their folk but cautiously open to broadening his horizons. He&#039;s got little patience for airs and graces, and bullies make him grouchy. Though he keeps his problems to himself, he&#039;s willing to lend a hand where he&#039;s able. Literally, if you&#039;re missing one. A friend to many birds, he can sometimes be found in the company of a peg-legged parrot or a small flock of parrotlets. For some reason, people keep mistaking him for a pirate.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ravenfritha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Calm, quiet, and a skilled mediator, [[Ravenfritha]] (or Raven to her friends) prefers healing to fighting, though she isn’t above hunting undead when necessary. She currently resides in Mist Harbor but spends most of her time in the Landing where her twin brother, [[Tygerfrith]], spends most of his time, though their past was spent in other lands with far different prospects. She enjoys alchemy and fletching as well as other crafts, and can sometimes be taken over by an imp of mischief, encouraged by some and discouraged by others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Roseantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Heliantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Tanai ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tanai is an orphaned street-rat with a mysterious past. She loves sweets, the ocean, [[Cast_of_characters#Jaynon|Jaynon]], and her children, not necessarily in that order. She considers [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]] one of her mortal enemies, especially after being possessed and manipulated by him for a time. She is finally learning what a family entails, as she and Jaynon are the proud parents to Eamon, their natural born son, and Kaija and Luca, two orphans they adopted. She can be very blunt, downright rude, and occasionally volatile. She is also, however, fiercely loyal, kind-hearted (at times), and enthusiastic (especially for sweets).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Thresher ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A quiet man, this Half-Krolvin is very devout in his worship of &#039;&#039;&#039;[[::Marlu|Marlu, the Lord of Destruction]]&#039;&#039;&#039;. Despite the stereotype surrounding Marluites, Thresher himself is a kind soul, not wishing any undue harm or pain to anyone. However, he is of the firm belief that the only way to have lasting peace on Elanthia is to &#039;start fresh&#039;...by burning what is, so something new may grow. He believes Undead are an Abomination to his Lord...and fights against any who practice such arts fiercely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Whick ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[::Whick|Great Lord Whick]]&#039;&#039;&#039; is polite, personable, and a man of many talents and much knowledge. He is gracious, can be kind, and he always is ready to help out those in need. At the same time, he is an unrepentant murderer and has a sadistic streak that runs deep. There is much speculation as to who his true masters are. Though he claims to be working for the Empire and the Hall of Mages (and many records will confirm that), dark whispers in the shadows speak of his true loyalty lying to something...other. He is meticulous and clever, preferring manipulation to brute force. He values order and security.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quote: &amp;quot;Sometimes, to do something good, you have to be the bad guy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Adventurers]] &lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Platinum]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=128435</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=128435"/>
		<updated>2020-02-13T23:57:23Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= [[Sayakah]] (sister)&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=128434</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=128434"/>
		<updated>2020-02-13T23:56:22Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes= [[Sayakah]]&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved= [[Sayakah]] (sister)&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=128175</id>
		<title>Cast of characters</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Cast_of_characters&amp;diff=128175"/>
		<updated>2020-02-01T22:49:12Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{TOCright}}&lt;br /&gt;
Please feel free to add a brief description of your [[Platinum]] character(s) here.  &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== NPCS ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jeofrey ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Originally an evil magic user with plans for world domination, he created a group of Homunculi called [[Cast_of_characters#Sieka|Seika]]s to assist him in his work...as well as a vessel for his soul, a young child named Chayka. Through the efforts of various adventurers, he was dissuaded from his evil plan and convinced to walk instead the path of Light. Creating a golem body to inhabit instead of the child, he transferred his essence and became the Golem Lich. He has been missing for many months, along with his vessel Chayka.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Leiana ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Leiana, daughter of the Thrak Inn proprietor Sabrien, has lived in Wehnimer&#039;s Landing most of her life. After losing her mother to disease at the age of 10, Leiana and her father moved to the Landing in search of community and business. She has never left the walls of the Frontier town until 5118 and has led a very sheltered life that bred privilege and a dangerous sense of curiosity as a result.  Acting upon that desire to explore, she has begun seeking out contracts for treasure and adventure across Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Seika ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] created a total of 20 Seika Homunculi originally that awakened upon his death. Many were killed by a mob of villagers angry at the experiments her father, [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]], was performing in their village. After [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] abandoned his evil plans, he deactivated 11 of them...but one Seika escaped his control and was able to absorb the essences of the others. She then was able to use [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]]&#039;s eye to become a lich herself. She has been tormenting [[Cast_of_characters#Qualeric|Qualeric]], possessing him and using his essence to create a group of hybrid bats and elves. Currently her whereabouts are unknown, but dark rumors surround her and her future plots to gain even more power. She has claimed to kill Chayka and [[Cast_of_characters#Jeofrey|Jeofrey]] herself.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
===Olivia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
[[Olivia|Olivia Holster]], widow of Lord Eamon Murchadha and Mother of [[Jaynon]] Murchadha. Born into a lowborn Honneland family. Married into the Murchadha family (a minor noble house in Honneland) with a desire to improve her power, status and legacy. Fell in to the dark arts through societal pressures, and later following the death of her husband made a pact with and joined a clandestine order, in return for aid in her social climbing. She attempted, and ultimately failed, to have her son [[Jaynon]] killed and yet had already announced his death in the Immuron courts. This allowed her to marry Lord Holster (another minor Honneland noble, and former rival to Eamon), passing the Murchadha estates into his name and denying [[Jaynon|Jaynon]] his inheritance and birthright.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
== Players ==&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Achsel ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lead singer of the heavy metal band &#039;Mithril Mayhem&#039;, this gruff but friendly fellow is constantly on the look out for inspiration for his next song. With hits like &#039;Invar Mine Lady&#039;, &#039;On the Razern&#039;s Edge&#039;, and &#039;Caligos Isle&#039;, he and his fellow band member [[Cast_of_characters#Zundrar|Zundrar]] have played in such famous locales as The Bluerock Brewery in Zul Logoth, The Thrak Inn at the Landing, and even Caligos Isle itself. He doesn&#039;t pay much attention to politics, though he has a keen sense of right and wrong. He is also a bit of a lush, and has strong opinions on beards, music, and beer.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Calauria ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
The shy and rather secretive Elven bard hails from Ta’Illistim, but shows little interest in returning. Possessed of proper, ladylike manners, she is easily taken aback by some of her acquaintances, particularly [[Cast_of_characters#Tanai|Tanai]], hinting at a sheltered upbringing. Her current itinerant and rather poor state, given her apparent background, could lead to disconcerting questions. In the past few months, she has started a relationship with Ulvian, grown friendlier, and developed a noticeable distrust of [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]].&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Daenamaryllis ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
???&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Dazen ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Full of boundless energy that could only be described as &#039;manic&#039;, the always cheerful jester seems in a perpetual state of song, dance, and fits of laughter.  Dazen and his twin brother Vinar were abandoned by a traveling Carnival of Freaks for dubious reasons, though it is implied it was because they were getting too old for their act and becoming too hard to control.  Often hinting at a past of horrid abuse and gleefully reveling in those memories with clapping hands and squealing giggles, Dazen seems to outright revel in pain both inflicted and sustained.  Obsessed with fire and the &#039;Dancing Light&#039;, he also babbles about a mysterious Lady in White with burnt out eyes with reverence and awe. &amp;quot;Watch them dance in the dancing light, we&#039;ll sing them back and dance all night!&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ezabell ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
Ezabell hasn’t been seen since she was a toddler on the 30th of Jastatos.  She’d been carried through the portal that night in the arms of an Aelotoi man, no relations to the child he carried.  After he’d hid her away for protection when the kiramon came through the portal after the Aelotoi, she was gone.  Now she’s rejoined Elanthian society, albeit, a little off than any normal teenager.  She doesn’t talk much about where she’s been the last 16 years but is all too eager to mention her favorite ways to tear local wild nuisances apart.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Gedeon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Gedeon was raised in the Wsalamir Arctic Clan, and yet he doesn&#039;t share the need for seclusion like most the clan. Gedeon enjoys being out amongst others and heeds the call for adventure.  While he is a quiet man, he is a devout follower of Ronan and became a paladin in Ronan&#039;s honor.  He would often visit the temple in Icemule to say his prayers, but lately, you can see him wandering with his new found companion, Jourwen.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Graison ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A Paladin of Lord Voln, [[Graison]] is dedicated to releasing the trapped souls within the undead. This was his passion since he was a young child when he wanted to follow in his father&#039;s footsteps. He also had a vision of Lord Voln visiting him in a dream when he was a young boy. He has recently helped protect Wehnimer&#039;s Landing from those fallen from their faith of the Order of Voln.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Heliantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Roseantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Idun ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Child-like and free spirited, Idun is kind, very friendly and genuinely cares about others. She loves to be helpful and is easily entertained, usually finding joy in small things.  A difficult and isolated past has had a profound effect on her.  She is most comfortable with another in control.  Idun can be unpredictable and is a bit &amp;quot;touched&amp;quot;, even unstable at times. She is loyal to a fault and values those in her life above all else.  Her dislike of being alone is somewhat mitigated by her love of gowns, toys and visits with her animal friends.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ilynriel ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Ilynriel left her home in Ta’Ardenai to improve her skills as a warrior and train with the Guardians of Sunfist, and can most often be found in Ta’Illistim or Ta’Vaalor. Born a bastard, she has steadfastly ignored her father’s side of the family all her life, but is now finding it rather harder to avoid at least one of her half-siblings.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ishvari ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A banished Priestess of Lumnis, this knowledge-thirsty Faendryl found an alternative method to become an empath (but not without some heavy side-effects). She is polite, somewhat quiet, and very ladylike although she is not above the &amp;lt;del&amp;gt;frequent&amp;lt;/del&amp;gt; occasional snide remark. Currently, she is often seen with the Dhe&#039;nar, Xindrell, as they are united in a mission yet to be revealed to anyone other than themselves. She is self-conscious of her pale skin, and dislikes anyone staring at her one crimson-hued eye for too long. They can stare at her silver eye all they want, however.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jaired ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Trying to live his best life and leave his checkered past behind, Jaired keeps getting drawn back into the troubles of the world.  Once a thief, once a burglar, and once an assassin.  Once a Lord Marshal, once a Warden of Charl, and once a simple barkeep. Through it all he has remained a professional meddler.  For reasons beyond his understanding he is once again burdened with the mantle of a Spirit Walker, a particular state in which he is forced to tread in a state between life and undeath. Husband to Leiana, they now look towards the horizon and the beckoning call of adventure upon their ship, The Whispering Muse... if only they could break away from it all.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jaynon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Formerly a Paladin of Voln, he has recently heard the call of the Sea...partly due to his affiliation with the rogue Tanai. Lord Whick and Jaynon have been bitter enemies, with Jaynon taking a leading role in the prosecution of Whick after his arrest for the kidnapping of Leiana and murder of Izaar. He is a guardian in combat, fighting with a sword and shield, more concerned with the protection of his allies than a quick and easy win. He values honour above all else, and is honest to a fault.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Jourwen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Jourwen doesn&#039;t know much about her parents, only that her mother was an entertainer to men as they travelled through Highmount onto Kragswell.  Jourwen was sent to River&#039;s Rest when she was 5 years old to get an education from the cleric&#039;s guild there and learn the teachings of Ronan, Lord of Dreams.  Now, as a young adult, she visits temples and shrines learning what she can about Ronan and aiding those in need with her companion, Gedeon.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Kaija ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A young Aelotoi orphan recently adopted by [[Cast_of_characters#Jaynon|Jaynon]] and [[Cast_of_characters#Tanai|Tanai]], she has finally chosen Niima as her patron deity, also deciding to follow her adopted father&#039;s footsteps in joining the Order of Voln. She is a teenage girl whose emotions are in a constant state of fluctuation, and she often takes them out on her adopted brother, Luca. Normally quiet and polite, Kaija has a tendency to be a know-it-all and correct people if they use bad grammar (usually tormenting Luca with her prim corrections to his amusement).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Kiver ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Named after the boat he was found in, Kiver washed ashore as a babe at [[Maelstrom Bay]] in [[River&#039;s Rest]]. He was adopted into the arms of a reclusive sect of druids. The Half-Krol found his calling not with the old Gods of his [[Klinast]], but instead a militant dedication to the Goddess [[Imaera]]. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Lilium ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Lilium]]&#039;s origins are as strange as her appearance.  One day she appeared on [[Lorminstra]]&#039;s Altar in the [[Wehnimer&#039;s Landing]] Temple without any memories or possessions to explain who she is or how she came to be there.  She took her appearance on Lorminstra&#039;s Altar as a sign to dedicate herself to the Goddess.  As a Master in the Order of Voln, Lilium is quite zealous in scouring the undead from all of Elanthia.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Recent events involving Lord Whick and the death of Bareth have caused Lilium to reconsider her role in safeguarding the souls of the innocent.  A more proactive approach, rather than reactive, might be the best way to prevent another tragedy from occurring.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Luthene ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Having called both New Ta&#039;Faendryl and Ta&#039;Nalfein home at different points in his life, Luthene is now in the process of exploring other regions while plying his trades as locksmith, loresinger, and lapidary.  His coloring is considered suspiciously dark for a Nalfein elf by some, his blue eyes uncharacteristic of a Faendryl by others. A bastard by both blood and inclination, he has a deep appreciation for the proper application of violence as well as the crisp lines of a well-tailored coat.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Maralah ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Born and raised in Ta’Loenthra, Maralah began traveling after the untimely death of her twin brother as well as the beginning of Jastev-granted dreams and visions. While she prefers to stick to the Elven Nations, she can often be found in Mist Harbor or Wehnimer’s Landing as well.  Understandably reticent about being a sorceress, she strives to balance this by being a member of Voln, but lacks the proper mindset about undead.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Nimarue ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Likened to a curious bird of prey, the young sylvan seems an untamed creature that belongs in the wilderness, and perhaps kept far away from civilized people.  Her speech patterns are occasionally awkward as though she struggles both for the correct word and, perhaps, polite phrasing. (She fails, often, though this seems little to bother her.) &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Oezzilm ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Oezzilm is a local farmer of pumpkins, turnips, and carrots near the Landing.  He hopes to eventually have an entire herd of urghs and roltons, but so far he has only one of each.  He can be found selling produce around town, fresh after coming from his fields.  He has a brother who is great at plowing, and a collection of hoes.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Phocosoen ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Everyone deserves to be free and [[Phocosoen]] will always oppose those that seek to enslave others against their will like any member of the [[Maeramil Wind Runner Clan]] should.  Boisterous and outgoing, he loves nothing more than regaling others with the numerous ways in which he crushes his enemies on a daily basis.  The [[Guardians of Sunfist]] have no shortage of enemies and Phocosoen is a proud member that is all too happy to mercilessly slaughter [[orc]]s, [[troll]]s, [[ogre]]s, and [[giant]]s.  Freedom, muscles, and a song in his heart is all a man needs to enjoy life.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qadheon ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qadheon is a Faendryl monk and proprieter of [[https://ps.lichproject.org/shops/6077 Ta&#039;Faendryl Importers]], a business located in the Landing.  In addition to this, he has been searching for some lost artifacts, but rumor has it he is not very focused on this task.  He has been seen worshipping [[Ghezresh]] on Caligos Isle and made mention of importing that spirit&#039;s presence to the Isle of Four Winds.  Despite this intrigue, he is a generally nice fellow.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qoshkalia ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Qoshkalia is a Faendryl paladin of Fash&#039;lo&#039;nae dedicated to learning, particularly the use of bladed weapons.  In the pursuit of this, she has been recognized as a Palestra of the Peltast rank.  Recently she has been seen working with [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]] in his actions in the Landing, though the exact reasoning is unclear.  Word has it that she originally came to the Landing to work on finding some ancient artifacts for a Sorcerer in Ta&#039;Faendryl.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Qualeric ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Qualeric]] is an elderly wizard,  student of the arcane, and an active follower of [[Jastev]].  Hailing from Ta&#039;Illistim, he enjoys learning, raining destruction upon usurpers, and all the opportunities the Shining City represents.  He is currently engaged in sorting through some things owned by his widow that were recently found in an old storage shed, as well as attempting to discover a new metal which he believes exists but is otherwise undocumented.  His familiar is a bat named Klysmar.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Rafferty ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A rustic half-elf from the edges of the Wyrdeep Forest, [[Rafferty]] is wary of towns and their folk but cautiously open to broadening his horizons. He&#039;s got little patience for airs and graces, and bullies make him grouchy. Though he keeps his problems to himself, he&#039;s willing to lend a hand where he&#039;s able. Literally, if you&#039;re missing one. A friend to many birds, he can sometimes be found in the company of a peg-legged parrot or a small flock of parrotlets. For some reason, people keep mistaking him for a pirate.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Ravenfritha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Calm, quiet, and a skilled mediator, Ravenfritha (or Raven to her friends) prefers healing to fighting, though she isn’t above hunting undead when necessary. She currently resides in Mist Harbor but spends most of her time in the Landing where her twin brother, Tygerfrith, spends most of his time, though their past was spent in other lands with far different prospects. She enjoys alchemy and fletching as well as other crafts, and can sometimes be taken over by an imp of mischief, encouraged by some and discouraged by others.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Roseantha ===&lt;br /&gt;
-----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Twin to Heliantha.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Tanai ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Tanai is an orphaned street-rat with a mysterious past. She loves sweets, the ocean, [[Cast_of_characters#Jaynon|Jaynon]], and her children, not necessarily in that order. She considers [[Cast_of_characters#Whick|Lord Whick]] one of her mortal enemies, especially after being possessed and manipulated by him for a time. She is finally learning what a family entails, as she and Jaynon are the proud parents to Eamon, their natural born son, and Kaija and Luca, two orphans they adopted. She can be very blunt, downright rude, and occasionally volatile. She is also, however, fiercely loyal, kind-hearted (at times), and enthusiastic (especially for sweets).&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Thresher ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
A quiet man, this Half-Krolvin is very devout in his worship of &#039;&#039;&#039;[[::Marlu|Marlu, the Lord of Destruction]]&#039;&#039;&#039;. Despite the stereotype surrounding Marluites, Thresher himself is a kind soul, not wishing any undue harm or pain to anyone. However, he is of the firm belief that the only way to have lasting peace on Elanthia is to &#039;start fresh&#039;...by burning what is, so something new may grow. He believes Undead are an Abomination to his Lord...and fights against any who practice such arts fiercely.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
=== Whick ===&lt;br /&gt;
----&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;[[::Whick|Great Lord Whick]]&#039;&#039;&#039; is polite, personable, and a man of many talents and much knowledge. He is gracious, can be kind, and he always is ready to help out those in need. At the same time, he is an unrepentant murderer and has a sadistic streak that runs deep. There is much speculation as to who his true masters are. Though he claims to be working for the Empire and the Hall of Mages (and many records will confirm that), dark whispers in the shadows speak of his true loyalty lying to something...other. He is meticulous and clever, preferring manipulation to brute force. He values order and security.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Quote: &amp;quot;Sometimes, to do something good, you have to be the bad guy.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Adventurers]] &lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Platinum]]&lt;br /&gt;
[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127841</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127841"/>
		<updated>2020-01-12T18:22:18Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127840</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127840"/>
		<updated>2020-01-12T18:21:33Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127839</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=127839"/>
		<updated>2020-01-12T18:18:06Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Added a new story: Feeling Wanted&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Feeling Wanted&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis on Day of the Huntress, the 21st of Eorgaen in the year 5119 when Graison was summoned to the Raging Thrak Inn by Jaired. They greet each other and Graison was told they would be waiting on Ravenfritha, who went by Raven to most others. When Graison heard this, he had an idea what was about to go down.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A few days prior on Leyan, Whick pulled a group together to scout outside the Gates of Landing. Jaecee, who was now the leader of The Fallen, a group casted out by The Order of Voln, planned to attack Wehnimer&#039;s Landing in the winter season. It was that time, so all within the town was on guard and preparing. It didn’t take long before they were approached by a young female. She said her name was Nibani and she was there on behalf of the fallen who didn&#039;t approve of what Jaecee was planning. She shared a lot of information with the group before being pulled away by an armored guard. Graison leaned in close to Jaired and said, &amp;quot;I wonder if Raven can get more information through her rather than trying to with Jaecee. Get in this young soldier&#039;s head instead.&amp;quot; Glancing at Graison, Jaired whispers back, &amp;quot;That is a real good idea.&amp;quot; Graison suggested that Jaired talk it over with Leiana before they actually plan anything and he agreed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Raven arrives, she was closely followed by Vyrshkana. Both of them were not fully in the loop for what Graison and Jaired had talked about. They had an idea that Nibani was taken into custody and where she came from, but that was about it.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired starts to go into detail about the plan he was thinking of. The four of them would go seek an audience with Nibani to see of her well-being and to try and get more information about what Jaecee is up to or they could break Nibani out of her cell and bring her somewhere else where they could do the same. He even suggested they could put both into motion. Try to ask an audience first and if declined, do a jailbreak. Graison was unsure about the jailbreak idea. But he did want answers. Graison notices that Raven and Vyrshkana were also uneasy about what they were going to do. But no one argues with Jaired. He knew what he was doing. Or did he?&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Jaired suggests that he and Vyrshkana take to under Moot Hall where they are holding Nibani. Jaired has supplies to do what is needed to break her out. Graison and Raven were to see if they could seek an audience with Nibani. There, Raven would go ahead and try and seek more information in regards to Jaecee. If they were not able to, that is when Jaired and Vyrshkana would free Nibani and take her to safety. The plan was set.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison and Raven head to Moot Hall. There, they were confronted by two guards. Speaking quietly to one of the armored guards, Graison says, &amp;quot;We seek an audience with the prisoner on behalf of the Order of Voln, please.&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Isn&#039;t it a tad late to be visiting the Hall?&amp;quot;, the guard asks while eyeing the two of them. &amp;quot;We would like to see to her health and ask some questions.&amp;quot; Graison responds. The two guards smile at each other, then turn to look at Graison in unison. &amp;quot;That&#039;s not going to be possible, sir.&amp;quot; Speaking softly, Raven asks, &amp;quot;And why exactly would that be?&amp;quot; Graison nods and adds, &amp;quot;I would like to know why.&amp;quot; The night watchman casually wanders in looking at the present company. The guard turns to Raven and says, &amp;quot;Prisoner of the Fallen type, so the lady&#039;s ordered no visitors. Understand?&amp;quot; and he glances at the watchman, nodding in recognition. The other guard chuckles and says, &amp;quot;We ain&#039;t gonna be having yet another one break out. Not on Oreena&#039;s watch.&amp;quot; to which his companion agrees. Graison firmly stand his ground. &amp;quot;We are here on representation from the Order. She is here to also see to her health and make sure she is okay.&amp;quot; Graison says while staring at the guard who was chuckling. The guards look at one another and smirk. &amp;quot;And you&#039;re here at half past the ninth hour why? Isn&#039;t it unusual to do that?&amp;quot; Raven softly replies, &amp;quot;Not really, I do most of my healing in the evening hours, as my mornings are occupied by my studies.&amp;quot; The watchman nods as one of the guards consults him quietly. After a moment, the guard glances back and says, &amp;quot;Oh alright. Go to the Chamber of Justice and down the passage. Make it quick.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;During the conversations with the guards, Jaired was using magic to telepathically connect with Graison. He asked if things were going as planned. Using his mind, Graison had responded that it was not and that the guards were persistent on not letting him and Raven see Nibani. Because of this, Jaired was putting the alternative plan into motion. Jaired telepathically warns Graison that he is about to blow the cell where Nibani is being held at to immediately get to the Militia Keep. Graison quickly tried to tell him to wait and that they were able to go see her. But it&#039;s too late. The ground beneath everyone present violently shakes and rumbles causing them all to fall down!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison miserably tries to fake what happened as he pulls Raven to her feet. He even tries to act confused. From somewhere nearby, a male voice splutters through the clouds of dust, coughing twice before yelling, &amp;quot;Breach! We&#039;ve a breach in the jail!&amp;quot; The two guards begin to get up with eager looks on their face to grab Graison and Raven. The first reaction from Graison was to grab Raven&#039;s hand and run. He races out of Moot Hall with Raven in tow. The two of them race out of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing gates and to the Militia Keep. There, they see Jaired, Vyrshkana, and the young soldier they had just freed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the Keep, Graison was relieved it was over. He was happy he was going to get more answers. He would find out why Jaecee was doing what he was doing. The talk was long. Nibani was grateful, but also weary about what the intentions were of Raven. Graison got a few questions in and learned about what Jaecee&#039;s own intentions were that he was wanting to be the King Lich of an alternate Wehnimer&#039;s Landing connected to the one he lives in now. But Jaecee wanted control of both.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Within the time frame of them all talking, a member of the Militia comes in with a poster and sets it down. At the top in bold, it read &amp;quot;WANTED&amp;quot;. They all stare at the poster.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
WANTED&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Male: Human with blue-grey eyes, short and frizzy black hair, last seen with a small black spider on his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
One Female: Sylvankind, sparkling blue-grey eyes, blonde hair held with gold combs and parrot feathers. Possible tattoo of a raven on her arm.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Both figures claim to represent the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Suspected in aiding a prisoner escape from jail.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison looks at Raven and vice-versa. It was them. Graison was at a loss. He had never done anything in his life to the point of being wanted by town officials. Nibani had eventually left to her quarters in the Keep for the evening in a not so good of a mood after Raven had tried to reach into her mind. But Graison was more focused on the poster now. It was late and Vyrshkana had already taken her leave. It was now Jaired&#039;s turn. Graison was left alone with Raven. Before he makes his departure, speaking warmly to Raven, he says, &amp;quot;Going to find a cot here to sleep for the night. Stay safe, Raven.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison tossed and turned that evening. He dreamed of being locked up. He kept waking up from nightmares. The cot wasn&#039;t helping either as it was uncomfortable.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The Hour of Lumnis of the next day, Feastday, Graison quietly makes his way back into town. He was afraid of being noticed. It was over a month since he was captured on Caligos Isle and tortured. He wondered if he was going to go through that all over again. He did nothing wrong. It was only a few days ago, he finally became a citizen of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and made it official within the books. Now he is a wanted person within the town he calls home. Graison snuck into Moot Hall, the very place where all the wanted posters were plastered and found his storage locker that visitors and citizens alike could use during their stay. He removed all his clothing that he hadn&#039;t already taken off while in the Militia Keep and found a new outfit he had received when visiting Caligos Isle. It was more of a formal attire, but would work in this instance for now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the town shops began to open, he made his way to the squalid canvas pavillion where the town barber was working. He was hoping the barber hadn&#039;t noticed the wanted posters or wasn&#039;t paying attention, period. The barber motioned him to have a seat. &amp;quot;What can I do for you, today?&amp;quot; He asked. Graison responded, &amp;quot;I&#039;d like to add a bit of dye color to my hair. Do you recommend anything?&amp;quot; The barber looked Graison over. &amp;quot;Maybe a shade of blue to match the eyes?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;Perfect!&amp;quot; Graison smiled. Graison also asked the barber if he could make the style a bit more unkempt. When the work was done, Graison was pleased with the outcome. He then walked further into the pavillion. A wild-eyed man is clothed in drab clothing covered with a long splotched-white apron, and a pair of dull grey moccasins. The rivulets of blood trickling down the legs of a crude operating table near this man give some indication of the unpleasantness of whatever this person does. Thick glass jars are stacked three deep, each one packed full of preserved eyes with their optic nerves still attached. A very sharp-looking scalpel has been left at the foot of the table. The man smiles at Graison. &amp;quot;You needing some new eyes, young fella?&amp;quot; Graison was taken aback. &amp;quot;If you don&#039;t like the ones you have, I can give you new ones.&amp;quot; How odd, Graison thought and approached the table. This didn&#039;t look safe at all. But if he is disguising himself, a new eye color would be acceptable. He followed the man&#039;s instructions. When it was all over, he was blind. His eyes were covered. A few hours later, Graison was removing cloth from his eyes and was able to see like normal. He approached the man, who wanted to be known as a surgeon, and paid him. He also was shown his eyes he used to have.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison didn&#039;t feel like himself anymore. He was not happy with any of this. He went to the Thrak Inn for a drink. There, he found Raven. She had already changed some of her looks as well. They had small talk about what happened the day before. He showed Raven his new blue-black unkempt hair and grey-green eyes. Raven could see he was unhappy. Raven mentioned that The Order of Voln needs to get involved in what is happening. Graison couldn&#039;t have agreed more and thought perhaps even the Winter&#039;s Keeper Vernin could vouch for what he and Raven were trying to accomplish. But right now, Graison wanted to go home. He had built a chateau just outside the Graveyard. For some reason, being near there brought him comfort. Whenever he was around the undead, he knew Lord Voln was watching over him. Raven offers him homage at her Villa on the Isle of Four Winds. He was gracious to accept since they became good friends. That evening he would sleep much better. He slept in a cushioned chair which was more comfortable than a cot.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;On Restday, the 22nd, Graison spent most of his day gathering his thoughts of what to write to the Winter&#039;s Keeper. Graison was a devout follower of Voln and very much dedicated to The Order of Voln as well as to the Shield and Sickle. He wanted to make sure his intentions were clear and also make sure when this war happens that Nibani and her friends would be safe or have a fair trial. When the Hour of Tonis arrived, Graison travelled back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He first made a stop at the Order northward of Wehnimer&#039;s Landing and asked the monks there to deliver his message to the Winter&#039;s Keeper as quickly as possible.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison was riding his stallion back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing, he came back to destruction. Graison could only stare at the outside walls. The North Gate had collapsed. There was still smoke rising within the crumbled walls. He went to the West Gate and saw the same thing. The town guard was still manning the west side. The town guard said that this was the outcome of Jaecee and Leiana. The town guard inspected Graison up and down and explained there was no way in or out right now. Graison knew this was not true. But he also knew that the town guard was only protecting the town from further threats and most likely did not recognize him. Graison made his way to the Wayside Inn. He tied up his stallion and let him know he&#039;d be back for him. Graison found the secret entry from the fireplace and made his way into town.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Inside the town, the locals were very talkative when Graison started asking questions. He heard that the fire witch was captured. He heard from Nibani calling Leiana a fire witch. Graison thought to himself. He had to dig deeper into this. So he mentioned and asked one of the locals, &amp;quot;Leiana has been taken into custody?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;The fire witch will be put on trial this feastday for all the destruction she did to this town!&amp;quot; A man spoke up. Graison was saddened once again. This was the time they were to be celebrating the winter solstice. One woman stares at him. Graison then asks another question. &amp;quot;And Jaecee? Is he is custody, too?&amp;quot; &amp;quot;No, that beast was eaten by some siren named Tanailiestra!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When Volnes, the 23rd arrived, Graison spent most of his time in the Order praying. Not just to Voln. To any of the Gods that would listen. Graison was mad. This was a time they were all supposed to be celebrating and everyone around him was suffering. Even himself. He wanted to know what he should do. During the Hour of Tonis, Graison made his way back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing once more. He sat down on the bench of Town Center.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A young woman wanders through and sits on the ground. Glancing over at one of the wanted posters laying on the ground as well, she picks it up. &amp;quot;Ya know, I think they would have done better to use sketches.&amp;quot; She looked deep in thought. &amp;quot;That could be any number of men I saw just in the past few days alone. The female...she&#039;s ringing a bell though.&amp;quot; Nodding, she continued, &amp;quot;Definitely shoulda done sketches.&amp;quot; She then looks up at Graison sitting on the bench. &amp;quot;Heard any rumors as to why they&#039;re wanted?&amp;quot; Graison was a bit worried. Did she already know who he was and playing a game for him to reveal himself? Speaking quietly to her, Graison says, &amp;quot;I have not. Been indoors most this winter. I heard about some bad people on their way. Haven&#039;t been out much. I finally came out after I heard the gates fell. Someone gave the all clear that citizens could come out of their homes.&amp;quot; Graison thought to himself that was a ridiculous answer. But he was caught off guard. The woman amusedly says, &amp;quot;I bet the spider made a web in his hair and that&#039;s why it&#039;s frizzy.&amp;quot; Standing up, the woman approaches Graison and offers a handshake. &amp;quot;I can&#039;t remember if we&#039;ve met, but you don&#039;t look familiar so I guess not.&amp;quot; Graison sighed a bit of relief inside and offered his hand in return with a smile. Graison responds, &amp;quot;Nice to meet you. I don&#039;t get around much. I tend to stay inside. But I wanted to catch a breather tonight outside.&amp;quot; The two continue a bit of pleasantries before she wanders off.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison gazes up into the heavens. &amp;quot;Enough of this hiding&amp;quot;, he thought out loud. &amp;quot;I am here to be there for my friends. And they need me right now.&amp;quot; The shops are currently closed as the Hour of Ronan approaches. Graison makes his way to the Wayside Inn, grabs his stallion and rides home to his chateau.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=126498</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=126498"/>
		<updated>2019-12-05T06:18:48Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Added a new story: Into The Unknown&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Into The Unknown&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Lumnis on Tilamaires, the 3rd of Eorgaen in the year 5119 and Graison was in the Meditation Chamber within the Order of Voln located just outside Wehnimer&#039;s Landing. He was doing his daily prayers to Lord Voln. There was a soft knock on the plain wooden door that separated him and the Hall of Brotherhood. A monk that is dressed in simple black robes that seem to swallow up the details of his form enters with a chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The monk quietly tells Graison that the chest he is holding contains items belonging to Sir Jackson Derges. That was his father&#039;s name. The monk continued that it arrived from the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. Graison was confused. His father and mother had passed away four years ago. Why would his father&#039;s belongings make it here now? Graison nods to the monk and takes the chest. The monk slowly leaves closing the door behind him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison sits on the ground, setting his back to the altar that is tall and cylindrical. He opens the chest wondering what will be inside. Much of what was inside looked liked found treasures on his father&#039;s adventures. There was also a beat up folio.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Opening the folio to a random page, Graison found a date written in ink at the top. He turned more pages seeing different days written. Did his father write his adventures down? He flipped through more pages. He stopped when he came to a page with sketchings trapped in between the crease. He pulled them out. They were drawings of a girl. She had long hair down to her waist and looked like it was braided. Her face had a delicate feature to it. Graison began to read the page the sketches were stuck in.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Niiman, the 6th of Lumnea in the year 5113&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I can&#039;t believe Saya is thirteen years old now. Today is the last day I will be seeing her. Her mother is taking her to the Isle of Four Winds. There is too much danger here in Aldora. I hope one day when she is older I meet paths with her again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Today I am also taking Graison to the House of the Paladin. My hopes are he grows up to be a great Paladin. He is always eager to hear my stories when I come home. This will give me my distraction of not being able to see my little girl anymore.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;quot;Wait! What?&amp;quot; Graison said aloud. &amp;quot;My little girl?&amp;quot; Graison&#039;s emotions took a turn. Did he just find out his father was cheating on his mother? &amp;quot;This can&#039;t be possible!&amp;quot; He continued talking to himself. His father always showed compassion and love for his mother. Why would he have someone else on the side? Graison flipped further back scanning for the name Saya.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Tilamaires, the 1st of Olaesta in the year 5108&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I travelled back to the woods to see her again. Little Saya looks so much like her mother with a touch of myself. She has my black hair and blue-grey eyes. She loves the animals and the animals love her. It&#039;s cute to watch her run around with the little creatures.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison flips the pages seeking more.&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;Feastday, the 14th of Eorgaen in the year 5102&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I went back to the woods to thank the woman who saved my life. It was last winter I fell ill and collapsed on my way home. I wouldn&#039;t be here today if it weren&#039;t for her. I wouldn&#039;t be with my lovely Alyce and little Graison if it weren&#039;t for her.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;She had a precious baby when I visited. She was so cute. I thought maybe the man of the home was out hunting food for them. I didn&#039;t want to stay long. But this woman asked me to sit and wanted to tell me something. She told me this little child she was holding, for which she named Sayakah, was mine. I couldn&#039;t believe what I was hearing. How could this precious young one be mine? She continued to explain that when I fell ill, I had a bad fever and as I was recovering, I called her Alyce. Because I was still not well, she didn&#039;t want me to relapse and get worse. So she played along.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;I was furious. How could this woman do this to me? But as I looked at the sweet little child with those eyes, I couldn&#039;t stay mad. But I had to keep this a secret from Alyce. From Alyce and Graison. This is one adventure I must not tell either of them. I hope one day I can share this story to them. But for now, it must remain unknown.&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shuts the folio and stuffs the sketches of this girl in his hauberk. He has a sibling somewhere out there. Somewhere on the Isle of Four Winds. Should he seek her out? She should be nineteen or twenty of age by now. Something brought this folio to him for a reason. Do the monks know something he doesn&#039;t? Graison tucks the folio into his haversack and closes the chest. He finds another monk and tells him that he wishes to donate the items in the chest to the Order. The monk smiles graciously.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison makes his way to the Courtyard of the Order, he takes out the sketches of this girl named Sayakah and stares at them for a few minutes before placing them back in his hauberk. Graison finally walks back to Wehnimer&#039;s Landing with a determined look.&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=122840</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=122840"/>
		<updated>2019-11-04T07:21:43Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a pure white onyx shield talisman, [[Prayer_beads|some metallic black pearl prayer beads]], some [[Arkati_Prayer_Beads|jet prayer beads]] with a white shield pendant, a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|silver-dipped feather stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a [[Shield|circular rolaren greatshield]] emblazoned with a bold blue lightning bolt slung over his other shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a miniscule gargoyle ring, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, an onyx [[Hedgehog|leather pouch]] with mesh inserts, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated onyx herb kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, and some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=121466</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=121466"/>
		<updated>2019-10-08T07:45:07Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: &lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]], [[Ghezresh]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a silver-dipped feather [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a twisted [[gold ring]], a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated metal pastry kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles, and an embossed spiked vaalorn [[Shield|greatshield]] slung over his other shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
	<entry>
		<id>https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=121261</id>
		<title>Graison (prime)</title>
		<link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://gswiki.play.net/index.php?title=Graison_(prime)&amp;diff=121261"/>
		<updated>2019-10-04T03:25:30Z</updated>

		<summary type="html">&lt;p&gt;RICHAARD: Created short story Teasingly Torturous&lt;/p&gt;
&lt;hr /&gt;
&lt;div&gt;{{characterprofile &lt;br /&gt;
|background-color=#000000&lt;br /&gt;
|name= Graison Derges&lt;br /&gt;
|image= [[File:Graison_wiki.png]]&lt;br /&gt;
|caption= Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]&lt;br /&gt;
|race= [[Human]]&lt;br /&gt;
|culture= [[Aldora]]&lt;br /&gt;
|class= [[Paladin]]&lt;br /&gt;
|profession= Vindicator&lt;br /&gt;
|religion= Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|affiliations= [[Order of Voln]], The Militia&lt;br /&gt;
|word= Knightly&lt;br /&gt;
|disposition= Stoic&lt;br /&gt;
|demeanor= [[DEMEANOR_(verb)|Friendly]]&lt;br /&gt;
|ptrait= Divine&lt;br /&gt;
|strait=&lt;br /&gt;
|flaw= Obsession with [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
|strength= Nobility&lt;br /&gt;
|weakness= Lawful Good&lt;br /&gt;
|habits=&lt;br /&gt;
|hobbies=&lt;br /&gt;
|soft= &lt;br /&gt;
|likes=&lt;br /&gt;
|dislikes= [[Undead]]&lt;br /&gt;
|fears=&lt;br /&gt;
|loyalties= [[Order of Voln]], [[History_of_the_Order_of_Voln#The_Shield_and_the_Sickle|The Shield and the Sickle]]&lt;br /&gt;
|friend= &lt;br /&gt;
|spouse=&lt;br /&gt;
|loved=&lt;br /&gt;
}}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;PERSONAL INFORMATION&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Name&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Lord Graison Derges&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Title&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Vindicator&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Race&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Human]] &amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp;&amp;amp;nbsp; &amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Gender&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Male&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Age&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: 24&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Date of Birth&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: Day 15 of the month [[Ivastaen]] in the year of 5095&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;u&amp;gt;Clan&amp;lt;/u&amp;gt;: [[Aldora]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He is taller than average and has a muscular, able-bodied physique.  He appears to be very young.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has piercing blue-grey eyes and tanned skin.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has short, frizzy black hair shaved at the temples.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
He has a scruffy looking face and a broad chest.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
[[File:Graison.jpg|thumb|center|400px|alt=Graison Derges|Portrait Created by [http://forum.gsplayers.com/member.php?6887-Divone Divone]]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;AFFILIATIONS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Member of The Militia&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Member of the [[Order of Voln]]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Follower of [[Voln]]&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;ACHIEVEMENTS&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Strongest foe vanquished: a towering oozing zombie spider&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&#039;&#039;&#039;INVENTORY&#039;&#039;&#039;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
He is wearing [[Sprite_quest#Rewards|a little round mirror]], a [[crystal amulet]], a layered black wool [[Whisper_cloak|cloak]], a silver-dipped feather [[Premium_teleportation_jewelry|stickpin]], a large-eyed purple [[Cloisonne_turtle_dove_charm|dove charm]], a golden feather charm, a gold-plated Militia insignia, a sailcloth haversack slung over his shoulder, a white spidersilk [[KnightWear|surcoat]] over a gilt-accented onyx [[Armor|jazerant hauberk]], a pair of articulated black [[KnightWear|gauntlets]] with gold accents, a twisted [[gold ring]], a gold-framed band centered with a white sunstone shield, a black-striated [[KnightWear|belt]], a laje-buckled leather swordbelt with a gold-edged [[white ora]] [[Backsword|sidesword]] hanging from it, a sword-etched sleek silver [[Siegery|case]], a dark leather wine flask, a gold-plated metal pastry kit, a pair of loose stygian black leather trousers, some gleaming golden [[KnightWear|spurs]] embossed with argent roses, some onyx-hued leather riding [[KnightWear|boots]] with rounded ora buckles, and an embossed spiked vaalorn [[Shield|greatshield]] slung over his other shoulder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
__TOC__&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Growing Up Graison&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;Graison Derges was born the 15th of Ivastaen in the year 5095 in a dukedom of the Turamzzyrian Empire known as Aldora. Baby Graison was born with blue-grey eyes and black hair. Graison’s father was a brave Paladin who traveled the country while his mother stayed at home taking care of their goats and sheep...and little Graison. She would use the wool from the sheep to make cloth for sale.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison grew into his teenage years, he followed in his mother’s footsteps and tended their goats and sheep. He would go to the shanties outside the walls of Elstreth to sell what he could. He also wanted to be like his father and become a Paladin. He would listen to stories by his father for years.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When he turned 18, Graison was brought to the House of the Paladin by his father. His father didn’t follow the same deity as he and his mother, which was Kai. His father followed Lord Voln. Graison had heard about him. He also knew that his father was constantly out fighting beasts and other creatures that were killed but rose again. They called them the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison started training as a Paladin at this time. He learned Paladins were fierce warriors with much spirituality as a cleric. The more he trained, the more he would learn how the spiritual magic works. He was taught that he could use these spells to help defend himself and offensively use against others in battle. He received a weapon as a gift from his father after joining the Paladin rankings. It was a sidesword made out of white ora. The white ora from the sword is a special metal that will react to the aura of a Paladin and allow them to fight the undead with weapon in hand without having to have it sanctified.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;He fought many undead alongside his father for a year. The party he was with would always go out looking for the undead. There were many beasts that were harmful along the way, but their focus was to find any undead walking amongst the living. Alone, Graison would fight any beast that would try and hurt him, living or not. A few plants even got a whiff of his sword.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;One evening when Graison was asleep, he had a peculiar dream. A man in full armor of black chainmail topped by a white surcoat and carrying a white shield was fighting alongside him. Graison had no idea who this man was. Something was different when they slain the undead. He could hear a sound like a weeping child as a white glow separated itself from the body of the undead as it would rise, disappearing into the heavens. The man would watch and smile contently as he stared at Graison. Then the dream was over and Graison woke up. He told his father about what happened in his dream and was told that Lord Voln had visited him and showed him the purpose behind defeating the undead.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison then started studying and learning more about Lord Voln and his mission. He heard about a band of folks living underground who were followers of Luukos, but never understood why until now. He even made friends who would worship Luukos, always keeping it a secret and never knowing the whole reason about it. He knew there were of Gods out there, but never really took any of it to the heart as to why. Until now.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;At the age of 21, Graison joined the Southern Order of Voln in Aldora. He would meet up with monks who would guide him and lay symbols upon which he would learn new spiritual magic alongside the ones he was learning as a Paladin. He had a tattoo imprinted on his wrist of a white shield on a field of black to represent his devotion to the Lord Voln.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;His father and mother grew too ill that the stone-tenders were no longer able to assist. They passed away and Graison knew this was his time to adventure outside of the Turamzzyrian Empire and begin a new chapter in his life while completing the works and studies of the Order of Voln.&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Itzy Bitzy Spider&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;It was the Hour of Tonis in Wehnimer’s Landing on the 19th of Koaratos in the year 5119. Graison stood outside the North Gate with others who would defend the town from an onslaught of undead creatures and beasts. What seemed like a simple task would soon turn into something more. He was ready for this. He trained for this. Graison could see the swarm of undead heading towards the gate. He drew his sword, put a fist to his chest and murmured a small prayer to Lord Voln to guide him.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;The battle lasted for what seemed all night, but probably only lasted a half hour or so. There was a call from the West Gate that the undead forces have overrun the guards and entered the town. Jaynon summoned for a group of defenders to stand alongside him and help the citizens of Wehnimer’s Landing. Graison volunteered and joined up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Graison helped the defenders fight off the undead within the town and escort citizens and visitors to safety. As he was moving forward through the streets, Graison couldn’t believe what he saw next. A few feet in front of him, Graison notices a pocket realm form and larger creatures and beasts come forth.  These ones were not the typical undead that Graison has fought. These ones were oozing from every pore and orifice.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A towering spider that clearly was zombified noticed Graison and used its eight legs to quickly rush him. Graison followed lead and ran at the spider as well as yelling. The spider was almost as big as him. Every stab he performed on the spider would result in more ooze. Graison was tired and getting injured. Tiny little spiders started crawling from the bigger spider and now he was stepping on these as well as fighting off the zombified spider. Other defenders joined Graison and the towering oozing zombie spider was eventually defeated. So was Graison and he needed to find shelter and get help.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;A triage was set up at the Raging Thrak Inn where defenders were going to get healed. Graison was helped getting there. As his wounds were being tended by an empath, Graison noticed one of the tiny spiders had found its way onto him. He quickly grabbed the spider and tossed it away. The spider quickly crawled instantly back onto Graison. Using the palm of his hand, he covered the spider and pressed down to squish it. As he released, the spider was still there. As Graison tried to grab the spider again, it dug its legs into his armor and was unmovable. As much as he tried, there was nothing he could do. The spider was not harmful.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As days went on, others around town grew concerned that Graison was infested with a spider, Jaynon in particular since he had his own concerns with a spider-person taunting him. The spider soon became part of Graison’s life and he treated it more as a pet. Whenever he is asked about why he has a spider that lives on him, he shares his story of the fight against the undead and the towering oozing zombie spider.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Fallen from Faith]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible mw-collapsed&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;width:100%&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;h4&amp;gt;Teasingly Torturous&amp;lt;/h4&amp;gt;&amp;lt;div class=&amp;quot;mw-collapsible-content&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;font color=&amp;quot;red&amp;quot; size=&amp;quot;3&amp;quot;&amp;gt;&amp;lt;center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;b&amp;gt;This short story contains violence that may not be suitable for everyone. Read at your own discretion.&amp;lt;/b&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/center&amp;gt;&amp;lt;/font&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;It was during the Hour of Tonis on Tilamaires, the 1st of Jastatos in the year 5119 when Graison was approached and given a poster. The poster had a picture of a young boy who went missing on Caligos Isle. Graison had heard of this island before. Many attend to celebrate the Eve of the Reunion. Merchants stop by during the month selling their wares and those who live on the isle set up games to play. It was supposed to be a fun place to visit. But there seemed to be trouble on the isle. Others around the town of Wehnimer’s Landing were also given posters. Their presence was requested on the isle.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;As Graison arrived on Caligos Isle, there were many others he recognized from Wehnimer’s Landing and surrounding towns. A mystery was afoot. Those who had already gathered learned information that they were sharing. Ghost children were wandering the isle. They were stuck there and not able to pass into Lorminstra&#039;s Gate. Graison teamed up with some of what he now considered friends to figure what to do for these ghostly children who seem to be the ones missing on the posters hanging up around the isle. After time of investigating and research, everyone headed for the Whip and Wight Inn for the night.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;When the Hour of Tonis arrived the next day, Graison was out and about with Rouste when Rouste all of a sudden asks, &amp;quot;Hear that?&amp;quot; Graison had no clue what Rouste heard and replied, &amp;quot;I didn&#039;t.&amp;quot; Rouste scratches his beard and continues, &amp;quot;Dinna hear laughin&#039;?&amp;quot; A silvery mist suddenly shrouds the area, obscuring Graison&#039;s vision.  He feels something cover his face and the world goes completely dark.  Graison awakens somewhere underground.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
{| class=&amp;quot;wikitable&amp;quot; style=&amp;quot;background-color:#eee;&amp;quot; cellpadding=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot; cellspacing=&amp;quot;25&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
|-&lt;br /&gt;
| &amp;lt;span style=&amp;quot;font-size:120&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Sacrificial Altar]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The rough dimensions of this chamber suggest it was formed by some manner of calamity, with its rocky floor spanning only two-thirds of the depth from one wall to another before dropping off into a sheer chasm that echoes with the flow of water from somewhere below.  Near the edge is an elaborate altar of stone and ghezyte, and before it stands a raised stone slab and an imposing crossed timber rack, the stone around each stained ruddy and dark.  At the rear of the chamber is a heavily warded doorway that leads up a set of steps, and on the far end, imbedded in the wall, is a discolored section of stone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: none&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Oh, this can&#039;t be good.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison gazes in wonder at his surroundings.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison glances at Khlast.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison deftly removes the white ora sidesword from his swordbelt.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;Who are you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast cocks her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You may... call me Khlast.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Are you paying attention out there?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Khlast, Graison asks, &amp;quot;And why am I here?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Conversion.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks, &amp;quot;To you?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I don&#039;t think so.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;To me?  No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Never heard of this one.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;And I don&#039;t think I want to.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;We&#039;ll see if you continue that method of thought....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I can only get myself to move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stalks towards Graison and jabs the haft of her cleaver into his gut, doubling him over!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Stop! I don&#039;t approve of this....whatever you are!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up a two-pronged silver fork.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins at Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;Keep that away from me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smiles towards him and stabs the fork into his leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;If I could only.....move.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;I need help!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the blade along the thigh of him and then slams the hilt of it against his fingers.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Owww! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Allow Him in.  Seek his salvation.  Convert to him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans forward.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;No! I won&#039;t.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans close to him, and carefully whispers, &amp;quot;Ghez....Resh...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison asks loudly, &amp;quot;Somebody up there has got to hear me! Anyone?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast looks up towards the window, then back down to Graison.  With a quick flick of her ghezyte cleaver, removes a finger from his left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison yells, &amp;quot;Ahh! Stop!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;They like it when your fingers are removed.  I think they&#039;re foolish... but... may as well.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast trails the tip of her cleaver down Graison&#039;s finger before flicking the blade three quick times.  Each time the blade moves, another knuckle of his third finger is removed.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;You are a coward. Let me free.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I can resist. I must resist.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast using her fork, quickly spears the three finger knuckles.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast licks a two-pronged silver fork in her hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast taps a two-pronged silver fork, which is in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shows Graison a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles, which she is holding in her left hand.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast asks, &amp;quot;Care for a bite?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;You&#039;re disgusting. Let me go!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shrugs.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast put a two-pronged silver fork spearing three meaty finger knuckles in her green leather pouch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;My friends are going to come for me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to him, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You seem keen on being heard.....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly slashes the blade towards his head, lopping off his left ear.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your friends appear to be suggesting other methods of torture....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;I swear....let me go and fight me! You coward!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;No....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;There will be no fighting.  You have been chosen.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Accept it.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shouts, &amp;quot;I accept nothing from you!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You accept one of two things:  The salvation of Ghez... Resh.  Or death.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast reaches out and cradles Graison&#039;s hand in her own.  She smiles warmly down to him and presses the hand, palm down against the altar.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances inquiringly around the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison painfully says, &amp;quot;At this point.....I would rather die.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Perhaps... but not yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I will not pray to whomever this Ghez thing is.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;Or worship.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast stabs her cleaver through the back of his hand, piercing the flesh and bone and hitting the alter with a loud scrape and sparks of metal.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your audience up there....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast grins.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries out, &amp;quot;If I have to die, I will be with my loved ones. Not your kind.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Confident....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shoves her forefinger into his right eye and plucks the orb from its socket.  With a wet sloshing sound, she flings his eye across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison exclaims, &amp;quot;Blind me! At least I won&#039;t be able to see you anymore!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast places her blade over the top of his right shoulder. Placing a hand at either end of the cleaver, she slowly presses down on his flesh.  Finding resistance momentarily as the edge meets bone, it suddenly thunks against the alter with a sickening crunch.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast just nudged Graison.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Don&#039;t fade yet.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;I will not convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides one of  riding boots off Graison&#039;s foot, setting it aside. She then places a finger on his large toe.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison says, &amp;quot;I know I am going to a better place.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast inclines her ear, listening intently.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods approvingly.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast flicks the blade against his large toe before it plummets to the ground in a red spray.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slides the blade to his next toe and continues, &amp;quot;And this little piggy....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once, the blade giving a soft *snick* as his second toe flips through the air and lands nearby.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slowly drags the blade along his foot as it moves towards the third toe.  &amp;quot;And this little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast smirks as she quickly amputates the middle toe.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast whispers softly to Graison, &amp;quot;Still with us?&amp;quot; as she moves the blade against is fourth toe. &amp;quot;This little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast glances up.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast nods once.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison cries, &amp;quot;Do what you want now. My mind is clear and I will be with Voln.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast clips off his fourth toe in a slow slide of the blade through flesh and bone.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast asks, &amp;quot;And the last little piggy?&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast slams the blade against his ankle, severing his entire foot!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;They wish you to be symmetrical again.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly lops off his second foot, which sprays a crimson arc across the room.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast moves around towards his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This can all end...&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Convert.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions, they advise to embrace him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast carefully intones, &amp;quot;Embrace Ghez... Resh.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;You can nod if you wish to submit.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison quietly shouts, &amp;quot;Never! Those companions you talk about are not my friends.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison continues, &amp;quot;I will not!&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast quickly reaches into Graison&#039;s open mouth and pinches his tongue. Not giving him a chance to react, the tongue is quickly removed with the blade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast leans towards Graison, whispering softly into his good ear.  &amp;quot;Remember to nod if you wish to embrace Him.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison shakes his head.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;This will... hurt you more than it hurts me.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his thigh, leaning heavily upon it until the familiar *KARUNCH!* of bone echoes in the small chamber.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison falls silently screaming to the ground with his mangled right leg!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;Your companions wish you, once again, to be symmetrical.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast presses the blade against his other leg, pressing until the crunching sound reverbrates once more.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You are not long for this world... convert.  He will welcome you.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison senses that his spirit has a slight attunement to the minds of others in the area, though it will quickly fade.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
* Graison is now fish food for the fauna of Caligos Isle!&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast shakes her head, clucking her tongue.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast says, &amp;quot;A pity.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Speaking to Graison, Khlast says, &amp;quot;You have one last chance....&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Khlast picks up the corpse of Graison and carries him to a discolored section of stone, perfunctorily shoving him in.&lt;br /&gt;
Graison feels himself being pulled away...&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
[Underground, Cistern]&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
The dimensions of this chamber are breathtaking, such that it could only have been naturally wrought, and it echoes with the sound of water lapping against stone.  Evidenced by the scent of the sea, the cistern is fed from an underground channel, and its waters break in shallow waves chased by the cyan glow emitted by the crystals dappled across the arching ceiling and convex walls.  The effect is otherwordly and seems in sharp contrast to the mundanity of the furnishings haphazardly arranged throughout.  You also see an uneven aperture.&lt;br /&gt;
Obvious exits: south&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;/span&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
|}&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Graison&#039;s spirit was still with his body, but fading fairly quickly. He could hear voices coming from afar and some people to his location. He saw these people before, but wasn&#039;t sure who they were. They started dragging his body away from where he was. He wasn&#039;t exactly sure what they were doing with his body. Graison started to get concerned. But he finally saw two familiar faces. Jourwen and Ravenfritha were walking along and immediately speaking to Ravenfritha, Delieta says, &amp;quot;We found him in our walking path.&amp;quot;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;Raven, for short, placed her hands on Graison and started making some small prayers and his limbs begin reforming onto his body as well as his tongue. Jourwen cracks open a gem and scatters it all over Graison&#039;s body and chants a prayer. Graison&#039;s spirit and body becomes one again.&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Graison remembers clearly what had happened to him and shares his story with his two friends. He tells them he thinks this is what happened to the missing children. As Graison was walking away with his group, a silver voice slithers across his ear,  &amp;quot;Rest.... I will decide if we try again tomorrow.&amp;quot;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;&amp;lt;br&amp;gt;(&#039;&#039;&#039;Credit:&#039;&#039;&#039; [[Ebon Gate 2019]])&amp;lt;/div&amp;gt;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;[[Category:Platinum Player Characters]]&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;&lt;/div&gt;</summary>
		<author><name>RICHAARD</name></author>
	</entry>
</feed>