"He found the knowledge at the heart of the universe;
            Returned, and cut his story into stone..."


                     -- The Epic Of Gilgamesh













             Whom The Telling Changed


                                    By Aaron A. Reed

                                        








Would you like instructions?>y

I am your eyes and hands within the story. Direct me with commands such as EXAMINE THE BAG, GO OUTSIDE, LISTEN, or FIGHT HIM. Single word shorthand like FIGHT or BAG will often suffice. Some single words will be highlighted to bring them to your attention: type them to shape the story. The header bar suggests things you may try, but there are always more options available than it shows. Time only advances when you give a command or type LISTEN, which it is sometimes wise to do.

Other useful commands include REPEAT, to remember what was recently said; STORY to see the choices you have made; INVENTORY to see what you are holding; WAIT to let the time pass; UNDO to take back your last turn; and GREET, MOCK, PRAISE, TALK TO or ASK ABOUT to interact with characters.

More information about this story is available by typing ABOUT.

Press any key to begin.


The people have always gathered on moonless nights to hear the telling, since the time of your ancestors' ancestors. The heat of the fire and the glow in the storyteller's eyes make the past present, and the path to the future clear. Tonight the stars are bright, but the minds of your people are troubled. May the words of the telling guide your way.

-----------

The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough.

The symbol of your occupation hangs from the central support of the tent.

>look symnol
[I'm not sure what you are referring to.]

>look symbol
That is not nearby.

>go to symbol
Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger?

>get dagger
You carefully take your weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment.

>look dagger
That is not nearby.

>look bag
That is not nearby.

>go to bag
You are already close enough.

>look bag
That is not nearby.

>get bag
You lift your lover's medicine bag down from its place, handling it carefully.

>inventory
You are carrying your lover's medicine bag, your copper dagger and the storyteller's feathered circlet.

>look
The walls of your tent glow yellow in the lamplight, your simple possessions casting flickering shadows on the wall. A straw bed; some skins of water, oil, and wine; a small, guttering lamp--it is simple, but it is enough.

>get water
Water for your hands, oil for your lamp, wine for your thirst. You need none of them now, but knowing they are there brings comfort.

>get lamp
Though the sky is dark outside, the bonfire will provide light for what seeing is necessary.

Lowered voices speak softly from somewhere outside your tent.

>go outside
You step outside into the warm night air.

It has been night for many hours, but the air is still warm, and the stars are a million brilliant fires above you. Nearby are the vague outlines of your neighbors' tents, but on this moonless night only the distant glow of the fire pit seems truly alive.

In the darkness a few feet away, Sihan and Saiph talk quietly in strained tones.

As you approach, your enemy grows silent. Your love turns to you with a look of relief and reaches out a hand.

>quit
Are you sure you want to quit?
y