"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?>no 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. >take symbol Which do you mean, the medicine bag or the copper dagger? >bag The leather strap feels cool and familiar in your hands as you take your medicine bag down from its place. >take symbol (the copper dagger) You carefully take your lover's weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >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. >fire pit Not just yet. You are curious to know what it is your enemy and your lover are discussing. >neighbor Your people do not stay in one place from birth to death like the people of the city, nor are you always wandering, like the people of the desert; you find a peaceful spot and stay there till the animals move on or the stream dries up. These are their homes; they are all you need. >neighbors' tents [Things to try: LOOK | LOOK AT | GO | TALK TO | GREET | ATTACK | TAKE | TOUCH | HEAL | LISTEN | PRAISE | MOCK | STORY | UNDO | or an EMPHASIZED word. For more detailed instructions, type INFO] >enemy What it was that first made an enemy out of a dear friend you cannot recall, but it has been many years now since smiles passed between you. >love It has been a year, now, though it seems like only a day since you first felt the texture of those hands, the warmth of that fierce embrace. In a hundred years it will still feel as fresh. >restart Are you sure you want to restart? yes