"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?>n 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. >get dagger You carefully take your weapon down from the wall and study it thoughtfully for a moment. >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. Your lover's medicine bag hangs from the central support of the tent. >put out lamp You cup the small lamp in your hands and blow. The flame sputters out, and you are swallowed up by darkness. >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. >talk to saiph You clasp Sihan's soft hand and turn to Saiph with a frown. "What business have you here?" you ask him coldly. Saiph stares down at you with distaste. "I came to see if Sihan has sense left in her head after a season with you," he says levelly. "But I see that, like you, she would lead our people down the path of needless killing. I have no more to say." He turns and strides fiercely into the darkness. >look 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. Your beloved gazes up at the stars. Sihan sighs. "He still hopes for peace with the newcomers," your lover says, "and was upset to find I do not share his views. We shall see if your enemy has better luck at the telling." She looks up to the stars, and adds, "It is a good night for it." >night Sihan points up at the night sky. "See how bright the stars are," she says, "as if the gods themselves gather round our fire to hear the teller's story." >look at starts [I'm not sure what you are referring to.] >look at stars The stars glimmer in the warm night air, casting a pale light over the valley. >enter fire You linger for a moment in the starlight, tempted to enjoy more quiet words with your love. >go inside It is dark and still inside, silver starlight brightening up the entrance flap but leaving you in near darkness. >sleep Though it is late, this is a special night. You should stay awake. >light lamp You strike a piece of flint and rekindle the oil lamp. >lok [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] >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. Sihan's medicine bag hangs from the central support of the tent. >lay down (the feather circlet) This circlet is a prized possession; you cannot leave it just anywhere. >taKE 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. >glow [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] >restart Are you sure you want to restart? y