The Follies of FoolsThe mermaid, Brettilia:"But where is the moon? It should have risen by this time, yet I cannot descry it. Perhaps it is behind yonder cloud, aye? No, it has yet to rise, but I fear we will not gain any sight of it tonight; a black cloud is approaching nigh out of the west. It will soon block the entire vault of the heavens with it's blue-black bulk. "Ah, but the air is wonderful and damp on the water tonight. I wager it will storm err the moonset. And look! It's a red-orange band over yonder treeline. How I love to watch the sun leave the sky. It's passing is often as spectacular as it is fortunate. See how the hills and forested valleys make a jagged edge to the right red stripe of sky. "Already the city on yonder bank is beginning to light itself. Tis a vain attempt to drive off the darkness; every light only makes a new shadow. Yet those people count themselves safe in their mighty city. 'The Great Foalthor, City by the Falls'! Hah, this lake is mightier than any city, and tis closer to the Falls as well, if that counts towards anything. "I suppose the Falls should bear some signifigance, although they are of little use to us. They do give forth a brilliant mist which sets those far off forests in perpetual fog. "Yet my view of the land, even when shrouded in vapor, always serves to remind me of the unnaturalness of open, clear space. I am beginning to feel again a longing for our murky home. Come, let us descend once more..." The gull, Aur Hki: "There, I have espied the maiden and her kin once more. I wonder how they do continue on amongst the low waves forever more as they do. They are fascinated by the sky above, yet they cannot understand it. Tis a pity they cannot venture beyond the crest of the falls, for that is where sea and sky become one. Occasionally, an unfortunate fish is thrust out by the flowing water, into that mixture of spray and wind. On those times, I always attempt to be of service, and rescue it into my belly. But of course, the maids know nothing of that. "I am surprised they did not linger longer. I see a storm approaching and the wind feels changed to bursting. I know how they delight in a tumultuous storm. "And there is the city alight once more. I wish I could prey on the vermin within those walls, yet I dare not approach the land of men. I wonder why so many of them are venturing forth from their prized walls? I see now a long line of torch bearers and many other people besides, leaving their city by the shore-side road with many bridges along it. What business could they have being out on a night such as this? There will be no hunting by way of moonlight or even starlight this night. And even I would have great difficulties in the wind, rain, and thunder that is sure to come. Yes, I foresee that I will retire early this night..." The torch bearer, Terrian Hooksmith: "I wish I had my bow about me right now; I wager I could fetch one of those birds flying over yonder. One of them would make a tasty meal, it would. Yet the darkness is getting on. In this light, I'd be more like to lose all my good shafts than bring down any game. "Really, I can't see why Master Gilthlorm would wish us to make a procession in this gloom. And on a storm'en night to boot. It's my guess there'll be little hope any of us will be getting home this night with a single dry stitch. Me, I just want to know how we're going to be return'en home at all once these torches get drenched. I bet the Master hadn't thought of that. "Well, I reckon those heavy clouds will at least wait on us to get to the Falls before they loose on us. I haven't the slightest idea as to why the Master and his whole foam'in congregation are venturing there anyway. Yet as long as he keeps lining my pockets with coin, I'll carry my torch ee'n to the Land's End for him. I suppose I shouldn't complain how wet I get. "Land's End indeed, only if the Master should ask me to go beyond, he had better be offer'en a better price!..." The Gate Warden, Trom Fealter: "Close those gates! And you there, don't forget the bolt. The King's order stands for tonight as it does every night. Especially tonight, what with those miserable rock-beaters and their crazed master out there. Just who does he imagine he is, flaunting about in that golden vest of his? It would suit well with me if he and the lot of 'em stayed out there forever. "Serves 'em perfect to be out in the elements instead of loafing about inside the city. Either that or sulking up in their thilthy Brown Tower. "By the foaming Falls, I hope they fall off the Land's End! Well, I'm off to supper now, and I won't be summoned back here for anything save the King's call. So you lads mark me well, I don't care if there be a host of soaked maids and young'ens outside screaming to be let in; the gates stay shut till sunrise and my orders!" The Court Oracle, Sage Yithrel: "...'and so to a solemn train of stone-bearers and their Mad Master, bedecked in coins of gold, will embark forth from Foalthor's door. Upon the Road of Bridges unto the Falls they will make way. He will lead them on the paths to death, away from the King and country whom they have renounced. In the storms to follow, the Tower of Brown shall fall at last and the echo of shattered stone will ring throughout the realm for ages hence.' "Right, now attend to me, my apprentice. Take this scroll and get thee to the old eastern watch tower. If, by odd chance, you should espy Gilthlorm and his mob return in good health, then secret this away to my vaults immediately. If however you should hear that ill luck hath befallen them, then you are to bring me this scroll directly so that I may discover it before the court..." (more to follow) |
Created by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee at 10-08-08 12:10 PM
Last Modified by Janna Oakfellow-Pushee at 10-08-08 12:38 PM