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Library: The Art of Stillness, a bardic play by Esim and Derfel

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Author: esim
Date:Oct 30 2024

%Amphitheater stage is empty, and heavy curtain hides the backdrop and the
props. Candle sconces and lanterns cast a warm, wavering glow from either side
of the stage, giving the setting an intimate, almost otherworldly aura.

%Then, with a soft creak and a flicker, the spotlight emerges. A single
lantern, suspended above, focuses a beam onto the center of the Amphitheater
stage. Its light is pale, as if woven from moonlight itself, cutting through
the dusky warmth and bathing the stage in a cool, mystical brilliance. Dust
motes dance within the beam, creating a shimmering pathway from above.

%Announcer speaks, his voice, seasoned by countless nights of calling forth
crowds, rings through the dimly lit amphitheater: 'Ladies and Gentlemen,
distinguished guests, and esteemed connoisseurs of culture, It is with the
utmost pleasure that I extend to you the warmest of welcomes.'

%Announcer says 'In this gathering of refined minds and cultivated
sensibilities, we are reminded of the elegance that lies in shared thought,
artistic expression, and intellectual exchange.'

%Announcer says 'As we embark on this journey together, may the conversations
flow with eloquence, the ideas unfold with grace, and the moments be imbued
with a sense of timeless sophistication.'

%Announcer clears his throat and continues: 'Before this evening's revels
commence and tales of gallant feats and laughter unfold, I am bid by decree to
relay to you a most solemn notice -- aye, from none other than the esteemed
Master of Physick himself, the Surgeon General! It is his caution, dear
friends, that gatherings such as these under the noble roofs of our beloved
amphitheater, do bear the risk to one's well-being. The written notice has
been delivered under your seats.'

%Announcer says 'In the unlikely event that the fates conspire to cause a
commotion or disquiet within this fine hall, such as uninvited gremlins
appearing from thin air, know that swift paths of retreat have been wisely
prepared for your ease and safety.'

%Announcer points around the amphitheater: 'Should the need arise to depart
with haste, cast your gaze to doorways over there to the left and to the
right. And should you find yourselves at the rear, fear not, for behind you
lies another egress. Move with calm mind and nimble step, assisting those
nearest you as fine neighbors should.'

%Announcer says 'Before our players take to the stage, a gentle reminder as
bid by the Undead Nation Ltd: It is kindly asked that no quills scratch nor
parchments rustle whilst our tale unfolds! Fix your minds upon the scene. Let
your hearts, not your hands, capture each moment. If notes are to be taken,
let them be written upon the soul alone, where they may linger timelessly.'

%Announcer says 'Now, let us proceed to the tale, brave souls that you are!'

%Announcer, introducing the scene: 'A sunny afternoon at a halloween event
site. Two nuns, Ecky and Tikku, are lounging by the trebuchet, watching eager
highbies chase monsters. They both have their drinks in hand, clearly taking
it easy while others are hard at work.'

%Announcer leaves the stage, and slowly the curtains begin to part, drawing
back with a stately grace. As the curtains draw fully aside, two bards dressed
in black and white habits walk on stage. There seems to be a trebuchet made
from cardboard in the middle of the stage.

%Ecky, sips drink. 'You ever just... feel bad watching people work this hard?'

%Tikku leans back, stretching. "Not really. I mean, look at 'em- casting
spells, swinging their weapons. They're in their element, man. We're
just...appreciating their craft from a distance."

%Ecky laughs. 'Yeah, 'appreciating.' That's what we're calling it? I feel like
we're just here avoiding responsibility.'

%Tikku grins, "Hey, someone's gotta supervise, right? We're making sure the
sun doesn't move too much or, uh, that the air stays breathable."

%'Right. Crucial stuff. Real essential work here', Ecky replies, pausing.

%Ghost of Anatea (ghost): rais, pls

%Ecky takes a sip of her drink, 'You think we should at least offer to help?
Maybe rais or something.'

%Tikku raises an eyebrow, "And ruin our perfect streak of doing nothing? Nah,
they've got it under control. Besides, we would just get in the way."

%'True, plus, I'm not exactly dressed for partying', Ecky replies gesturing to
her prancy high-heeled glass shoes 'Can't risk these bad boys.'

%Tikku, nodding seriously, "Safety first. Can't be out there with improper
footwear. We would be a liability."

%Ecky sighs dramatically, 'Such a burden, watching others do all the hard
work. Luckily we get the same rewards anyway.'

%Tikku agrees, "It really is. But you know what? We're building something,
too."

%Ecky asks curiously, 'Oh yeah? What's that?'

%Tikku sipping her drink, "Character. Patience. The ability to sit still while
chaos unfolds around us. You can't put a price on that."

%Ghost of Anatea (ghost): that rais, ffs

%Ecky laughs, 'That's deep, philosophical even. Next thing you'll say is we're
learning the art of stillness.'

%Tikku nods sagely, "Exactly. It's like... a skill. Zen, you know?"

%Ecky watches one the highbies wipe sweat off his brow, 'Yeah, well, they're
definitely not practicing stillness.'

%Tikku continues, "Which is why it's good we're balancing it out. Universe
needs equilibrium, man. For every player, there's gotta be two guys like us -
sitting, drinking, and admiring the effort."

%Ecky wonders for a moment. 'Balance. Now that's a concept I can get behind.'

%Tikku, raising her glass at the audience "To balance!"

%Ecky, raising drink in return 'To balance.'

%Amphitheater stage falls silent, each word hanging like a spell over the
captivated audience. Then, slowly, gracefully, they bow their heads, and one
by one, the actors retreat from view, leaving the stage empty yet filled with
the lingering energy of their performance.

%A gentle, mournful note sounds as the curtains begin their solemn descent.
The rich, velvet fabric, worn yet noble, sweeps inward from both sides,
gathering in folds that whisper softly against the stage floor. Shadows
deepen, swallowing the last traces of light, until all that remains is a quiet
darkness, as if the Amphitheater itself is taking a reverent breath. The
curtains close fully, and the world of the play fades, leaving only the memory
of its enchantment.

Wicksius cheers at the audience.
Woodrow cheers at the audience.
Zoid claps at the audience.
Eronk applauds at the audience.
Meno applauds at the audience.
Night tells Derfel and you 'hauska :D'
Hair applauds at the audience.
Meno cheers at the audience.
Dornier claps at the audience.
Hair cheers at the audience.
Magiscus applauds at the audience.
Ellash cheers at the audience.
Valkrist claps at the audience.
Darker applauds at the audience.
'@Fosforos claps at you.
Fosforos tells you 'olipa hauska :)'
Ggr applauds at the audience.
You emote to Fosforos 'thanks you heartily.'
Garas claps at the audience.
Ggr claps at the audience.


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