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Love Begins
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@thefoolinthevale
I once knew a king from the Valley
Who always would dilly and dally
His daughter was sick
His response wasn't quick
So she made some good friends in the alley-
No, that makes it sound like Selene and I are whores. I'll workshop it.
Helios was the court jester of the Royal House of Bellvale, and the dearest friend of the Princess Eos. Quick with a joke and a thinly veiled insult, he was the princess's ride or die, as happy to support her as he was to insult her scheming parents.
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
You are most welcome.
Perhaps I should try again.
Helios cleared his throat.
[Crumb sits, ready to politely listen.]
Eos began to play again.
O, my dearest friend Selene
Said, "Go down to the Wood,"
And I did as she bade
Which did not turn out good!
[Crumb smiles, clapping along to the beat.]
I wandered into a different wood,
With leaves a different green
And as I turned to go back home
Well, I couldn't believe what I'd seen!
What did you see?
[Crumb's eyes were big and wide.]
I saw not my castle home,
And so I began to roam
Through the Witchwood, I went far
And, exiting, I found a car!
One of those mechanical carriages, yes?
You changed the rhyme scheme.
Well, fuck.
Eos giggled, ceasing her drumming as Helios sighed in defeat.
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
You are most welcome.
Perhaps I should try again.
Helios cleared his throat.
[Crumb sits, ready to politely listen.]
Eos began to play again.
O, my dearest friend Selene
Said, "Go down to the Wood,"
And I did as she bade
Which did not turn out good!
[Crumb smiles, clapping along to the beat.]
I wandered into a different wood,
With leaves a different green
And as I turned to go back home
Well, I couldn't believe what I'd seen!
What did you see?
[Crumb's eyes were big and wide.]
I saw not my castle home,
And so I began to roam
Through the Witchwood, I went far
And, exiting, I found a car!
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
You are most welcome.
Perhaps I should try again.
Helios cleared his throat.
[Crumb sits, ready to politely listen.]
Eos began to play again.
O, my dearest friend Selene
Said, "Go down to the Wood,"
And I did as she bade
Which did not turn out good!
[Crumb smiles, clapping along to the beat.]
I wandered into a different wood,
With leaves a different green
And as I turned to go back home
Well, I couldn't believe what I'd seen!
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
You are most welcome.
Perhaps I should try again.
Helios cleared his throat.
[Crumb sits, ready to politely listen.]
Eos began to play again.
O, my dearest friend Selene
Said, "Go down to the Wood,"
And I did as she bade
Which did not turn out good!
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
You are most welcome.
Perhaps I should try again.
Helios cleared his throat.
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
[Crumb chuckles.]
I'm sure it was a lovely first draft.
Thank you, Sir Crumb.
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
I will admit I could not hear it as well as the drum.
Good.
Eos ribbed playfully, causing Helios to huff.
I'd like to see you do better.
A loud, rhythmic banging was coming from Eos' cabin.
- @time-vertigo
[Crumb pauses in his patrol at the sound. Curiously, he scampers over to the window of the cabin, peering inside.]
Eos was playing her makeshift tabor with a soft smile on her face. Helios was also there, saying or singing something by the looks of it, though his voice was inaudible between the drumming and the window.
[Crumb hops up and down to the beat of the drum, smiling. He hadn't heard music that sounded like home in quite some time.]
Helios spotted Crumb and startled.
Eos stopped playing and turned around, beckoning for him to enter.
[Crumb's cheeks grow a faint shade of pink, though it's hard to tell from under the fur.]
I apologies, your Highness. It is ungentlemanly to peer as I did.
Eos giggled.
'Tis fine, 'tis fine, 'tis unladylike to cause such a ruckus, and each guy o'errides the other.
Music is not ruckus, your highness.
Ruckus enough to cause your peering, I meant.
I was drawn in by music, not ruckus.
Well, would the sound of a lute or clavichord have traveled through the walls?
If the walls are thin and the playing is loud.
Clavichords aren't loud.
You know what I mean, your highness.
She laughed.
Point is, you're forgiven.
Thank you, your highness.
Goodness, I haven't played since I fell into this real-dream, I'm rather out of form.
Nonsense, friend, thou art well, and thou art having fun, and that's what matters!
Indeed. Though my ear is not as trained in music as it is in fighting, it sounded rather nice.
Eos smiled sheepishly.
I was attempting to compose a comedic ballad of our misadventures here in Hatchetfield.
'T'was rubbish.
I was warming up.
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
I guess so.
So the next morning, again, he asks what the noise was. And again, the monks say "Sorry, we can't tell you, you're not a monk." And this guy has had enough, the curiosity is eating at him, so he just says "Alright, alright. What do I have to do to become a monk?"
The monks reply "You must travel the whole world and tell us exactly how many blades of grass there are, and how many grains of sand there are. Once you find these numbers, you will become a monk. So the man set out to count them all.
A trick, says I. No man can do such a thing, for it always changes.
Probably! I think it was just a way for them to see how dedicated he was.
And, well, he did it. After 50-something years, the man comes back to the monastery. He tells the monks "There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 grains of sand in the entire world."
And did they let him in?
Or call him a liar?
They congratulate him! Apparently it was the right answer, so they made him a monk. And since he was a monk now, they took him to see what the strange sound was. The monks lead the man to a wooden door and tell him the source of the sound is behind it. The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked.
Does he not deserve the key, now that he is a monk?
Or do the monks not even know?
The man wonders the same thing for a moment, and when pointing it out to the other monks, they provide him a key. The man unlocks it and behind the wooden door...
Was a door made of stone.
By the Nine, seems not even monks are above such practical jokes.
Right?
The man demands the key for that door, too. The monks hand it over, he opens the door, only to find a door behind that made of ruby. The man demands another key, which the monks provide.
How rich were these monks?
Will this end with the man realizing the sound was the sound of the doors opening because the monks were showing a novice the door behind the door behind the door behind the door behind-
She gasped, putting her hand to her head.
[He chuckled a bit.]
Well I think he'd have stopped by now if the doors opening was the sound he heard, since he'd have the answer then. But he keeps going.
Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. And so it kept going until the man went through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Again, I ask, how rich were these monks?
Very! Having all of these and still being able to care for a random lost guy for a couple nights, they must be loaded.
Eventually, one of the monks produces the last key, telling the man that this is the final door. The man is relieved that he finally made it to the end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and he's amazed as he finally finds the source of that strange sound...
Helios was on the edge of his seat.
Eos rocked back and forth as she recovered from her mini-episode, turning her attention back to Paul.
[Paul can barely contain a smile as he looks between everyone, feigning confusion at their suspense.]
What?
You know exactly what, knave, now tell us!
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
I guess so.
So the next morning, again, he asks what the noise was. And again, the monks say "Sorry, we can't tell you, you're not a monk." And this guy has had enough, the curiosity is eating at him, so he just says "Alright, alright. What do I have to do to become a monk?"
The monks reply "You must travel the whole world and tell us exactly how many blades of grass there are, and how many grains of sand there are. Once you find these numbers, you will become a monk. So the man set out to count them all.
A trick, says I. No man can do such a thing, for it always changes.
Probably! I think it was just a way for them to see how dedicated he was.
And, well, he did it. After 50-something years, the man comes back to the monastery. He tells the monks "There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 grains of sand in the entire world."
And did they let him in?
Or call him a liar?
They congratulate him! Apparently it was the right answer, so they made him a monk. And since he was a monk now, they took him to see what the strange sound was. The monks lead the man to a wooden door and tell him the source of the sound is behind it. The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked.
Does he not deserve the key, now that he is a monk?
Or do the monks not even know?
The man wonders the same thing for a moment, and when pointing it out to the other monks, they provide him a key. The man unlocks it and behind the wooden door...
Was a door made of stone.
By the Nine, seems not even monks are above such practical jokes.
Right?
The man demands the key for that door, too. The monks hand it over, he opens the door, only to find a door behind that made of ruby. The man demands another key, which the monks provide.
How rich were these monks?
Will this end with the man realizing the sound was the sound of the doors opening because the monks were showing a novice the door behind the door behind the door behind the door behind-
She gasped, putting her hand to her head.
[He chuckled a bit.]
Well I think he'd have stopped by now if the doors opening was the sound he heard, since he'd have the answer then. But he keeps going.
Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. And so it kept going until the man went through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Again, I ask, how rich were these monks?
Very! Having all of these and still being able to care for a random lost guy for a couple nights, they must be loaded.
Eventually, one of the monks produces the last key, telling the man that this is the final door. The man is relieved that he finally made it to the end. He unlocks the door, turns the knob, and he's amazed as he finally finds the source of that strange sound...
Helios was on the edge of his seat.
Eos rocked back and forth as she recovered from her mini-episode, turning her attention back to Paul.
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
I guess so.
So the next morning, again, he asks what the noise was. And again, the monks say "Sorry, we can't tell you, you're not a monk." And this guy has had enough, the curiosity is eating at him, so he just says "Alright, alright. What do I have to do to become a monk?"
The monks reply "You must travel the whole world and tell us exactly how many blades of grass there are, and how many grains of sand there are. Once you find these numbers, you will become a monk. So the man set out to count them all.
A trick, says I. No man can do such a thing, for it always changes.
Probably! I think it was just a way for them to see how dedicated he was.
And, well, he did it. After 50-something years, the man comes back to the monastery. He tells the monks "There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 grains of sand in the entire world."
And did they let him in?
Or call him a liar?
They congratulate him! Apparently it was the right answer, so they made him a monk. And since he was a monk now, they took him to see what the strange sound was. The monks lead the man to a wooden door and tell him the source of the sound is behind it. The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked.
Does he not deserve the key, now that he is a monk?
Or do the monks not even know?
The man wonders the same thing for a moment, and when pointing it out to the other monks, they provide him a key. The man unlocks it and behind the wooden door...
Was a door made of stone.
By the Nine, seems not even monks are above such practical jokes.
Right?
The man demands the key for that door, too. The monks hand it over, he opens the door, only to find a door behind that made of ruby. The man demands another key, which the monks provide.
How rich were these monks?
Will this end with the man realizing the sound was the sound of the doors opening because the monks were showing a novice the door behind the door behind the door behind the door behind-
She gasped, putting her hand to her head.
[He chuckled a bit.]
Well I think he'd have stopped by now if the doors opening was the sound he heard, since he'd have the answer then. But he keeps going.
Behind that door is another door, this one made of sapphire. And so it kept going until the man went through doors of emerald, silver, topaz, and amethyst.
Again, I ask, how rich were these monks?
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
I guess so.
So the next morning, again, he asks what the noise was. And again, the monks say "Sorry, we can't tell you, you're not a monk." And this guy has had enough, the curiosity is eating at him, so he just says "Alright, alright. What do I have to do to become a monk?"
The monks reply "You must travel the whole world and tell us exactly how many blades of grass there are, and how many grains of sand there are. Once you find these numbers, you will become a monk. So the man set out to count them all.
A trick, says I. No man can do such a thing, for it always changes.
Probably! I think it was just a way for them to see how dedicated he was.
And, well, he did it. After 50-something years, the man comes back to the monastery. He tells the monks "There are 145,236,284,232 blades of grass and 231,281,219,999,129,382 grains of sand in the entire world."
And did they let him in?
Or call him a liar?
They congratulate him! Apparently it was the right answer, so they made him a monk. And since he was a monk now, they took him to see what the strange sound was. The monks lead the man to a wooden door and tell him the source of the sound is behind it. The man reaches for the knob, but the door is locked.
Does he not deserve the key, now that he is a monk?
Or do the monks not even know?
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
I guess so.
So the next morning, again, he asks what the noise was. And again, the monks say "Sorry, we can't tell you, you're not a monk." And this guy has had enough, the curiosity is eating at him, so he just says "Alright, alright. What do I have to do to become a monk?"
The monks reply "You must travel the whole world and tell us exactly how many blades of grass there are, and how many grains of sand there are. Once you find these numbers, you will become a monk. So the man set out to count them all.
A trick, says I. No man can do such a thing, for it always changes.
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Oh, cool. The car's not too important to the story anyway.
Uh, so that night, as the man is trying to fall asleep, he hears a strange noise. In the morning, he asks the monks what the noise was and they say "well we can't tell you, you're not a monk!"
Eos squirmed.
Is this a frightening tale or an amusing one?
I'd say... more amusing. It's more suspenseful than it is frightening.
Anyway, the man was disappointed by this answer but accepted it anyway. He thanked the monks for their kindness and went on his way, never really able to get that sound out of his head. A few years later, he found himself lost in that same area again and came back to the monastery. He again asked to stay the night and, again, the monks accepted and got him food and a map. That night, he hears the noise yet again.
Eos relaxed slightly.
Did he lose the first map?
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
[Ge exhales between his lips.]
Okay, I guess I could ham it up a bit.
So... one night, a man is driving down a road and his car breaks down. Uh- fuck, you guys probably dont know what a car is. Uhh... A guy got lost on a long walk and it was getting dark, we'll say that. He soon finds a monastery, knocks on the door, and tells the monks that answer that he's lost and needs somewhere to stay for the night. The monks welcome him in, feed him a warm dinner, and give him a room for the night. They even give him a map for when he leaves in the morning.
At least some of us are familiar with the concept for a car.
Helios was wandering around downtown when he spotted Paul.
Paul! Oh, thank the nine I found you, I was just about to give up!
- @thefoolinthevale
[Paul perks up as he's walking, turning and waving.]
Helios! It's been a while, everything okay?
Yes, I merely wanted to invite you to the Long Night observance Eos and I are having tonight!
Oh, sure! I mean, as long as there won't be too much music, I guess. Or as long as it's okay if I step out whenever there is, y'know? I dont want to ruin anyone else's night just by being there.
Well, some stories are best told as ballads, but I'm sure all will respect your situation.
Yeah, I'll just... just step out if there's gotta be music sometimes. Uh, lead the way!
Helios led the way to the Witchwood.
[Paul follows close behind, a bit wary to be in the Witchwoods and not too steady on his feet in the brush, but following as best he can anyway.]
Helios led Paul to a group of abandoned cabins on the outskirts of Camp Idonwannabang and to a smaller one. He then paused.
Damn it, I just realized there are people from the place we don't talk about here. Will that be an issue?
[Seeing the camp, Paul couldn't help but sneer. He'd only been to the camp proper once himself, but knowing this was basically his brother's second home made him want to stay away even more. Helios pausing drew his attention back forward.]
Oh... uh... I don't know, actually. I haven't met anyone from there before, just heard names and places and all that. I might be... fine... as long as I don't repeat names and all that.
Helios opened the door, where Eos was there, along with Ella Ashmore, Justine Grizzwald, Lord Hop-A-Lot, and Sir Crumb.
[Paul paused at the door, looking around at the group within the cabin. Oh thats some loud new music... He raised a hand in greeting, ducking into the doorway behind Helios.]
Everyone, this is my friend Paul, Paul, this is...everyone- Paul-
He turned to Paul in concern.
Paul?
[A shiver ran down Paul's being, keeping his mouth closed as a long, high hum escaped his throat.]
hello~
[It came out more sung than Paul would have liked, making him wince.]
Paul, if you are not well, you may leave.
I'm-
[He cuts himself off, taking a deep breath and trying again.]
I'm okay. I- I could use the practice being around more people and... m-more music, anyway.
But there is no music here, save the crackle of the fire.
Eos called, walking over in concern.
Oh, no, I mean uh...
[His eyes flick around the others, trying to figure out how to phrase this without sounding nuts.]
Just- nevermind. Ignore that last part.
Very well....
Helios ran over to the fire and served Paul a bowl of lamb soup.
There's also log cake, when you've had your fill of soup.
Oh-
[He takes the soup with a bit of surprise.]
Uh- thank you. I don't really eat... uh- much, so this will probably be good. Thank you.
Helios frowned.
If you insist...
[His brows flick up at Helios's expression, moving his bowl to one hand and reaching out to Helios with the other.]
Uh- but... I would be open to trying it anyway!
'Tis good!
Eos promised.
[He offered Eos a smile. His palette had been different since dying, most things off or bitter and not the same as before, and he luckily didn't need to eat to bear that, but even knowing what he would taste would not be the same as everyone else, he still wished to make his friend happy.]
Then yeah, I'll take some uh- log cake, too. Why not?
Pumpkin or chocolate?
Eos asked, standing to serve it. These were just store-bought from Kroger.
[Paul's brow flicked up, recognizing the brand.]
Oh! Uh, pumpkin, please.
She sliced it slightly unevenly and served it to him.
I'm still surprised that you serve them naked here.
[He takes it with a smile.]
Uh- naked? How are they usually served?
Back home, they're generally decorated to resemble a log more closely. Helios is simply being crude about it.
Ah, got it. I figured that was what it was, they were just more decorated or had extra bits where you were from. What Helios said is... actually not an uncommon phrase to use these days, too.
Helios chuckled and Eos rolled her eyes.
Say, Paul, would you like to share a story?
[Paul went to dig a spoonful of soup before looking back up with a bit of surprise.]
A- A story...?
Oh! Did I forget to mention the stories? For a second time?
Storytelling is how we observe the Long Night in the Winsome Valley. But you need not, if you cannot think of any.
Oh! Uh... I-I don't have any off the top of my head. No good ones, at least. Does- does anyone else want to?
There's the story of the fox who got his tail cut off, if you have the patience for it.
Uh... I don't have anywhere else to be, so... go for it.
Alright.... Once on a hot summer day, a fox walked along on his way to visit his friends. He was getting rather thirsty, but lo! Upon a stoop sat a bucket full of milk. And he thought, "Ho! I am blessed with luck! I shall drink until I am quenched." And so he drank a bit. And then he drank some more. And then he drank much more. By the time he was quenched, he had emptied the bucket!
huh...
[He moves aside, finding a place to sit and put his food down as he listened to the story, his foot starting to tap to a rhythm that goes with the pacing of Eos's storytelling.]
She paused, rubbing the bridge of her nose before bouncing her leg in time with him.
Erm, where was I-
He emptied the bucket.
Right! Right. But alas! The bucket, stoop, and home belonged to an old woman, who saw the empty bucket and the fox milk off his chops, and was overcome with such a fury that she cut off his tail!
Oh! I mean... not really unexpected. Or undeserved, I guess.
Indeed, especially since the fox was fine, however, he was quite unhappy about the prospect of having a nub for a tail. He complained to the old woman, saying that his friends would all laugh at him if they saw him in such a state. And the woman said, "Well, if you wish for me to return your tail, you must first return my milk," to which the fox replied, "How? 'tis consumed!" So the old woman said, "If you cannot return it, you must replace it, else your tail will remain separated from you." So off the fox went in search of milk.
Hope there was cows nearby. Or goats or something.
[Paul stirs his spoon in his soup, taking a spoonful to eat.]
Indeed, the fox began his journey and came upon a cow in her stall. And he pleaded with the cow, "O, cow! O, cow! Wilt thou please, please give me thine milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back to me and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the cow said, "Well, you see, I would, but I am quite hungry, so perhaps if you give me some grass, I will give you some of my milk." So off the fox went in search of grass.
Huh, a full trade story. These are fun.
Oh, just wait.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a field. And he pleaded with the field, "O, field! O, field! Will you please, please, give me thine grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the fields said, "Well, I would, but you see, 'tis such a hot day, with not a rain cloud in sight, and thus we are so thirsty. Perhaps if you give me some water, I will give you some of my grass." So off the fox went in search of water.
Yeah, I expected that one. Probably shouldn't be surprised the grass can talk, too, if the animals can.
The fox continued his journey and came upon a stream. And he pleaded with the stream, "O, stream! O, stream! Wilt thou please, please give me your water so I may give it to the field so it may give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me?" And the stream said, "Well, I would, but you see, you have naught to carry it in! 'Twould slip right through your paws! Perhaps if you find something to hold the water, I will give you some of mine." So off the fox went in search of something to collect water with.
[Paul exhales a breath.]
Jesus. At this point, I think I'd just resign myself to be a tailless fox. He must really be proud of that tail.
Helios chuckled.
Or his friends must be awful.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a peddler in his cart. And it just so happened that one of his wares was beads of many colors! And the fox pleaded with the peddler, "O, peddler! O, peddler! Wilt thou please, please, give me two of your blue beads so I may give them to the fair maiden so she may lend me her urn so I may collect water from the stream so I may give it to the field so it will give me its grass so I may give it to the cow so she may give me her milk so I may give it to the old woman so she shall sew my tail back on and my friends shan't laugh at me!" And the peddler said, "Pshaw, fox, I am not in the business of doling out my wares for free! Now, I do not expect a fox to carry coin, so perhaps we can make a trade. You see, I was in such a hurry this morning that I neglected to break my fast! Perhaps if you give me an egg, then I will give you two blue beads." So off the fox went in search of an egg.
Oh, that's an easy grab for a fox. Literally what real foxes take, too. He'll have his tail back in no time.
He's feeling cautious after what happened last time he stole something, I suspect.
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a hen in her coop. And the fox pleaded with the hen, "O, hen! O, hen! Wouldst thou please, please- was this the part where he-
-yes, I believe.
"please, please give me one of thine eggs so I may... Buy the beads from the peddler, and.... And get the maiden's jar to collect water from the stream.... And.... And water the fields and feed the cow and milk... Milk for the old lady and my friends shan't laugh at me for my ugly tail!"
Eos panted and sobbed as if she herself was having this long day.
And the hen said, "Well, I would, but you see... I'm quite hungry too... But if you are a fox of your word and give me some grain, I will give you but one of my eggs." So off the fox went in search of grain.
[Paul lets out a sigh.]
Oh boy, still going. The grain or the farmer gonna need something, too?
The fox continued on his journey and came upon a farmer sitting atop a stoop much like the one he had found the bucket upon. And the fox pleaded with the farmer, "O, farmer! O, farmer! Wouldst thou please, please give me thine grain so I may give it to the hen... And the egg for the peddler and... Beads and the maiden's jar... And... And the stream... And the grassy fields, and the cow and the milk and the old lady shall sew my tail back on and.... I do not wish for my friends to taunt me!"
Eos sobbed tearlessly into her hands for a bit before composing herself.
And the farmer took pity on the fox. He went to his grain stores and gave some to the fox, who then gave it to the hen, who gave him an egg, which he gave to the peddler, who gave him two blue beads, which he gave to the fair maiden, who lent him her clay jar, which he used to collect water from the stream, which he gave to the field, which gave him some grass, which he gave to the cow, who gave him some milk, which he gave to the old lady, who sewed his tail back on, and his friends did not laugh at him-
-but they did ask him what had taken him so long!
The end!
[He snorts, shaking his head with a smile.]
That was a good one. Nice, simple story.
Have you used the meantime to think of a tale, or will you be abstaining tonight?
Uh....
[Paul tapped the table in thought, looking up.]
There is one my... I guess adopted niece Starlight told me once. She could tell it for hours if you'd let her, but I could probably simplify it.
Oh, tell, tell! The night will be long, we will not mind.
