Role
Chapter 1 - New Moon
Added Fri Aug 2 20:21:59 2024 at level 29:
Dirty little hands clutching at roots and clods of dirt along the narrow
ledge, a dozen feet above the mountain stream. A face smudged with dirt and
tangled hair bedazzled by bits of a sticker bush, her determined grin matched
her efforts at climbing. It was no towering peak, but in that moment it was
atop the clouds. One misplaced hand and she found herself falling. Rather than
fear, she felt puzzled, even annoyed. That wasn't supposed to happen. She
crashed down into the stream with an incredulous frown.
She learned she was not all-powerful, let alone immortal.
....
Phili Boonback was born to modest parents of modest means just outside the
modest village of Hillcrest. Father had disappeared under mysterious
circumstances, leaving behind whispers of betrayal and disgrace, while her
kind and forgiving mother was largely bedridden by a debilitating disease.
Phili's grandfather, a quite famous in his own mind shapeshifter, was
determined she be forced to study magics until her hereditary talent was
brought out. Through dozens and dozens of classes and lectures, they squeezed
all the talent out of her, which gave just a drop more blood than would a
stone.
....
From a young age, mother encouraged Phili's curious nature. To help temper
overexcitement and occasional forgetfulness, she encouraged her daughter to
keep a journal. That would be her special way to keep track of the secrets,
puzzles and workings of the world that stoked the fires in her eyes. To watch
when she could and listen when she could not see. A trick she mentioned was to
draw a circle around herself when she went listening so when she returned to
the spot the next day and the days after, she would gain perspective and see
what sorts of things change and what sorts stay the same.
....
In her first vision, she stood beside the mountain stream waters that had once
broken her fall. The surrounding forest echoed with silence. The water
strangely calm, reflecting the dark sky. A new moon appeared among the
ripples, peeking out as though from behind fluttering curtains. Closer and
closer it drew, its light transforming into a warm, gentle hum. An
invitation.
She woke with the hum in her ears.
Chapter 2 - Waxing Moon
Added Mon Aug 5 19:47:03 2024 at level 35:
In the center of the path a small bird lay injured, a wing held motionless at
an odd angle. She remembered a spell from magic class, a gust of air, and used
it to lift the bird to its nest. Or tried, at least. The bird rose briefly but
fell again with a rather sickening crunch. Tears in her eyes, Phili rushed over
and knelt down. As her hands touched the wing, warmth spread through her
fingers and her vision... numbed. Before her eyes, the tiny wing knitted itself
back to a proper place and the bird stood. It regarded her for a moment before
taking flight.
....
Classes in magic continued with little to no progress. Grandfather, body and
fingers crooked with age, could barely hold a staff, let alone weave himself to
take shape of a beast. He was relentless, refusing to believe his own blood
could not reclaim for him his glory. Nothing was ever good enough for him. No
matter what Phili said or did, no matter her small successes. He ever hungered
for his life back.
....
Mother's disease was advancing, though she hid it well. If out and about, she
always had a small walking stick with her and never more than a pace or two
from something she could lean against. No matter how weak, she always had a
smile for her daughter. Always a kind word, spoken or shared in a gaze or even
a touch. She was relentless, sharing the wonders of living to Phili. No day
went by without some sort of lesson. She ever hungered for her daughter's life
to grow.
....
A vision of a tranquil pond, just over a rise in the forest. The reflection of
the waxing moon on the waters surface. The moons light grew stronger,
illuminating the pond and the surrounding forest. The water began to ripple,
glimpses of faces and creatures, known and unknown. The moons light seemed to
merge with the water, the brightness whisking her to waking.
Chapter 3 - Full Moon
Added Sun Aug 18 19:01:33 2024 at level 51:
Phili was playing in the meadow and her ball rolled into a large field of
clover. She reached into the clover to retrieve it and felt a sharp pain.
Snatching back her arm, she saw a bee had stung her and remained attached to
her. She watched as the bee pulled itself in two, its hind with the stinger
still embedded in her skin. Its last moment and purpose fulfilled, the bee was
gone.
....
As grandfather's senses dulled, his barbs grew more biting. His once powerful
magic had dwindled, and he saw Phili's meager successes as a mockery. He
pushed her harder and became more vocal with his ridicule. Phili employed a
lesson from her mother about appeasing a restless spirit. She greeted her
grandfather in the morning with respect, listened to his critiques, and offered
him her best piece of food, whatever it was. This acknowledgment seemed to ease
his anger, if only slightly, but allowed his scorn to wash over her and was
gone.
....
As Mother's condition improved, the color returned to her cheeks. Phili had
been working to cure the disease as her mother slept and things were
progressing well. The household began to ring with stories and bouts of
laughter. Phili's heart swelled with hope as she watched her mother regain her
strength, believing the worst was behind them. But then she heard a sudden
gasp. She turned back to see her mother collapsing, her face pale. Phili's
heart leapt into her throat and stomach fell into a pit. She rushed to her
mother and began the workings of the strongest healings she knew, tears welling
in her eyes. Mother reached up and took Phili's hands, stopping her progress.
Phili tried again, and again mother stopped her, this time gripping tightly.
Mother's eyes took in her daughter one last time and, as the light faded from
her gaze, a small smile crept to her lips. In that final moment, she was gone.
....
A vision on the shore near the rapids of a mountain river. The full moon grew
brighter and brighter until the trees began bursting into flame. She wanted to
extinguish the fire, looking around frantically for help. Her movements calmed
as a gentle hand rested on her shoulder from behind. She looked down and saw
the hand draped in blue fabric. Her gaze returned without worry to the now
deafening crackle of the surrounding forest on fire. A huge tree crashed down
in front of her with a burst of flame and the vision was gone.
Chapter 4 - Waning Moon
Added Thu Aug 22 10:52:26 2024 at level 51:
Without mother, she spent most days wandering, alone in her grief. One such
day, the crisp autumn air licked at her ears as she weaved in and out through
the trees. Shadows grew longer and colors faded as the evening came, and with
it, a sudden downpour. This proved a tipping point, too much for the moment,
and tears began to tumble. Tears intermingling with the rain on her cheeks,
Phili took shelter inside the trunk of a barely standing old tree. She cried
herself to sleep as night fell, the forest filled with the sounds of the
falling rain. She woke to beams of sunlight filtering through the forest
canopy. The tears, like the night's rain, had come and gone, washing over her.
....
Without mother, grandfather had little left. Phili all but refused to take part
in her magic lessons. There was respect and there was futility and she did her
best to navigate her way between them. As his time came, he let go of the dream
of a granddaughter carrying on his magical legacy, though not selflessly. As
lucidity wavered, he demanded that she heal him, expecting her to be grateful
for his acceptance. Phili, however, could see this for what it was.
Desperation. She stayed by his bedside but offered no comfort other than to
bear witness. His cruelty left deep scars. As he clutched at her arm, screaming
at her with his eyes, she coldly watched him pass.
....
Without mother, Phili turned the pages of memory in her mind as one would a
favorite book. She was by herself yet she was not alone. Sorrow would come and
sorrow would go, but tears were replaced by grateful smiles and warm hums. A
newfound surety about her, it was time for a new chapter. Phili drew a small
circle around herself and reflected on how things had changed and how they had
stayed the same.
....
A vision of a serene lake surrounded by a dense forest. The waning moon
reflected on the water's surface, a woman in silhouette, a cobalt blue shawl
hanging from her shoulders. Stillness, perhaps a moment, perhaps a day, then
the woman bowed her head the side slightly in acknowledgment. Phili watched
with a smile as her mother then calmly strode forward into the water and
disappeared beneath the surface. A warmth grew with a hum that nuzzled her back
to sleep.
Chapter 5 - The Rary Wey
Added Tue Sep 3 21:59:12 2024 at level 51:
In the way that wandering can take you places you didn't know you needed to
go, I followed a Monarch butterfly to Evermoon Glen. It led me to an untended
old path, worn down into the ground, almost like a river. Instinct led me down
through the mud to the most remarkable river. I'd learn it was a shrine of
sorts to the Lady of the Water, Rarywey. Feeling right about my wander, I
offered up prayer asking for a blessing and would return here until the day I
was beneath the surface to a drowned tree, face to face with the Lady herself.
Waves of emotion, understanding, and mystery washed over me. It was truly
wonderful. We spoke for I do not know how long. I expressed desire to speak,
to share, and to teach in her name. I know I am so young in learning, but it
feels right to give my attempt and to give it fully.
This seems to mesh well with my duties as a Herald of the Eternal Star. The
flames of the Eternal Star attract those in the realms. They see, they feel
the energy of possibility, the vibrance of life. To aid them in truly
witnessing the gifts of life they have been given feels as noble a cause as
could be.
Chapter 6 - Winya
Added Tue Sep 3 22:11:50 2024 at level 51:
One of the Heralds is a vibrant ranger by the name of Winya. I met her the
first day I was brought into their fold and immediately was taken. Through a
number of adventures, I learned that her body had grown frail. My first
thought was to heal that frailty however I could. I dove down beneath the
Idyllic River and prayed to Lady Rarywey. I wanted to offer the strength of
my own bones to Winya, if the Lady of the Water saw fit.
I sat there in the silt and thought. I drew my little circle around me and
watched. I closed my eyes and listened.
Mother was with me. I could feel her. I remembered how much I always wanted
to keep her with me and, as my tears mingled with the river currents, I
remembered what it was like to say goodbye.
I mean sure I miss her. But she had me, I had her. I still have her. In my
heart. Even though she is also gone.
Winya will also be gone. I will miss her. But we have and will have had each
other. She has touched my heartplace and I am forever changed in a way, like
all of the best footprints on our hearts.
I think I learned a lesson there and, while I still would be willing to share
with Winya should be it right or needed, I will be able to let her go when it
is her time. There is a grief that comes from that, but a good, cleansing
grief. A cathartic grief. An exhale.
I am thankful for Lady Rarywey's teachings and look forward to learning more.
Chapter 7 - So many eddies in my noggin
Added Mon Mar 10 20:24:48 2025 at level 51:
I realized I hadn't written down the things I'd written down yet,
just for myself. Each one a challenge to myself in a different way.
Here I can remindify myself what each one meant to me and maybe where
it came from, even though I outwardly say I found them. I'm sure
no one believes that, but it makes me giggle to say.
I'm at a calm place on the river, so much silence around me. Others
have come and gone with differing levels of lastification and memory.
Winya has drifted into her next chapter and Tamurah, my dear dear
sister feels as though she may as well. My time with her is a tale
yet told and so very dear to me.
Some doings at the Inn as Ravegna got a little weirdified and finally
pressed people a little much. So much so that Rarywey called a moot
near a moat so we could see about sorting things. I am so very thankful
that we had it and admit that I wanted it to just magically fix things.
In the same way that some will want the Heralds to just magically perform
for them rather than see they can make steps themselves. These sorts of
discoveries are always so welcome and sometimes very humble-making.
I must make steps myself. Some for myself, some for others. Not out of
pride or glory, but so that I can help others live their lives more fully.
I found the letter I sent introducing myself to the Heralds. Chuckled
when I read it and it sort of spurrinated me revisiting the things I'd
done, both not to repeat myself but also listen for inspiration.
Looking forward to this new chapter of the Heralds with Rhanie as High
Herald. She is really quite lovely as I have gotten to know her.
WRITINGS 1 - The Gift of the Present
Added Mon Mar 10 20:25:44 2025 at level 51:
The Gift of the Present
I stand with mother's circle at my feet.
Perspective comes, erasing fogs of doubt.
The gift remains, although her life complete.
Within, I see the changes from without.
The past is but a shadow in the mind,
A whisper of the loves we leave behind,
Embrace the now, for nothing stays the same,
In every end, a spark of life's own flame.
The present fades, yet memories remain,
In every heartbeat, echoes of the sky.
A tapestry of joy and subtle pain,
We live, we love, and then we say goodbye.
The seasons turn, and life begins anew,
We rise and fall, like leaves upon the breeze,
In every end, a start thats fresh and true,
For nature's cycle finds our hearts at ease.
Caresses of the wind, a gentle psalm,
A soft embrace, a moment to exist
The water's face, a never-ending calm,
Reflecting skies where sun and moon have kissed.
The waves will rise and fall, a gentle dance,
A mirror to the soul's own ebb and flow,
Iambic echoes, timeless, soothing trance,
In water's depths, the secrets we bestow.
Embrace the end, yet with an open hand,
Each breath we take, a gift we can't reclaim,
Between your fingers slips the silt and sand,
The hourglass continues just the same.
Look to the now, before the time is mist
Our journey's end will come in time, we know,
With open hearts, we welcome what may be,
In every breath, we take a step below.
==========
This first piece sprung from teachings new and old, learning from my
mother and from Lady Rarywey. I enjoyed the title, mostly because I
didn't realize the words had played around, and that gave me giggles.
I also like time being ephemeral like river mist. I challenged myself
to use an iambic pentameter and use that word in the piece. Writing
it down again gives me new echoes of memories and I like that. This
was the first time I joked about it not being me who wrote the thing.
WRITINGS 2 - Something about hugging
Added Mon Mar 10 20:27:09 2025 at level 51:
In hushed tones of twilight, your absence I feel,
In silence and stillness, your loss starkly real.
In deafening quiet, the night holds its breath,
In whispers of darkness, where love transcends death.
Your dreams for my future will guide me each day,
Your hopes for my joy they will light up the way.
Your wishes for laughter will echo and soar,
Your touch on my soul will remain evermore.
Embrace the tomorrow, take hold of today,
Embrace the adventures that life lets us play.
Embrace all the moments, breathe in every trace,
Embrace the eternal, the warmth of your grace.
===============
===============
I don't remember what I named this one. Maybe something like
In Your Embrace or some such. The repeated words and all that.
For this one, I wanted to do some rhyming couplets, repeating
a single word in each stanzinator. But then ALSO wanted to be
to boil it down into another poem. That made smiles for me.
Twilight feel,
Stillness real,
Quiet breath,
Darkness death.
Future day,
Joy way,
Laughter soar,
Soul evermore.
Tomorrow today
Adventures play
Moments trace
Eternal grace.
WRITINGS 3 - The Ballad of Bumble, Part 1
Added Mon Mar 10 20:30:07 2025 at level 51:
In a near far-off village, no you don't know the one,
A battle was battled, expectations undone.
A wee little hero, who always was humble,
A pint-sized protector, and let's call him Bumble.
You see Mae was a maiden, as fair as the dawn.
All the village did love her and her father named Ron.
The two of them cherished by one and by all,
Which proved as a problem when bullies did call.
For there came to the gate, just beyond the new clover,
A terrible raider from the next township over.
He'd taken a shine to the jewel of the village,
so decided to take her and maybe still pillage.
"This girl, I will marry," proclaimed the thug, Chud.
"So step up and challenge or your name is mud.
You have but one midnight before I come back,
And I take on all comers with this club on my back."
Though Bumble was frightened, at stake was his honor,
But he wasn't a fighter, surely would be a goner.
He prayed and he pleaded into the dark night,
For any slight hopeness to help with his plight.
Just then, from the shadows, a figure appeared,
All dressed in dark robes, with a wizardy beard.
He offered a potion, all fizzy and bright,
"Drink this on the morrow and you'll win the fight."
The next day came early, thug Chud had returned.
The village had gathered with hope he'd be spurned.
But no one was stepping, in fear they were stalling,
yet Bumble felt brave, in his heart felt a calling.
He swallowed the potion, his courage now prime,
Facing off 'gainst the bully, it was finally his time!
The squeak of a horn signaled fighters get ready,
So that's just what they did, holding their clubs a-steady.
While Chud sauntered center with his swaggery gait,
our challenger worried bout meeting his fate.
As the fighting began, so continued the worry.
He dodged every blow with a scoot and a scurry.
(cont.)
WRITINGS 4 - The Ballad of Bumble, Part 2
Added Mon Mar 10 20:31:19 2025 at level 51:
But Bumble did stumble, his luck quickly ran out,
with no help from the potion, Chud would soon end the bout.
Inside of his tummy, the fizzy drink churned,
Gurgles and burbles, and oh how they burned!
And just as Chud swung a big finishing blow,
Bumble tried a new thing, Bumble let himself go.
The dam burst on his tunic, seams stretched on his trousers,
stunning those in the crowd while Ron just exclaimed 'Wowsers.'
"Step back," Bumble roared, "Put that club on a shelf.
For you can't mess with me, cuz I just messed myself!"
With the sudden announcement, the crowd was in stitches,
Their laughter exploded, like the well soiled britches.
The battle was won, and the giant conceded,
This just wasn't the kind of a day that he needed.
The cheers they went wild, his fame gave a spurt,
For no one saw him coming, that Unforeseen Squirt.
Mae gasped, so relieved, came to Bumble in awe,
Her hero who stood against Chud without flaw.
She thanked him so kindly, with a hug from afar,
For the smell of the fight, well, it left quite a scar.
===============
This one knocked around in my noggin for ages, all sprung from a moment
thinking of event ideas. Had thought of a workshop for warcries and one
came to mind about messing yourself. Rattled that idea around and around
and came up with Bumble. I chortled a little when I saw Tamurah share it
with everyone for me and hope it made for some smile-making.
I also liked the bit about the wizardy beard and blushed that Tamurah did, too.
WRITINGS 5 - The Whimsip Sizzler, Part 1
Added Mon Mar 10 20:32:57 2025 at level 51:
A response to Rarywey's challenge to the Heralds, I delivered it as
'An ominish rolled parchment with crispy, blackinated edges.'
### The parchment edges are yellowed and burninated, totally ageified and NOT
like somebody recently soaked it in tea and held it over a candle. ###
Once upon a time there was a traveler who traveled. He was known as
The Traveler
The Traveler was famously grumpified. A mysterious shadowy figure had once
visited him, whispering cryptic whispers of a hidden truth that must be found.
He set out to do just that.
His travels were totally long, for sure way arduous and yet fruitless.
After a year of this, he sat dejected on the Gallow Hill. The winds carried
sounds of revelry, surely from the nearby Inn of the Eternal Star. He knew of
the place, of course, but had never been. Drawn by the thought of a little
distraction, he set off down the road.
Inside, the lively chatter and the smell of good food drifted through the air.
A diminutive figure with a mischievous grin and twinkling eyes noticed his
arrival. "Welcome to the Inn of the Eternal Star! Im Ph uh, Im here to help.
Why not rest a while and share your tale with me?"
The Traveler hesitated for a moment, then shrugged and nodded. As he settled
into a cozy corner, the gnome, who was definitely not Phili, stepped behind the
bar.
"Let me make you something special," she said, with a playful glare. "I
guarantee this will lift your grumpified spirits and ignitify your imagination
and all that."
With practiced hands, she went to work, narrating every choice.
"Beglittered rim on the goblet, like a secret's promise."
"Elderflower-Honey Cordial and Herbal Elixir represent nurturing and strength.
"Lime juice for a little zest, like an exciting twist in a story."
"Wisdomberries for the knowledge you seek. They remind us that wisdom and
insight are always within reach, if we just know where to look."
"Sparkling spring water adds a fizzy lifting that keeps tales engaging."
"Now, this part's my favorite," she said with a grin, carefully add a
small amount of something syrupicious. "The Herald's Flame represents the Tale-
Telling Fireour passion and the spark that ignites every great story."
With a flourish, she ignited the concoction, multi-colored flames licking the
air. Extinguishing the drink with a knowing smile, she handed it over.
"I give you: The Whimsip Sizzler."
(cont.)
WRITINGS 6 - The Whimsip Sizzler, Part 2
Added Mon Mar 10 20:34:52 2025 at level 51:
With a nod of thanks, the Traveler took a sip and his eyes shot open wide. A
sensation like a green tornado suddenly swooshed up into his underthings and a
warmth exploded through his limbs. All at once, he began to share his story
the adventures he had faced, the disappointments at every turn, and the
questions that still lingered in his heart.
The gnome, who was definitely not Phili, listened intently, her eyes never
leaving the Travelers face. When he finished, the gnome leaned in and said,
"Head out back to the Lyceum. A treasure trove of knowledge. Why not spend some
time there and see what you discover?"
The Traveler obliged and, guided by the gnome, approached the Lyc...
### The Parchment is torn ###
====================
I had intended to write the whole story, but ran out of room on the parchment,
so gave a taste of a few things and then might complete the rest later. It was
intended to conveyvilate my feelings on the mission of the Heralds and what I
cherished most. Having originally wanting to scribe things, I took a try at
telling the tale as well as touching briefly on painting, sculpture, cooking,
and even mixifying drinks. The tale itself and the mixification recipe stood
out the most. Part Two, if it ever comes to pass, will begin after a tear in
the Parchment, with the gnome and the Traveler laughing about some secret they
learned that is forever hidden from the reader. It will be delivered in a
small sculpture and have a picture painted at the bottom.
I wanted to say how highly I regarded the knowledge of the Lyceum and how much
I didn't know about it, myself, while also sharing a responsibility to help
those through the doors live their lives more fully.
WRITINGS 7 - My introduction letter.
Added Mon Mar 10 21:29:46 2025 at level 51:
Heralds,
I am Phili Boonback of the Hillcrest Boonbacks. I'd just recently had
the most lovely conversation that I struck up at your Inn. I had been
passing through making a delivery and noticed so many different types
of patrons, from what seems all walks of life. The sorts of folks who
I never would have crossed paths with had I not ventured out from the
gates of Hillcrest a few years back. After I had finished my meal and
my company had left, I remained for a bit and watched the traffic, in
and out for a while. What a wondrous place, ripe with opportunity!
Poking around a bit led me to learn a few things. One, that there was
a Troupe of terrific talents who made a home here and two, that there
was a Lyceum of legendary lineage just out back! Well I will have you
that I marched all three foot six of me toward the Inn Guard and told
him plainly, "I want to be a part of that!"
So, to introduce myself. I'm Phili and, oh, I already mentioned that.
Anyway, I'm from Hillcrest and trained for a while to use magic, then
donned the robes of a healer after the magic thing didn't really work
out for me. I've found I really, really enjoy healing others, be that
through prayers, words, deeds, or even just listening. That listening
has led me to write things down, as my memory is not exactly the best
sometimes. That writing things down has led me to discover what books
and stories and songs can bring to the headspaces and heart places of
not only myself but others, even the ones who prove the toughest nuts
to crack. And that makes me smile. I like to smile and I like to feel
and I like to reflect.
I do not know if you Heralds have use for a little one like me in the
Troupe, someone who writes things down and listens, heals as I do but
I hope so. If not, maybe I can take up juggling, or cooking or making
things out of clay.
No hurry to get back to me. If it is to be, I want it to be. If I had
wheels, I'd be a wagon.
Phili Boonback
Almost forgot. I send tons of well wishes for the High Herald's crack
==============
This was an attempt to feel the vibe from the High Herald and put my
name in hat as a Herald while also stretching my words to the edge of
the parchment.
WRITINGS 8 - Forever Away
Added Mon Mar 10 21:30:50 2025 at level 51:
This is for those I miss.
Under the serene glow of the moon, love and sorrow dance intertwined in a
glistening embrace. Its light spreads across the world, a silent witness to
our shared sky. You are forever away, yet never gone. The light is a bridge,
spanning the vast distance between us.
I follow this light, and memories flood back over my senses -- the laughter,
tears, and whispered dreams swim together in my r. I am awash in visions
of color and sound. Yet, in the quiet of the night, when the world is still,
I find solace knowing you are gazing at the same moon, feeling the same light
touch your soul.
Life unfolds, imperfect and beautiful, wandering through joys and fears. Each
day brings shades of happiness and heartache. We need not a perfect life, we
need only live it, embracing the flaws and fleeting moments of joy. These
threads weave the tapestry of our lives, entwining our hearts.
As moonlight dances on the water, I close my eyes and feel your presence --
your smile, your warmth. You are forever away, yet your spirit nears, free
from all boundaries by love. In that light, I find my strength. Our bond is
eternal, as constant and unwavering as the moon.
===============
I wanted this to be applicable to many things. How I missed my mother, Tamurah
while she was away, and even Lady Rarywey. Not so much of them being gone,
but of them being close even through the distance. I enjoy the ebb and flow
of meaning and how it shifts toward one or the other, without using rhyme.