Post by Curiosity on May 22, 2009 23:19:50 GMT -5
Cast:
Sage, female lynx, as the Moon
Gully, male badger, as the Earth
Kindle, male Dall sheep, as the Sun
Flume, female otter, as the Water
Zephyr, male kestrel, as the Wind, and the Storyteller
(picture link)
=== Hilltop Vista ===
Zephyr is standing on the ground at the top of the hill, casually preening his feathers as he watches creatures slowly gather around the area. After a while of this, he gives a short hop before he takes to the air, where his voice will not be obscured by the plant growth on the ground. Well-prepared for what is going on, he checks to make sure that each member of his group is here before he speaks. One could guess that he has practiced this often, as despite his small size, his voice easily carries far beyond his position, hovering several feet above the ground.
"Listen closely, and I will tell you the story of how the Earth came to be the home of all life and why the moon will soon be hiding herself from us. To help me in the recounting of this tale, my companions will be helping me, with Gully as the Earth, Sage as the Moon, Kindle as the Sun, Flume as the Water, and myself as the Wind." As he introduces each character by name and role, he flies near that animal for a moment, so that the nearby watchers might have some idea of what is going on.
Sage takes a simple, modest bow when Zephyr mentions her name and her role in the play, staying quiet to let the kestrel speak until it is time for her to perform her piece.
Gully ambles forward, eyes turning very briefly to Zephyr as he circles above the large gathering of creatures. He nods once, and gives one loud, echoing gruff to those gathered when he is introduced. He sniffs delicately as he rests on his haunches, eyes flitting to his companions on either side of him. The very /idea/ of him playing a female is /absurd/ but a merry smile plays on his face; he /is/ Mother Gaia, after all. He says nothing and waits for the story to continue, pulling his snout in greeting.
Kindle holds his head aloft as Zephyr flies overhead, grinning at the bird, then shoots a teasing glance at Gully. Soon, though, he's fitting himself into a airy and aloof posture, preparing to take on his role.
Flume smiles jovially, practically dancing in place as Zephyr starts things off for tonight's performance. Keeping her merriment in check, she waits for her chance to shine on their elevated stage.
After introducing each of the characters in the play, Zephyr flies to hover well above Flume. Once he is again in position, and once the movement on the ground has settled some, Zephyr again speaks. "In a long ago time, I followed Water around in our search for a planet where we could nurture all of the life that exists today. Our journey took us many places before we eventually found three planets huddled closely together. These planets introduced themselves to us as Moon, Earth, and Sun, and when they learned of our search for a home, they were all interested, and all presented different reasons why we ought to make them our home."
Moon-Sage steps out from their formal line-up, moving fluidly into position alongside Earth-Gully and Sun-Kindle. Her face is drawn with subtle sadness, and she addresses the other two in a voice that is clearly projected for all of the audience to hear: "I should be the home of all life, for I am woeful and alone, and the company would bring me much cheer."
Gully shifts impatiently as the story begins, though he manages to settle a little as the Spirit of the Moon begins to speak. His small ears roll forward on his head, tiny black eyes and he shakes his head. His voice is louder than the Moon's, but his gruff edge is smoothed over and his tone is warm. "I care for all my children, and love all dearly. They will be happy with me."
Kindle towers appropriately above Sage and Gully, shaking his head in disapproval and fixing a competitive stare upon either. "I, however, am the correct choice. Under my care, all life will be well protected and disciplined."
"Each of the planets had made compelling arguments, so we decided that it would be impossible to chose one without visiting each." Finally, Zephyr moves closer to one of the 'planets', Sun. As he approaches, though, he slows well before he comes too near the sun. Dropping a couple feet to be closer to Flume, he says, "The closer we get, the hotter it gets!" His tone in the extent of his expressiveness, with his wings occupied keeping him in the air, but he certainly sounds mildly alarmed.
"It's too hot!" Flume agrees, holding her paws up in front of her face. "We can never live here!" She turns to look over at the next 'planet', Moon. "What about over there? It doesn't look as hot!" For the moment, the third 'planet', Earth, is ignored.
Kindle's chest flares expectantly as the two approach. Surely they will bask one moment in his magnificence, and their minds will be made up. But... But, what's this? They're leaving him? 'Sun' stomps his hoof, offense blazing over his eyes. He starts to call out, but his voice is not enough to stop them.
With the agreement of Water, Zephyr-Wind flies away from Kindle, his retreat more than a little hasty at Sun's obvious anger. Once he is far enough away, he slows down again, to match Flume's pace. This time, when he's approaching the next 'planet', he shivers a little, dropping a couple feet again as he does so, so that he is flying right next to Flume. "This is far too c-c-cold!"
Sage looks up at the Wind and over at the Water with a clear expression of hope in her wide blue eyes, and the silvered-white Moon appears genuinely crestfallen when the verdict is given, lowering her head in defeat as she is passed over.
Acting as though she's about frozen, Flume slowly moves away from the second 'planet' and speeds up a little as she approaches the third, shivering as though trying to warm up. "Maybe this one won't be too hot or too cold!"
Zephyr falls behind as Flume speeds up. His approach to the Earth is slow, hesitant, after nearly being burned and nearly being frozen, but he follows faithfully behind Water. It does not stop, though, and before long, he lands just a few inches away from Gully-Earth and stretches his wings, shaking them once before folding them into his body. With enthusiasm in his voice, he asks of Flume, "What do you think?"
All this time, Gaia has been watching quietly, dark eyes shimmering as each great planet was addressed. There is a serene quality on his face as the brother and sister elements approach, and he gestures widely with a great digging claw, "Welcome, children."
For a time, Sun simmers to himself. But after a time, a curiosity flickers, and the planet of fire sneaks nearer to Earth. His intent, at first, is only to observe. Of course, he convinces himself, they'll see that they were wrong to leave him, and change their minds.
Sage watches with saddened envy as the Wind and Water settle upon the Earth as their home, and the home of all life to come. Pale blue eyes lower to the ground beneath the Moon-Lynx's paws, and she remains silent.
Children? Flume decides that she likes this planet already. Getting closer, it doesn't seem to be too hot or cold. She circles around, looking closely, and finally leaps on top of the 'planet'. "It's perfect!"
At Water's declaration, Zephyr leaps into the air to circle around Gully and Flume several times, letting out a joyous 'klee' before he flies upward again, to continue his role at narration. "Overjoyed at finding a new home, we watched as life flourished in Earth's rich soil and Water's refreshing pools. Guided by my gentle breezes, it was many seasons before we witnessed the reactions of the nearby planets. Sun, spurned by our decision, puffed up to burn Earth, killing Water and heating Wind to make parts of our beloved new home all but uninhabitable, while Moon found what solace she could with the stars. When she is particularly upset at our decision not to live on her, though, she hides from us, denying us the light she gives to the darker part of the days, when Sun must rest."
Falling out of character for just a moment, Gully grunts and grits his teeth as Flume perches on top of him, making herself quite at home on his neck and the top of his skull. The badger sighs, and then the Earth lumbers to all fours and smiles up at the Water Spirit. "Flow freely, young one. Go where you will. Let your brother Guide you." He is silent when the Wind Spirit continues the story, and then gances up at Kindle. "Be kind, Firey Spirit. I grow weary with heat and my deserts are barren." He wipes his brow, fatigued, then turns to the Moon. "And, gentle sister, I cannot see your face. Why do you hide from me?"
Kindle rears up for a moment, then crashes his hooves dramatically into the dirt, illustrating the Sun's anger as Zephyr tells that part of the tale. There's a bit of pause, until Gully speaks. His nostrils flare, and he threatens his horns at the badger, although very deliberately avoiding any harm. "You stole from me!" He argues with the Earth. "What should have been mine!"
Sage withdraws into herself, a start contrast to the heated passion of the Sun, her stocky frame huddling down and her head curling down against her chest, a forepaw lifting to cover her face from the audience's view. When the Earth speaks to her, however, her head lifts just enough over the broad paw to allow her icy blue eyes to appear again. "I am hiding because I am heartbroken by my loneliness, Gaia. The stars are many, but they are silent and still. I wish I could hear the beautiful songs and see the lovely dances that your Children offer to you as thanksgiving of your nurturing care."
Stole? Hardly. They chose Earth because it was the perfect environment. Not too hot, not too cold. The Sun and Moon have no reason to become angry, as it was their own fault anyway that they were rejected.
In an attempt to play mediator, Zephyr flies above Kindle, no longer acting up feeling the heat. Calling down to him, Zephyr says, "We can no more live on you than on the parts of our planet that you have burned." Then, Zephyr flies over to Sage, dropping a little before asking, "And you, blessed Moon. What might we do to prove our caring, that you might again gift us with your light during the nighttime hours?"
Gully frowns once, briefly, at the towering Kindle before shaking his head. "No, Brother, calm your great temper." And then he stands and moves closer to the saddened moon, reaching out a paw to her shoulder. "Come with me. Show me your Face, Sister."
It takes a long time for Sun's fury to quell. But the fiery planet begins to understand Zephyr is saying, and sees that he has no choice. Reluctantly, Kindle steps back from the group. But not *too* far back. "I will end the burning, but I will not leave, Sister. Allow for me, at least, to watch over Life from time to time." As he finishes establishing this request, the ram turns to watch them speak to Moon, inquisitively.
Sage unfurls from her crouched position a little more, paw lowering slightly again to reveal her dull pink nose as the earthen-badger offers a paw in consolation, the white feline's blue eyes turning up to gaze at the Wind's avatar when the question is asked, addressing both when she responds. "Please, merely allow me to see what I have lost, and feel the warmth of your Children's love and adoration. If I know that I am not forgotten, I will happily light up the night skies with my soothing aura once again."
The lynx's paw completely drops now, as does her character, as she steps forward from the bunch to speak directly to the gathered crowd. "And so, that is why we Merrymakers have come to your lands, spreading our message of Luna's celebration. She grows full and bright now, expectant of our promise," Sage explains, looking up towards the nearly-full moon with a lifting gesture of her paw. "Please, join us tomorrow for our feast, as well as our songs, dances, and other merriment, so that we may coax her out of darkness once again, lest she hide from us forever." With that, the lynx takes a bow alongside her companions, signaling the conclusion of their performance.
Sage, female lynx, as the Moon
Gully, male badger, as the Earth
Kindle, male Dall sheep, as the Sun
Flume, female otter, as the Water
Zephyr, male kestrel, as the Wind, and the Storyteller
(picture link)
=== Hilltop Vista ===
Zephyr is standing on the ground at the top of the hill, casually preening his feathers as he watches creatures slowly gather around the area. After a while of this, he gives a short hop before he takes to the air, where his voice will not be obscured by the plant growth on the ground. Well-prepared for what is going on, he checks to make sure that each member of his group is here before he speaks. One could guess that he has practiced this often, as despite his small size, his voice easily carries far beyond his position, hovering several feet above the ground.
"Listen closely, and I will tell you the story of how the Earth came to be the home of all life and why the moon will soon be hiding herself from us. To help me in the recounting of this tale, my companions will be helping me, with Gully as the Earth, Sage as the Moon, Kindle as the Sun, Flume as the Water, and myself as the Wind." As he introduces each character by name and role, he flies near that animal for a moment, so that the nearby watchers might have some idea of what is going on.
Sage takes a simple, modest bow when Zephyr mentions her name and her role in the play, staying quiet to let the kestrel speak until it is time for her to perform her piece.
Gully ambles forward, eyes turning very briefly to Zephyr as he circles above the large gathering of creatures. He nods once, and gives one loud, echoing gruff to those gathered when he is introduced. He sniffs delicately as he rests on his haunches, eyes flitting to his companions on either side of him. The very /idea/ of him playing a female is /absurd/ but a merry smile plays on his face; he /is/ Mother Gaia, after all. He says nothing and waits for the story to continue, pulling his snout in greeting.
Kindle holds his head aloft as Zephyr flies overhead, grinning at the bird, then shoots a teasing glance at Gully. Soon, though, he's fitting himself into a airy and aloof posture, preparing to take on his role.
Flume smiles jovially, practically dancing in place as Zephyr starts things off for tonight's performance. Keeping her merriment in check, she waits for her chance to shine on their elevated stage.
After introducing each of the characters in the play, Zephyr flies to hover well above Flume. Once he is again in position, and once the movement on the ground has settled some, Zephyr again speaks. "In a long ago time, I followed Water around in our search for a planet where we could nurture all of the life that exists today. Our journey took us many places before we eventually found three planets huddled closely together. These planets introduced themselves to us as Moon, Earth, and Sun, and when they learned of our search for a home, they were all interested, and all presented different reasons why we ought to make them our home."
Moon-Sage steps out from their formal line-up, moving fluidly into position alongside Earth-Gully and Sun-Kindle. Her face is drawn with subtle sadness, and she addresses the other two in a voice that is clearly projected for all of the audience to hear: "I should be the home of all life, for I am woeful and alone, and the company would bring me much cheer."
Gully shifts impatiently as the story begins, though he manages to settle a little as the Spirit of the Moon begins to speak. His small ears roll forward on his head, tiny black eyes and he shakes his head. His voice is louder than the Moon's, but his gruff edge is smoothed over and his tone is warm. "I care for all my children, and love all dearly. They will be happy with me."
Kindle towers appropriately above Sage and Gully, shaking his head in disapproval and fixing a competitive stare upon either. "I, however, am the correct choice. Under my care, all life will be well protected and disciplined."
"Each of the planets had made compelling arguments, so we decided that it would be impossible to chose one without visiting each." Finally, Zephyr moves closer to one of the 'planets', Sun. As he approaches, though, he slows well before he comes too near the sun. Dropping a couple feet to be closer to Flume, he says, "The closer we get, the hotter it gets!" His tone in the extent of his expressiveness, with his wings occupied keeping him in the air, but he certainly sounds mildly alarmed.
"It's too hot!" Flume agrees, holding her paws up in front of her face. "We can never live here!" She turns to look over at the next 'planet', Moon. "What about over there? It doesn't look as hot!" For the moment, the third 'planet', Earth, is ignored.
Kindle's chest flares expectantly as the two approach. Surely they will bask one moment in his magnificence, and their minds will be made up. But... But, what's this? They're leaving him? 'Sun' stomps his hoof, offense blazing over his eyes. He starts to call out, but his voice is not enough to stop them.
With the agreement of Water, Zephyr-Wind flies away from Kindle, his retreat more than a little hasty at Sun's obvious anger. Once he is far enough away, he slows down again, to match Flume's pace. This time, when he's approaching the next 'planet', he shivers a little, dropping a couple feet again as he does so, so that he is flying right next to Flume. "This is far too c-c-cold!"
Sage looks up at the Wind and over at the Water with a clear expression of hope in her wide blue eyes, and the silvered-white Moon appears genuinely crestfallen when the verdict is given, lowering her head in defeat as she is passed over.
Acting as though she's about frozen, Flume slowly moves away from the second 'planet' and speeds up a little as she approaches the third, shivering as though trying to warm up. "Maybe this one won't be too hot or too cold!"
Zephyr falls behind as Flume speeds up. His approach to the Earth is slow, hesitant, after nearly being burned and nearly being frozen, but he follows faithfully behind Water. It does not stop, though, and before long, he lands just a few inches away from Gully-Earth and stretches his wings, shaking them once before folding them into his body. With enthusiasm in his voice, he asks of Flume, "What do you think?"
All this time, Gaia has been watching quietly, dark eyes shimmering as each great planet was addressed. There is a serene quality on his face as the brother and sister elements approach, and he gestures widely with a great digging claw, "Welcome, children."
For a time, Sun simmers to himself. But after a time, a curiosity flickers, and the planet of fire sneaks nearer to Earth. His intent, at first, is only to observe. Of course, he convinces himself, they'll see that they were wrong to leave him, and change their minds.
Sage watches with saddened envy as the Wind and Water settle upon the Earth as their home, and the home of all life to come. Pale blue eyes lower to the ground beneath the Moon-Lynx's paws, and she remains silent.
Children? Flume decides that she likes this planet already. Getting closer, it doesn't seem to be too hot or cold. She circles around, looking closely, and finally leaps on top of the 'planet'. "It's perfect!"
At Water's declaration, Zephyr leaps into the air to circle around Gully and Flume several times, letting out a joyous 'klee' before he flies upward again, to continue his role at narration. "Overjoyed at finding a new home, we watched as life flourished in Earth's rich soil and Water's refreshing pools. Guided by my gentle breezes, it was many seasons before we witnessed the reactions of the nearby planets. Sun, spurned by our decision, puffed up to burn Earth, killing Water and heating Wind to make parts of our beloved new home all but uninhabitable, while Moon found what solace she could with the stars. When she is particularly upset at our decision not to live on her, though, she hides from us, denying us the light she gives to the darker part of the days, when Sun must rest."
Falling out of character for just a moment, Gully grunts and grits his teeth as Flume perches on top of him, making herself quite at home on his neck and the top of his skull. The badger sighs, and then the Earth lumbers to all fours and smiles up at the Water Spirit. "Flow freely, young one. Go where you will. Let your brother Guide you." He is silent when the Wind Spirit continues the story, and then gances up at Kindle. "Be kind, Firey Spirit. I grow weary with heat and my deserts are barren." He wipes his brow, fatigued, then turns to the Moon. "And, gentle sister, I cannot see your face. Why do you hide from me?"
Kindle rears up for a moment, then crashes his hooves dramatically into the dirt, illustrating the Sun's anger as Zephyr tells that part of the tale. There's a bit of pause, until Gully speaks. His nostrils flare, and he threatens his horns at the badger, although very deliberately avoiding any harm. "You stole from me!" He argues with the Earth. "What should have been mine!"
Sage withdraws into herself, a start contrast to the heated passion of the Sun, her stocky frame huddling down and her head curling down against her chest, a forepaw lifting to cover her face from the audience's view. When the Earth speaks to her, however, her head lifts just enough over the broad paw to allow her icy blue eyes to appear again. "I am hiding because I am heartbroken by my loneliness, Gaia. The stars are many, but they are silent and still. I wish I could hear the beautiful songs and see the lovely dances that your Children offer to you as thanksgiving of your nurturing care."
Stole? Hardly. They chose Earth because it was the perfect environment. Not too hot, not too cold. The Sun and Moon have no reason to become angry, as it was their own fault anyway that they were rejected.
In an attempt to play mediator, Zephyr flies above Kindle, no longer acting up feeling the heat. Calling down to him, Zephyr says, "We can no more live on you than on the parts of our planet that you have burned." Then, Zephyr flies over to Sage, dropping a little before asking, "And you, blessed Moon. What might we do to prove our caring, that you might again gift us with your light during the nighttime hours?"
Gully frowns once, briefly, at the towering Kindle before shaking his head. "No, Brother, calm your great temper." And then he stands and moves closer to the saddened moon, reaching out a paw to her shoulder. "Come with me. Show me your Face, Sister."
It takes a long time for Sun's fury to quell. But the fiery planet begins to understand Zephyr is saying, and sees that he has no choice. Reluctantly, Kindle steps back from the group. But not *too* far back. "I will end the burning, but I will not leave, Sister. Allow for me, at least, to watch over Life from time to time." As he finishes establishing this request, the ram turns to watch them speak to Moon, inquisitively.
Sage unfurls from her crouched position a little more, paw lowering slightly again to reveal her dull pink nose as the earthen-badger offers a paw in consolation, the white feline's blue eyes turning up to gaze at the Wind's avatar when the question is asked, addressing both when she responds. "Please, merely allow me to see what I have lost, and feel the warmth of your Children's love and adoration. If I know that I am not forgotten, I will happily light up the night skies with my soothing aura once again."
The lynx's paw completely drops now, as does her character, as she steps forward from the bunch to speak directly to the gathered crowd. "And so, that is why we Merrymakers have come to your lands, spreading our message of Luna's celebration. She grows full and bright now, expectant of our promise," Sage explains, looking up towards the nearly-full moon with a lifting gesture of her paw. "Please, join us tomorrow for our feast, as well as our songs, dances, and other merriment, so that we may coax her out of darkness once again, lest she hide from us forever." With that, the lynx takes a bow alongside her companions, signaling the conclusion of their performance.