=============================================================
[15:05] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Welcome to today's Gorean Campus presentation on "Skaldic Tales & Sagas, Part 7." Let's get some preliminaries out of the way first and then we can get started.
[15:05] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): If you wish to make a statement or comment during a lesson or ask or answer a question, we ask that you simply type @ in your local chat box and I will get to you in the order that I see your posts. If for some reason I miss you, please feel free to post again.
[15:06] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): I do prefer, if at all possible, that you hold questions to the end to make sure that we can move along in a timely fashion and not get lost or off on a tangent--though the latter can sometimes be fun or enlightening. But if you're really lost or I'm going too fast for you or you feel something vital is missing, do feel free to pop in with a question, and I'll do my best to cover it before we get too far along. Or to slow down if I'm moving too swiftly. :) (Just so long as it doesn't slow things down so you're stuck here all evening, of course!) Thanks!
[15:06] Kira Edmonds (kira.avonside) is offline.
[15:07] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Well, as you certainly know by now, I'm Lady BilliAnn (aka Lady Anja Steinnsdottir, Skald of Torvaldsland), and this is another, and perhaps for a while the last, edition of my "Torvaldsland Studies: Skaldic Tales & Sagas" classes. Part 7 to be exact. At least until I write a few more stories and/or songs/poems/sagas. :) In fact, they story I'm relating tonight--along with a few shorter pieces--is one that I just wrote for the En'Kara paga tent fire contest! :) (Apologies to those who heard it at the session there. Hopefully you can stand it again.)
[15:08] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): The story didn't win--it only got an honorable mention in the contest--but as I said then, that wasn't really the point. The premise inspired me to write another story, and that was the value of the exercise, regardless. :) It was my companion who prompted me to submit it, so I did, just to see what would happen--which was just about what I expected. :) But if those I tell it to end up enjoying it and are able to forget their cares for a while, well, that's more than enough reward for me. :) So I'm going to dispense with any further introductory material and dive right into the story! It's a little tale that I call . . .
[15:08] AureliaFausta is offline.
[15:08] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Jazmin & the Paga Tent"
By Anja Steinnsdottir, Skald of Torvaldsland
[15:09] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): It was an exciting time of the year on Gor. En'kara was drawing near! My companion was off at his shop gathering together his rolls of fine textiles to take to sell at the merchants booth. And our Kajira, Jazmin, and I were getting things together here at the house, including some of the dresses and other items of clothing we'd sewn recently, all to offer for sale at the Fair. But as I was working, I noticed something odd.
[15:09] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Usually, Jazmin is bounding about full of life, always smiling, always pleasant, always eager to serve. But at the moment, she was moving so slowly, her face anything but happy--nothing like her usual self. She seemed almost to be moping, as if . . .fearful of something. "Jazmin," I said to her. "Is something wrong?"
[15:09] Carola Aromata Titus (charlottefrees) is offline.
[15:10] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): The girl lifted her dusky countenance and looked toward me, eyes lowered, and began to speak in what was clearly a reluctant tone. "Uh, Mistress, I was wondering if perhaps, this year, I shouldn't stay home and watch Master's shop while the two of you go to En'kara . . . " Her voice trailed off uncertainly. Now I knew something was wrong!
[15:10] Myriam-alyah Spires (noirnyte.spires) is offline.
[15:10] Talic Sporg is online.
[15:10] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): In past years, Jazmin had loved going to En'Kara. She went from booth to booth, excited to see all the goods and luxuries that the Fair offered. She'd even danced there a few years back, before her Master and I were companioned, as part of the Mirage Dancers, a troupe managed by our good friend Koardan. It was not at all like her to wish to stay home and miss all the fun!
[15:11] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Jazmin," I said, softly but sternly, "what's wrong? Why don't you want to go to En'Kara this year? Tell me!" We'd always had a good relationship, Jazmin and I, despite the fact (or maybe because of it) that we both loved the same man--my companion and her Master, Cougar. I initially feared it would prove awkward with Jazmin when Cougar bought me back from Torvaldsland following one of his trade trips there. But Jazmin accepted me immediately.
[15:12] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): She was a bright, lovely girl. Born in the Jungles of Schendi, the daughter of their tribe's leader. She'd studied at the feet of the tribal shaman. Had she not been captured and sold into slavery while still in her teen years, I have no doubt Jazmin would have been a leader among her people. But she'd ended up first at Turia for many years, slave at one of the major merchant houses there. Then, accompanying her master on a trade visit to the Tahari, she'd been sold to the chieftain of one of the nomad tribes of the desert.
[15:12] Vulcan Arian (lordmarshall) is offline.
[15:12] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): When Jazmin's master--and everyone but her--was killed in a bandit attack on their caravan, Jazmin somehow made her way through the wasteland to the city of Tor, nearly dying in the brutal sands of the Tahari. After she recovered, the girl went on the block in the slave markets of Tor and was found and purchased by her current Master, my companion. They were together from then on.
[15:13] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): So I wasn't sure how the girl would receive me, but as it happened, I was pleased to find we got along quite well. She is a talented dancer and musician, as I am a skald of Torvaldsland. Many a night we'd spend hours singing and playing music together while Cougar was off on a trade mission. But now . . . This was not the Jazmin I knew. She seemed reluctant to speak, but I asked her again, softly, "Jazmin . . .?"
[15:13] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): The girl finally looked up at me, her deep brown eyes locking on mine as she took a heavy breath. "Mistress, I fear if I go back, I may get in trouble. Worse, you and Master would maybe get in trouble as well. There was a . . . problem last year . . . " Again she trailed off.
[15:14] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Jazmin," I said quietly and with compassion--but also a tone that indicated I would accept no further reluctance on her part to reveal what had occurred. "Tell me now--what happened!" And this was the tale she related to me . . .
[15:14] N̶e̶m̶e̶s̶i̶s̶ (theanemesis) is online.
[15:14] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin grinned from ear to ear, her eyes wide, her voice joyful as she followed her Master through the colorful tents and stands that were everywhere as they wandered from camp to camp, exploring the wonders of En'Kara. Though she'd been to the Fair before, every time was a new treat to the girl. Her Mistress was busy with a storytelling session and had told her Master he didn't need to wait around. That he should go have some fun--and take Jazmin with him.
[15:15] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): To the girl's joy, he agreed. They'd been walking for a while, and her Master had shared the last of the water in his bota with her. "I think, my girl, that I need a good tankard of ale to wash some of the dust from my throat." It was somewhat dry that year, and the path between the tents, trodden by scores of feet every Ahn, was indeed dusty. Jazmin looked around quickly and then pointed excitedly. "Oh, there, Master! There's a drink tent!"
[15:16] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Good girl," Cougar said, and headed directly toward it, Jazmin in tow. Soon, they were inside, out of the hot sun, into the cool shade within. A dance pit stood in the center of the area, and Masters sat around it on pillows, Jazmin observed. She pointed to a vacant pillow and her Master smiled and took a seat, Jazmin kneeling by his side. A silk-clad Kajira was in the center, dancing. Cougar looked on with interest, but lay a hand on Jazmin's shoulder's whispering to her. "She's good, but you're better my girl."
[15:16] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin's heart warmed at the compliment, as her Master continued. "I should send you to the sands and put all the other girls here to shame," he added with a chuckle. "But . . . I am thirsty. Go get me an ale, girl," he told her. Jazmin nodded quickly. "Yes, Master," she said and jumped to her feet. Her eyes scanned the tent and she saw a small counter with what looked like bottles of drink behind it. A girl standing behind the counter was pouring what looked like a bowl of paga for a Master.
[15:17] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin walked quickly to the counter, kneeling, her eyes lowered, until the Master was taken care of. Then, as the Master left, she arose and smiled at the counter girl. "My Master would like an ale," she said. The girl frowned. "Ale? But this is the Paga Tent. We have no ale--only paga!" For a moment, Jazmin looked grief stricken. Her Master drank paga on occasion, true, but he far preferred his ale. "My Master is thirsty," she explained. "He wants ale!"
[15:18] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): The counter girl shook her head for a moment, as if thinking, and then brightened. "Oh--I know! We have a special drink here at En'Kara. All the Masters love it! I'm sure your Master will as well!" Jazmin looked uncertain at this turn of events. "Ummmm, what is it?" She asked. The girl smiled, reached under the counter, and pulled out what looked like a paga bowl. Except that it appeared to have something . . . gooey . . . smeared around the rim of the bowl . . .
[15:18] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "What's that?" Jazmin asked with a grimace, pointing to the goo. "Oh, that's larma jam!" the girl replied with a smile. Now watch this!" she added. She pulled out a bota and poured a dark liquid into the bowl, filling it almost to the rim. "And that . . .?" Jazmin asked. "Paga!" the girl beamed. Jazmin frowned. "But . . . my Master wants ale, not paga . . ." she attempted again to explain. "Oh, but this isn't just ordinary paga!" the girl exclaimed.
[15:18] Arkantōs Megas (zatilladante) is online.
[15:19] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin frowned. It looked pretty much like ordinary paga to her, other than the circle of sticky larma jam around the rim of the bowl. She looked warily at the counter girl, who kept smiling and added, "Just watch!" She picked up a fire-starter, held it over the bowl, made a spark--and the paga burst into flame! Jazmin recoiled. "What are you doing? What is that?" she asked the girl, her eyes wide. The girl merely replied, "Our special for the Fair: Flaming Sweet Paga Surprise!"
[15:19] Dea Somniorum (lady.stromfield) is online.
[15:20] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin looked back at the girl in disbelief. The only surprise here, in her eyes, was that anyone would offer a Master a bowl of flaming paga, larma jam or no! Paga was fiery enough, she'd been told. Masters didn't need real flame to burn off their beards and singe their nose hairs! It seemed almost . . . blasphemous! "My Master would never drink that!" she declared. "Oh, no--all the Masters love it! It's the hit of En'Kara!" The girl assured her.
[15:21] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin looked around the tent. None of the Masters she could see appeared to be aflame in any way. "Are you sure you don't have any ale?" she asked the girl. The girl narrowed her eyes. "Look--I'll tell you what! You give this lovely drink to your Master. If he doesn't like it--no charge!" She winked. Jazmin just stared at her for a moment and then sighed. Maybe, she thought, her Master might like the drink. After all, as a merchant, he considered anything offered for free a boon!
[15:21] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "All right," Jazmin said reluctantly. "I'll try it. No cost, right?" The girl nodded and smiled as Jazmin gingerly picked up the now warm bowl of flaming paga, surrounded by the ring of gooey, sticky-looking larma jam. She looked at it again, wrinkled her nose, and shook her head. Maybe he'd not notice . . . ? Jazmin sighed, turned, and headed swiftly back toward her Master.
[15:22] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): She'd already been gone far too long without bringing him his refreshment--if what Jazmin was carrying could rightly be described by such a term. She feared that, if she didn't hurry, she might by day's end be facing the Discipline of the She-Quadruped! So intent was she as she scurried back, mentally practicing her tarsk squeals and verr bleats, that she failed to see the discarded larma peel lying on the ground before her! And . . .
[15:23] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Ooph!" was the surprised sound that Jazmin made as her feet flew out from under her, her ample (but cute!) bottom connecting solidly with the ground as she landed. The bowl of flaming paga, on the other hand, soared off in the opposite direction, flung upward from her hands . . . and up . . . and up . . . and . . . Oh, dear, the girl thought! Where did it go? She quickly glanced around the room in horror, expecting to see at least one Master running about frantically, hair and tunic ablaze!
[15:23] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): But no--all she saw was the girl who'd been dancing in the pit take her bows and scamper off the sands, while the Masters--including her own--applauded. But . . . where was that bowl of flaming paga? Then, by chance, Jazmin gazed upward and--there it was! The bowl was . . . stuck to the underside of the roof of the Paga Tent! For a split-Ihn, Jazmin couldn't contemplate what she was seeing. The bowl was *sticking* to the roof of the tent, tiny wisps of smoke starting to curl out around the rim!
[15:24] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And then Jazmin understood. That sticky larma jam was holding the bowl in place! And the flaming paga must have splashed onto the roof from the bowl, and had set the cloth of the tent on fire! No no no no no! This was bad, Jazmin realized! The entire tent could burn down--and it would be her fault. Well, her's and that cursed bowl of Flaming Sweet Paga Surprise! But it wouldn't be the bowl that would end up on the wrong end of a lash . . .
[15:25] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin thought furiously, looking around and seeing that, so far, no one had noticed what was happening. But that wouldn't last for long. As she looked at it, she could see the bowl starting to peel itself loose from the ceiling as the larma jam burned away, breaking the seal. And it would fall right in the middle of the dance pit! Of course, all the Masters would then look up and see the burning roof, and likely spot her lying on the ground, and put two and seven together and . . . She had to do something. And fast!
[15:25] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Almost without thinking, Jazmin jumped to her feet and ran into the sands of the dance pit, past her surprised Master. She turned toward him, offering a seductive smile--after all, it had worked on many an occasion . . . all right, well, every once in a while at least . . . She stood there for an Ihn, her arm above her head, her hand held out as if holding something. And suddenly, she was, as the paga bowl came loose and fell into her grasp! Catching and holding it, she swept her arm around in a flourish--and began to dance!
[15:26] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And Jazmin danced with all her heart, using the paga bowl as if it were a fan or similar prop, as though she'd planned it somehow. The Masters seemed amazed and awed and watched her closely. And that was good. If they watched her closely enough, maybe they wouldn't notice the segment of the tent above their heads that was still burning. But then, Jazmin was an exquisite dancer, and soon all male eyes in the tent were on her.
[15:27] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): After all, Jazmin had learned slave dance in the gilded halls of her then-master's villa at Turia. Danced in the harem of Chieftain Ibn-Al-Zur of the Korugar tribe in the oases of the Tahari. Kept the eye of many a merchant across Gor as her Master conducted the most lucrative of trade deals. Her sinuous movements could surely hold the attention of these Masters from all over the world. Couldn't they? But still, there was that fire above . . . Sooner or later, someone would notice . . .
[15:27] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Do you smell smoke?" one of the Masters asked, frowning and looking around--but fortunately not up! Still, Jazmin's heart sank. "That's just because my girl is a smoking hot dancer!" her Master declared with a laugh. Whew--saved! But not for long. There had to be something that she could do! As she bent backwards, her arms weaving sensuously before her, Jazmin glanced up again. The roof was still burning, a huge brown spot now evident should anyone look upward.
[15:28] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And then it came to her! The solution to her dilemma! Jazmin recalled some of the words of wisdom that she'd learned at the feet of the shaman of her tribe in Schendi those many years past. One statement in particular came vividly to her mind! Yes--that must be the answer! That would stop the flames! It had to! (Or she'd best be practicing her squeals and bleats again . . .)
[15:28] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin continued to dance, but closed her eyes, focusing her thoughts on what the shaman had taught her so long ago: "Think of what you want! Imagine it in your mind! Call on the spirits! Make it happen!" Or . . . words to that effect at least . . . Jazmin may not have been listening quite as attentively as she should have that day. But for now, it was all she had! It would have to be enough!
[15:29] Meredyth Redwyne (shania.shiras) is offline.
[15:29] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin closed her eyes tightly and focused in her mind on an image, a particular image . . . the long, scaled body, the huge leathery wings, the vicious, sharp beak, the vigorous flapping of . . . an Ul! Drawing on mystic energy she'd been taught by her shaman but had vowed never to use, Jazmin pictured in her mind's eye the flying tharlarion hovering above the Paga Tent, its wings flapping at the fire . . . putting it totally out! And then--the beast was gone from her mind. Its image lost to her.
[15:30] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin said a quick silent prayer to Kathahooluuu, the vart-winged, cuttlefish-headed river god of her tribe back in Schendi. She prayed that the Ul had put out the fire! Then she quickly called out in her mind to the Priest-Kings, asking their forgiveness for her prayer to Kathahooluuu. She feared that, if she failed to do so, the Priest-Kings might send down the blue flame for her transgression--which would be far worse than any paga fire, for sure! Maybe even as much so as the dreaded Discipline of the She-Quadruped!
[15:30] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): But did it work? Still dancing her best to keep the Masters' attention, she looked up and . . . the fire was out! There was still an ugly hole surrounded by a sizable brown spot on the roof of the tent, but . . . maybe no one would notice . . . ? At least her ploy had bought her time so that she could entice her Master out of the tent and both of them off and away before anyone might happen to look up!
[15:31] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): But then, she wondered . . . Had she really summoned up an Ul all the way from the Vosk Delta to come put out the fire for her? Or had it simply burned out on its own?
[15:32] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin shook her head, making sure it appeared part of her dance. After all, alcohol wasn't all *that* flammable, despite what many claimed, which she'd learned back in Turia. Not that she'd ever had the opportunity to find out, of course. Well, not until now. Maybe it had just burned itself out quickly, only scorching the roof of the tent and barely burning through without spreading. Jazmin didn't know. But she did know she'd best not linger long enough to find out . . .
[15:32] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): With a final flourish of the sticky paga bowl (she, of course, being no stranger to getting her hands in sticky things), Jazmin finished her dance and scampered back to her Master while the other Masters applauded. Time to leave before anyone noticed the burn hole in the roof of the tent! "Very good, as always, my girl," her Master complimented her. "But whatever happened to my ale?"
[15:33] Aurelia Maren (jaime.michalski) is online.
[15:33] Aldae Nagy is offline.
[15:33] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin froze, but thought fast. "Uh, the girl at the counter said no ale here. Just paga! It *is* a Paga Tent, after all." Her Master frowned but the girl hurried on. "She said that the ale is at, er, the Ale Tent, down the way . . . er, between the Mead Tent and the Turian Wine Tent . . . er, that away!" Jazmin's voice trailed off as she pointed out of the tent.
[15:33] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Her Master tilted his head and then smiled. "Well always good to get the chance to see you dance, my girl! Let's go find that ale!" Jazmin breathed a sigh of relief and she nodded, following her Master out of the tent, surreptitiously eying the burnt spot as they left. And soon they were off again, enjoying the marvels of the En'Kara Fair! Though they never did find that Ale Tent . . .
[15:34] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): *****
"And that's what happened, Mistress," Jazmin said to me, looking down at her toes, as if embarrassed by having to relate the entire incident to anyone. "So I'd really rather not go to En'Kara this year. In case anyone noticed the burn in the tent back then. Or even if not! Because if they didn't, they'll surely see it now, when they set up the tent. And I could . . . er, I mean, the Master and even you could get in trouble for what I did, if anyone there sees and remembers me and somehow figures out what happened . . ." She shrugged then, as if it all should have sounded quite logical.
[15:35] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): I narrowed my eyes in thought. Then I sighed and shook my head. As unlikely as her story seemed, Jazmin surely had some reason for not wanting to go to the Fair this year. Burned hole in the Paga Tent or otherwise. And I'd come to know the girl well enough to trust her. "Very well, Jazmin. You needn't go to En'Kara this year. But when we return, I'll expect to see that not only have you cleaned every hort of Cougar's shop, but the house here, too. Deal?"
[15:35] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Oh, thank you, Mistress!" Jazmin cried out, her face beaming now. "I won't let you down!" I nodded. I knew she wouldn't. She was a resourceful girl, as her story proved. Whether it was true or . . . slightly embellished. I chuckled to myself. I'd never known Jazmin to out and out lie, but sometimes she could spin as good a tale as I could for all my experience as a skald of Torvaldsland. But there was something that was bothering me still. Something Jazmin hadn't actually revealed.
[15:36] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Jazmin, just one more thing. You said that you remembered some words of wisdom--a particular statement--from your shaman back in Schendi. And that it gave you the insight for your . . . solution? What exactly was it that your shaman said to you then?" I looked at the girl directly, one eyebrow raised.
[15:36] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Oh--he told me this," she replied with a smile. "Only Ul can prevent paga fires!"
[15:36] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And then I broke down laughing.
The End
[15:37] jorja (jorjasweet) claps her hands. How very clever. I love that story! Well done Mistress!!
[15:37] jorja (jorjasweet): Laughs out
[15:37] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And that's my little paga tent fire story. I hope you enjoyed it. :) And I hope that Jazmin has been practicing her squeals and bleats now that her mischief has been revealed! :)
[15:37] Duncan Willis: ba-dum tsh
[15:37] jorja (jorjasweet) giggles
[15:37] Duncan Willis: Wonderful story!
[15:38] kaeli (kaeli.margulis) very good story Mistress
[15:38] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Thank you! :)
[15:38] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Next, I'm going to relate yet another tale that I told at En'kara as well--a short-short story, but it also involves the fair. It started as my contribution to a round-robin story told around the campfire a few years back. This is essentially exactly how I wrote the story, on the spot, way back then--other than correcting a few typos and clarifying a few pronouns. I'd thought I'd rewritten it not long ago, but when I looked for it, I couldn't find it anywhere in my inventory. So you're getting the original instead. Maybe I'll run across the other someday, if the SL Priest-Kings haven't eaten it. This one I call, as you'll soon see why . . .
[15:38] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Jazmin, En'Kara, and . . . a Kur???"
By Anja Steinnsdottir, Skald of Torvaldsland
[15:39] Erik Kro (mousetolliver) is online.
[15:39] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin Azif woke up in her Master's tent at the En'Kara Fair, shaking her head. Her Master, it seems, had already arisen and was off somewhere, probably looking for more trade opportunities, him being head of caste for the Port Olni Merchants. She started thinking about what she could prepare him for his morning meal--perhaps a warm pot of Bazi tea and a few honey cakes. Surely he wouldn't want ale so early in the day. Then again . . .She laughed shaking her head. Had it been Master Gunyon, she'd be thinking about the paga, early or not. As a Scarlet caste warrior, he lived life to its fullest.
[15:40] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): She opened the tent flap and looked around in dismay! The area was a wreck! It almost looked as if it had been the site of a wild Kajuralia prank gone wrong! Wagons were overturned, tharlarions were running around wildly, and . . . was that a kaiila head peaking out of the tent next door? What could be happening?
[15:40] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Then Jazmin heard a low, fierce growl that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. She spun around and found herself face to face with . . . a huge Kur! Where had that come from? Her hand reached instinctively for her belt . . . but no. The quiva she'd carried back before she'd been enslaved was long gone. She began to panic, wishing she had something sharp coated in kanda root . . . or maybe ost venom . . . But even that against a huge rampaging Kur?
[15:41] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Jazmin employed the only defense a kajira had in the face of such danger . . . "Run away! Run away!"
[15:41] Leonette Redwyne (river.rune) is offline.
[15:41] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Some time later, Jazmin Azif, no longer hearing any sounds of disarray, climbed out of the half-full ka-li-na wine barrel she'd taken refuge in and staggered back toward her tent to find her Master . . .
The End
[15:41] Cougar (cougar.ireman): lol
[15:42] kaeli (kaeli.margulis): Clap
[15:42] jorja (jorjasweet) laughs, ooooo
[15:42] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Poor Jazmin does seem to get into trouble a lot, doesn't she? So I'll give her a break and instead present a short poem/song I wrote somewhat recently. En'kara was its world debut. :) I wrote this to the tune of "Blackbird," by the Beatles, if you're familiar with that tune from the White Album. If so, feel free to imagine the music in your head as I relate it. I actually have a lyre that plays that tune, and I was going to play it here as I recite the lyrics. But . . . when I listened to the tune again, I realized I'd added too many choruses. :) Still hopefully you'll enjoy it. It's called . . .
[15:43] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): "Tarnsman"
By Anja Steinnsdottir, Skald of Tovaldsland
(To the tune of "Blackbird" by the Beatles)
[15:43] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman soaring in the dead of night!
Climbing through the clouded skies of Gor!
All your life . . .
You have just been training for this moment to arrive!
[15:43] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman . . . fly!
Tarnsman . . . fly!
Into the light of the stars so bright!
[15:44] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman swooping from the darkened sky!
Falling 'pon the city down below!
Make your mark . . .
Now your tarn is rushing toward the enemy you know!
[15:44] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman . . . fly!
Tarnsman . . . fly!
Under the light of the moons of Gor!
[15:45] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman looping through the cylinders!
Dodging bolts and arrows aimed to kill!
So alive . . .
As your boldness shields you from the perils of your task!
[15:45] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman . . . fly!
Tarnsman . . . fly!
Unto the honor of the Warrior Caste!
[15:45] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman flying home in victory!
With your captive tied behind your seat!
You have shown . . .
Such strength and oh such bravery--you honor your Home Stone!
[15:46] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman . . . fly!
Tarnsman . . . fly!
Into the legends of the lore of Gor!
[15:46] Jasmine Hiɱʋɾɑ Bσɑ (bloodwolfe1996) is offline.
[15:46] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Tarnsman . . . fly!
Tarnsman . . . fly!
Toward Tor-Tu-Gor you soar!
[15:47] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And that's my poetic/musical entry for tonight. :) Perhaps I'll rework it to better fit the tune at some point. In any event, we still have a little time left, so I thought I'd read to you a few Gorean ads. These are a series of mock advertisements I put into a Gorean newsletter I worked on a few years ago, mainly to break things up a little with a bit of light-hearted satire. :) Not sure how many I can fit in here in the time we have left, but I'll do my best not to keep you overtime tonight. After all, I'm sure you have lots more to do than sitting here listening to me. :)
[15:47] Razor (razor.teardrop) is online.
[15:47] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): So imagine you're reading a Gorean news-scroll (or maybe sneaking in some Gorean TV before the Priest-Kings find out and hit you with the blue flame), and you run across, well . . . these . . .
[15:48] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And now a brief word from one of our sponsors . . .
Slippery Caesar's Patented 100% Pure Ost Oil! The miracle cure of the ages for what ails you! Got a bad case of the Bazi Plague? Feel the impending onslaught of the deadly Dar-Kosis? Been bitten by a poisonous tharlarion or a rabid urt?
[15:48] N̶e̶m̶e̶s̶i̶s̶ (theanemesis) is offline.
[15:48] jorja (jorjasweet): Claps her hands, I love listening to Your poems and stories. Thank you for sharing with us...Giggles at the advertisement...lolol
[15:49] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Good news! Now you can show the Physician caste you don't need them--nor ever will again! Just take two generous swallows of Slippery Caesar's Patented 100% Pure Ost Oil and you'll never feel ill for the remainder of your life! Comes in three sumptuous flavors: Tospit, Sul, and Bosk Dung! Only three gold tarns per bottle! Satisfaction guaranteed! If you're not alive the next morning, contact us for a full refund! That's Slippery Caesar's Patented 100% Pure Ost Oil--the last medicine you'll ever need!
****
[15:49] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And now another word from another of our sponsors . . .
Mercurial Marcus' Magnificent Melee Weapons! Get your butt kicked on the battlefield again by an ax-toting Alar? Been run over by the wagon of a near-sighted Tuchuk? Had your head handed to you in a basket by a rampaging Kur? Suffered a close shave (or hair cut) with a Panther Girl? Time to stop being the laughing stock of the Warrior caste and arm yourself with one of Mercurial Marcus' Magnificent Melee weapons!
[15:50] Kaiko Nιαsseү (luelar.edwyn) is offline.
[15:50] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Whether it's a sword, a spear, an ax, or even a Kanda-coated hairpin that you're looking for, you can find it at Mercurial Marcus' Mobile Armory! (We move around a lot--like, really a lot!) Made from the finest bog iron of Torvaldsland, our weapons are guaranteed to slice or pierce though at least a hort and a half of solid rence paper before shattering! Why take the chance of impaling your enemies with anything else?
[15:50] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Prices vary by how much you can afford--but can you *not* afford to defend yourself with one of our finest weapons? Strike fear into the heart of the fiercest slave girl or most ferocious giani--wield one of Mercurial Marcus' Magnificent Melee Weapons today! (Full refund if you're slaughtered while using one of our products--if you can find us . . .)
****
[15:51] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And now a brief word from yet another one of our sponsors . . . Honorable Olaf's 63.4% Pure Torvaldsland Lichen! Want to grow to the seven- to eight-foot height of a muscular Torvaldsland marauder? Develop the curvaceous figure of a voluptuous Northern bond-maiden? Go totally veil-less like a Torvaldsland FW without turning heads or risking capture? Avoid sacrifice to the gods like a worthless, sniveling thrall?
[15:51] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Chow down on Honorable Olaf's 63.4% Pure Torvaldsland Lichen and be confident of realizing at least one of those miraculous boons (probably . . .)! Comes in six lip-smacking varieties: Honey-mead, slave gruel, cuttlefish ink, raw parsit fish & seaweed, pickled rock tharlarion leg, and fried Kur snout! All natural! No fillers added! (Other than shredded needle tree bark & needles, powdered tabuk hoof, and crushed snail shells . . . just for body . . ..)
[15:52] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Don't wait--spoon up a steaming mess of lichen for your family's next (and maybe last) meal! Perfect for stuffing your En'Kara vulo! (You don't even need to kill the bird first!) Honorable Olaf's 63.4% Pure Torvaldsland Lichen--the breakfast (and lunch and dinner and snack during famines) of Torvaldslanders! Yum! (Disclaimer: No actual lichen are harmed in the processing of this delicious semi-food source!)
****
[15:53] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And now another amazing word from another of our sponsors . . . Audacious Abdul's Vitamin-Enriched, Universal-Use Tahari Date Paste! Want to eat like a wealthy Tahari sultan, a wild tribal chieftain, or a magical desert djinn? Need the perfect bonding agent to hold your turban together? Looking for something lethal to make every arrow wound a sure fatality? Try Audacious Abdul's Vitamin-Enriched, Universal-Use Tahari Date Paste!
[15:53] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Quick and easy to use for all your desert needs: Smear some on your sword for a rich-brown, sticky sheen! Drizzle it into your next bowl of overripe bosk stew when serving unwanted guests, or roll it up into special tastas to shut up your hungry, complaining slaves! Brush it into your hair for that fierce spiky look that will send the sternest of desert bandits running at the sight of you!
[15:54] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Smuggled from our plantation in the Oasis of the Dessicated Slave Girl, past the Salt Ubar's stoutest guards, and straight to our shipping station at Klima in the stomachs of specially trained kaiila! So if you need a quick pick me up--or a fast put-the-other-guy down--make sure that you always turn to Audacious Abdul's Vitamin-Enriched, Universal-Use Date Paste! You'll be glad you did! (Well, maybe . . . .)
****
[15:55] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And now a brief word from even another one of our sponsors . . . Shady Silas' 123% "By the Book" School for Women Warriors! Are you a Scarlet Caste lady tired of sitting around tending the little warriors while your companions engage in glorious Gorean battle? Think that daggers and poisoned hairpins are too "girly" for you? Have an innate longing to swing a sword or scimitar at a slinking sleen or a sniveling slave girl? Are panther pelts too primitive for you to parade around in?
[15:55] Kira Edmonds (kira.avonside) is online.
[15:55] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Rejoice! Now you can enroll in Shady Silas' 123% "By the Book" School for Women Warriors and become the fierce, fighting free woman you've always longed to be! Shady Silas hires only the best, the bravest, the most boisterous of barbarian bruisers to give you the instruction you need to be among the finest female warriors in all of Gor (all one of her)! We train you on the best weapons constructed by the most highly skilled, single-handed slaves of the sweatshops of Schendi! Swords of hammered Torvaldsland bog iron . . . arrows of stout, stunted, twisted Torvaldsland needle trees . . l Hunjer war hammers specially balanced for the delicate feminine grip! (Mercurial Marcus gives us a great discount on his inventory!)
[15:56] Razor (razor.teardrop) is offline.
[15:56] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): In absolutely no time you'll find yourself able to fight your way out of the most rugged rence-paper bag imaginable! Go toe to toe with a six-toed tiny rock tharlarion! Drink at least as much paga as an Initiate before passing out! So get ready to face down and defeat even the fiercest, hissing giani, the most threatening thrall, the most skilled Scarlet without getting skewered for at least 3 1/2 Ihn! That's Shady Silas' 123% "By the Book" School for Women Warriors! Ladies, why trust your journey to the Cities of Dust to anyone else?
****
[15:57] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And a final word from another of our sponsors . . .
Wait--what? They're being brought before the Magistrate? Never mind . . .
****
[15:57] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And those are my so very serious Gorean ads! And if they have you ready to head for the marketplace, well, give me time to get as far away as I can on one of the swift serpent ships of the North first! :)
[15:57] kaeli (kaeli.margulis): Clap
[15:58] Duncan Willis strikes his left shoulder with his right hand applauding
[15:58] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): And that concludes tonight's edition of Skaldic Tales & Sagas, Part 7. I hope you've found these little bits amusing and entertaining to at least some extent. (And that "Impale her!" isn't right on the tips of your tongues.) If anyone has any questions or comments, please feel free to speak now! :) *gets ready to duck flying tospits and overripe larmas . . . *
[15:58] Duncan Willis: I have my shopping list ready
[15:58] Ar Barbosa (arealius.barbosa) is online.
[15:58] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Good--maybe you can catch them before they flee too far! :)
[15:59] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): All right, if there are no more questions, comments or brickbats, we'll close for tonight. Next week, I'll be back with another entry in my loose series of Torvaldsland Studies. Please remember to support Gorean Campus as you're able. I wish you all well! :)
[15:59] jorja (jorjasweet): perfect...laughs
[15:59] jorja (jorjasweet): I wish You well Mistress
[16:00] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Oh and I do have some more advertistments that I'll share in a future session. :) If you're willing to listen. :)
[16:00] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): So back to the serious stuff next week. :)
[16:00] jorja (jorjasweet): THIS ONE WISHES yOU WELL mASTERS
[16:00] Duncan Willis: A nice intermission in the classes
[16:00] jorja (jorjasweet): opps
[16:00] jorja (jorjasweet): grins impish
[16:00] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Well wishes!
[16:01] jorja (jorjasweet) Wishes Mistress and Kajira
[16:01] jorja (jorjasweet): well also
[16:01] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): I did recnetly complete a new story, so may be presenting than in a few weeks. We'll see how it goes. :)
[16:01] Duncan Willis: I wish all well. Thank you for the smiles Lady BilliAnn
[16:01] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Well wishes!
[16:01] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Odin's blessings upton you all!
[16:01] Talic Sporg: " aye, be well Masters, & Mistress, girl will pray for you safe travels to wherever you go"
[16:02] Rake Arian (rakejenkins) is offline.
[16:02] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): Everyone have a wonderful rest of the evening and a great week coming up!
[16:02] kaeli (kaeli.margulis) she wishes the Masters and Mistress and good evening
[16:02] Kati Evans: Thank you.
[16:02] BilliAnn Bravin-Ireman (billiann.bravin): I see my companion is waiting for me, so I'd best be off. :)
[16:02] Gorean Campus - Teacher Tip Jar whispers: Logging out BilliAnn Bravin.
[16:03] kaeli (kaeli.margulis) she wishes you well Mistress B
No comments:
Post a Comment