[Bartstown, Schoolhouse]
This stone schoolhouse is the sturdiest building in Bartstown.  The space where generations of villagers have learned to read and write is cool and shady.  A window looks out over the cane fields to the south.  Solid desks and chairs rest on a spotless polished floor, facing the teacher's desk.  A map of the world adorns one wall, while a slate chalkboard covers another.  You also see a story telling list and some hand-drawn childish Halloween decorations.

Silvie Rivard says, "OK, I don't think we need judges, we just want to hear some stories."
Silvie Rivard smiles.
Silvie Rivard says, "So, let's get comfy, and begin."

Kri Caselli nods.
Kri Caselli says, "Well.."
Kri Caselli says, "This story was told to me by my grandmother."
Kri Caselli says, "My father's family comes from Italy"
Kri Caselli says, "And this is a curious story about one of my ancestors and a haunted castle "
Kri Caselli clears her throat loudly.
Kri Caselli blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Kri Caselli says, "For a couple of centuries some of the finest horses in Italy were bred in the grounds of The Castle Casellucia."
Kri Caselli says, "Unfortunately due to a gambling debt the Count Caselli was forced to sell the stables and the horses were removed to a foreign land."
Silvie Rivard nods to Kri Caselli.
Kri Caselli says, "While abroad, the horses could not acclimate to foreign shores, and within a matter of months, every last one of them had perished. "
Silvie Rivard sighs.
Kri Caselli says, "Upon hearing the news of the death of his beloved horses death the Count Caselli was devastated."
Kri Caselli says, "He resorted to alcohol to seek solace and in his inebriated state was convinced he could hear the horses."
Kri Caselli says, "At first the servants and locals assumed he was simply delirious from the drink and distraught at his loss but slowly the noises got louder and more people began to hear them."
Kri Caselli says, "A few years later the Count died a broken man, however, the noises continued. Legend has it that the horses spirits returned to the place they loved and at night they roam the grounds of the Casellucia just as they did all that time ago. "
Kri Caselli says, "Quite a few years ago some rationalists tried to explain the legend by claiming that the clip clop of the horses hooves was simply the water from the stream running over the rocks"
Silvie Rivard shivers.
Kri Caselli says, "To prove their point they dredged the stream"
Silvie Rivard leans forward.
Kri Caselli says, "But to this day, the noises can still be heard"
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Kri Caselli says, "Even with the rockless stream."
Kri Caselli nods.
Kri Caselli says, "I have never been there."
Kri Caselli says, "But my grandparents have."
Kri Caselli says, "My grandfather swear that as a boy.."
Helena Astra grins.
Kri Caselli says, "He looked from a window upon hearing the noises and saw a man petting horses near the front gate"
Kri Caselli says, "But I am too chicken to venture there myself."
Kri Caselli says, "I believe it to be true..."
Kri Caselli smiles.
Silvie Rivard shudders.
Kri Caselli says, "You can decide for yourselves."
Kri Caselli smiles.
You applaud appreciatively at Kri Caselli.
Silvie Rivard just applauded Kri Caselli.
Thomas Wilkeburgh just applauded Kri Caselli.
Renatta Cipriano just applauded Kri Caselli.
Victoria Burke just applauded Kri Caselli.
Kri Caselli grins.
A small metallic mouse pokes its head out from a khaki adventurer's backpack with leather straps and copper leaf-shaped buckles and looks around for a few minutes before slipping back in to hiding.
Silvie Rivard exclaims, "Excellent!"
Gardner Greenway lets out a hearty cheer for Kri Caselli.
Olivia Bennett just applauded Kri Caselli.
Olivia Bennett grins at Kri Caselli.
Gardner Greenway exclaims, "Wow, Mr. Mouse liked it too!"

Silvie Rivard pokes her finger at a story telling list.
You chuckle at Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway yawns.
Kri Caselli asks, "gardner, are you going?"
Gardner Greenway says, "Oh, we're waiting on me...."
You poke Gardner Greenway in the ribs.
Gardner Greenway ducks his head.
Gardner Greenway coughs.
Olivia Bennett giggles at Gardner Greenway.
Helena Astra stares at Gardner Greenway.
Silvie Rivard grins at Gardner Greenway.
Helena Astra grins.
Gardner Greenway stands up and moves tot he front of the room, perching on the edge of the desk.
Gardner Greenway says, "As many of you know, I came to island not on vacation as many do, but in search of someone...."
Gardner Greenway says, "This is a story about my cousin Caleb who came to the island last year on vacation."
Gardner Greenway says, "And who I, came here in search of."
Gardner Greenway says, "He and I had been good friends on the mainland, visiting each other every summer since we d been kids.  However, this particular summer he decided to come to Morada to take his vacation, as well as a course at the U of M on paranormal abilities .something he d been exploring a great deal."
Gardner Greenway says, "He was very determined to develop his paranormal abilities....something I didn't quite believe in at the time....but something about this place helps you believe."
Helena Astra smiles.
Gardner Greenway says, "During the time he spent on the island he wrote me numerous letters about his doings here and often about odd occurrences that would happen in the deepest jungles sometimes."
Gardner Greenway says, "As Caleb spent more time on the island, he developed his paranormal abilities to a greater extent, and as he did so he kept getting the oddest feelings....like he was being drawn more and more towards the jungle."
Gardner Greenway says, "And not just because of the pretty trees, and the shiney gold that draws me there."
Gardner Greenway says, "As time went by, Caleb began to spend all his spare time in the jungle, searching for a great darkness which he felt was lurking there.  He told me in his letters that he wasn t certain if it was the darkness which called to him...or something else which was beckoning him to fight the darkness."
Gardner Greenway says, "We've all had our share of unexplained events here."
Olivia Bennett nods to Gardner Greenway.
Helena Astra nods to Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway says, "I warned him to be careful in the letters I wrote to him, as did his friends on the island at the time.  It's never wise to seek out that which may devour your soul.."
Kri Caselli shivers.
Gardner Greenway says, "However, Caleb was a very determined person.  If he made up his mind to do something, he did it.  And whether it was his own self-determination or the calling of whatever....he decided to go into the jungle and confront the darkness."
Gardner Greenway sits up.
Silvie Rivard nods to Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway says, "In the last letter I ever got from him, Caleb told me that the calling was so powerful that he could barely sleep at night.  It pulsed through him with such a strength....if he didn't go to the darkness it might wash through the jungles and that would be the end."
Gardner Greenway asks, "Talk of a mad man many would say....but who can be certain?"
Gardner Greenway says, "I am still not certain to this day if he was crazy...which I'd like to think he wasn't, or if, as he said, there was something to his story."
Silvie Rivard winces expressively.
Olivia Bennett shudders.
Helena Astra shivers.
Gardner Greenway says, "It's been almost a year since I received that last letter, and to this day I have yet to find any evidence in the jungle to prove that he is truly gone...or possibly still out there...somewhere."
Olivia Bennett says, "ooooh"
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Gardner Greenway stands back up.
Gardner Greenway stretches, "Thank you for listening."
Renatta Cipriano just applauded Gardner Greenway.
Helena Astra just applauded Gardner Greenway.
You applaud appreciatively at Gardner Greenway.
Victoria Burke just applauded Gardner Greenway.
Olivia Bennett lets out a hearty cheer for Gardner Greenway.
Silvie Rivard just applauded Gardner Greenway.
Thomas Wilkeburgh just applauded Gardner Greenway.
Silvie Rivard exclaims, "Thank you!"
Helena Astra smiles at Gardner Greenway.
Silvie Rivard smiles at Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway sits down.
Kri Caselli smiles.
Kri Caselli just applauded Gardner Greenway.

Renatta Cipriano waits for the applause to die down.
Kri Caselli grins.
Renatta Cipriano glances around the room.
Silvie Rivard smiles at Renatta Cipriano.
Renatta Cipriano stands back up.
Renatta Cipriano stands up, places her hands behind her back and walks to the front of the room.
Renatta Cipriano turns to face her audience.
Renatta Cipriano seems to be in a bleak mood.
Renatta Cipriano begins her oratorial.
Renatta Cipriano says, "In my younger days, yes I did have them."
Renatta Cipriano says, "I attended the University of Gettysburg."
Silvie Rivard grins.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Now, if any of you are familiar with my home country of the United States."
Renatta Cipriano says, "You'll know that during the year eighteen hundred and sixty five..."
Helena Astra nods.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The USA was involved in a great civil war."
Silvie Rivard nods.
Renatta Cipriano lowers her head solemnly.
Gardner Greenway nods.
Renatta Cipriano says, "And Gettysburg was an area smack dab in the middle of it all."
Renatta Cipriano says, "During that time, the University still functioned normally. Classes were attended, studying still occurred."
Renatta Cipriano says, "However..."
Renatta Cipriano raises her eyes.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The University also functioned as a hospital, command center and refugee camp."
Renatta Cipriano sits in the teacher's chair slowly.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The Head Mistress of the University at the time was a very proper, almost harsh woman..."
Renatta Cipriano straightens her back, sucks in her cheeks slightly to give a gauntness to her face, lowers her glasses to the tip of her nose.
Silvie Rivard grins.
Kri Caselli grins.
Renatta Cipriano says, "She told her students which were mostly girls because most of the men were off fighting..."
Renatta Cipriano in a very stuffy school marmish voice...
Renatta Cipriano says, "GIRLS! There will be NO MEN or BOYS in your dormitory rooms! Violation of this rule means immediate expulsion."
Renatta Cipriano relaxes.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Well, that alone was enough to scare them to their garters."
Gardner Greenway giggles.
Helena Astra grins.
Renatta Cipriano says, "That year...the fall was especially harsh."
Renatta Cipriano stands up.
Silvie Rivard grins.
Renatta Cipriano exclaims, "It snowed shortly before All Hallow's Eve!"
Renatta Cipriano makes wind rushing noises.
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The air was cold and brutal."
Renatta Cipriano sits back down in the chair.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Two of the students, Mary and Lorraine, were studying in the front sitting room."
Renatta Cipriano says, "They were roommates so they did alot of things together."
Renatta Cipriano says, "They heard a knock at the front door of their dorm."
Renatta Cipriano knocks on the desk.
Gardner Greenway glances at the door.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Mary ran to the door and there was a young boy standing in the snow with no coat and barefooted."
Olivia Bennett gasps aloud.
Kri Caselli nods.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Without any thoughts about the Headmistresses rule, they rushed him up to their."
Gardner Greenway says, "That poor boy..."
Renatta Cipriano says, "They made him comfortable, gave him warm soup and wrapped him in the blankets on their bed."
Renatta Cipriano jumps up.
Renatta Cipriano exclaims, "Suddenly!"
Gardner Greenway jumps in his seat.
Olivia Bennett bites her nails.
Renatta Cipriano says, "They heard the familiar sound of the Schoolmistresses boots on the stairwell just outside their room."
Kri Caselli bites her bottom lip.
Renatta Cipriano raises her voice.
Helena Astra blinks.
Renatta Cipriano asks, "Mary! Lorraine! What's going on up there?"
Sean O'Conner shivers.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The headmistress could hear the sounds of shuffling feet and voices. She swore one of the voices was...."
Renatta Cipriano gasps aloud.
Renatta Cipriano exclaims, "Male!"
Renatta Cipriano says, "She knocked on the door three times before the girls opened it."
Gardner Greenway gives a start.
Olivia Bennett gulps.
Renatta Cipriano asks, "She glanced at the girls...what's going on in here?"
Renatta Cipriano says, "They both denied anything was going so the headmistress searched every nook and cranny of the room."
Renatta Cipriano lowers her head.
Renatta Cipriano says, "But found nothing."
Renatta Cipriano says, "After a few minutes, the head mistress left the room."
Gardner Greenway glances at Renatta Cipriano.
Renatta Cipriano asks, "Do you know where they hid the boy?"
Renatta Cipriano glances at the attentive faces.
Olivia Bennett raises an eyebrow.
Victoria Burke shakes her head.
Gardner Greenway says, "Possibly."
Renatta Cipriano says, "Outside the window of their room was a ledge big enough to hold the boy."
Renatta Cipriano says, "So they had him stand out there."
Gardner Greenway gasps aloud.
Renatta Cipriano says, "When they opened the window to let him back in...he was gone."
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Gardner's jaw drops.
Olivia Bennett exclaims, "ohhhh!"
Renatta Cipriano says, "They ran downstairs and out the door."
Renatta Cipriano says, "No footsteps."
Olivia Bennett gasps aloud.
Silvie Rivard blinks.
Kri Caselli gets a distant look on her face as she ponders.
Helena Astra shivers.
Gardner Greenway glances at Renatta Cipriano.
Renatta Cipriano says, "They figured he slithered down the side of the dorm somehow."
Renatta Cipriano says, "And died but couldn't find the body."
Silvie Rivard whimpers.
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Kri Caselli glances warily around the room.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Two days later...while they were in their room studying...they heard a faint knock on the window..."
Renatta Cipriano makes a knocking noise on the desk.
Sean O'Conner stares at Renatta Cipriano.
Helena Astra gasps aloud.
Renatta Cipriano says, "The withdrew the curtains and screamed."
Renatta Cipriano screams!
Olivia Bennett screams!
Silvie Rivard fidgets.
Olivia Bennett blushes a nice shade of off-pink.
Victoria Burke shivers.
Olivia Bennett gulps.
Renatta Cipriano says, "There in the window was the face of the boy...it was all blue."
Olivia Bennett exclaims, "ohhhh!"
Renatta Cipriano stands slowly.
Gardner Greenway gasps aloud.
Sean O'Conner holds his breath.
Renatta Cipriano says, "It so happens..."
Gardner Greenway's lip trembles.
Renatta Cipriano says, "I occupied the same dorm room."
Renatta Cipriano says, "One night around 2am, I heard the same knocking."
Silvie Rivard shakes her head.
Gardner Greenway glances at Renatta Cipriano.
Olivia Bennett says, "oh my gosh"
Renatta Cipriano says, "I pulled opened the curtain and there was the face of the Blue Boy."
Olivia Bennett gulps.
Silvie gawks at Renatta.
Gardner Greenway's face went chalk white.
You shudder.
Helena Astra blinks.
Helena Astra shivers.
Renatta Cipriano crosses her heart.
Renatta Cipriano says, "I swear it really happened."
Olivia Bennett shivers.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Thanks for listening to my tale."
Helena Astra just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
Olivia Bennett just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
Gardner Greenway smiles at Renatta Cipriano.
Justine Lord just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
You applaud appreciatively at Renatta Cipriano.
Renatta Cipriano stands up, walks back over to her seat and quietly sits down.
Victoria Burke just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
Ivan Solzhenitsyn applauds.
Thomas Wilkeburgh just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
Sean O'Conner applauds.
Renatta Cipriano nods.
Kri Caselli gets an excited expression on her face and lets out a hearty cheer.
Renatta Cipriano smiles slightly.
Renatta Cipriano says, "Thank you."
Silvie Rivard just applauded Renatta Cipriano.
Bryan Falcon just applauded Renatta Cipriano.

Olivia Bennett asks, "are you ready for my tale?"
Olivia Bennett smiles at Silvie Rivard.
Gardner Greenway smiles at Olivia Bennett.
Silvie Rivard nods to Olivia Bennett.
Kri Caselli nods.
Justine Lord grins.
Sean O'Conner nods.
Helena Astra smiles at Olivia Bennett.
Olivia Bennett glances around the schoolhouse and smiles a bit wistfully.
Olivia Bennett says, "I wasn't planning on telling a story today..."
Olivia Bennett says, "but being in a classroom again made me think of a story close to my heart"
Olivia Bennett sits down on the desk.
Olivia Bennett says, "a few years ago, I was in New York City teaching at an inner city elementary school"
Olivia Bennett says, "the school was housed in an old Catholic Church called Santa Maria Church"
Olivia Bennett says, "it was my first year teaching the 2nd grade there..."
Olivia Bennett says, "and I began to hear about a ghost who lived in the building. At first I of course dismissed the rumor as nonsense."
Olivia Bennett says, "I was a skeptic about such things, and had not noticed anything odd... but that ended quickly..."
Olivia Bennett says, "I noticed strange things happening. For example, one Saturday, an assistant and a teacher were in the school office preparing some files..."
Olivia Bennett says, "the school was empty, and they'd locked themselves into the office for their own protection, should anyone break in. The neighborhood WAS dicey."
Olivia Bennett says, "they unlocked the door to leave, but couldn't get out..."
Olivia Bennett says, "they finally shoved their way out and noticed that a stack of chairs had been piled against the door."
Gardner Greenway stares at Olivia Bennett.
Silvie Rivard wrinkles her nose.
Olivia Bennett says, "another day..."
Olivia Bennett says, "one of my fellow teachers ran into my room and called for me to come into her room. It was only 6:30 am, we were just there early preparing for the day..."
Kri Caselli glances at the door.
Olivia Bennett says, "she said it was the 3rd day that week that a book had been out on a desk, as if someone had been reading."
Olivia Bennett says, "we were 2nd grade teachers, it was a child's book"
Olivia Bennett says, "why would a janitor put a book out? we couldn't figure it out..."
Olivia Bennett says, "still another time... we were talking about the rumored ghost in the teacher'slounge..."
Olivia Bennett says, "and suddenly the door slammed shut. "
Helena Astra shudders.
Gardner Greenway starts.
Olivia Bennett says, "There was no wind... i've no idea how it happened. There was nobody in the hallway either."
Olivia Bennett says, "STILL, i doubted."
Olivia Bennett heaves a heavy breath.
Sean O'Conner shivers.
Olivia Bennett says, "until one early December morning..."
Olivia Bennett says, "there was one room in the school that we rented from the Parish that we were NOT allowed to use."
Olivia Bennett says, "I'd never questioned why..."
Silvie Rivard shivers.
Olivia Bennett says, "they used it for their own purposes and i just assumed it was theirs..."
Olivia Bennett says, "it remained locked but you could peer into it through a window in the door."
Olivia Bennett says, "I let myself into the school... the halls were still dark, nobody was at school yet."
Helena Astra shivers.
Olivia Bennett says, "I peered into the room as the sun began to rise... and I could see inside..."
Olivia Bennett says, "and my heart nearly stopped as I saw what was inside..."
Renatta Cipriano holds her breath.
Gardner Greenway leans forward.
Sean O'Conner blinks.
Olivia Bennett says, "it was a little boy, playing on the floor...not more than 6 or 7 years old."
Gardner Greenway's jaw drops.
Renatta Cipriano blinks.
Helena Astra blinks.
Olivia Bennett says, "my first thought was actually that a child had been locked in... I didn't recognize him... but I ran and found someone"
Olivia Bennett says, "I found the maintenance man and told him that there was a child locked inside"
Olivia Bennett says, "but when we went back there..."
Olivia Bennett says, "there was no child."
Helena Astra shudders.
Renatta Cipriano exhales.
Gardner Greenway shivers.
Olivia Bennett says, "I relayed this information to the other teachers..."
Silvie Rivard shakes her head.
Gardner Greenway scoots over next to Silvie Rivard.
Olivia Bennett says, "we were very shaken and we went to the Parish priest, who we thought might know something."
Olivia Bennett says, "he said that the church did indeed have a ghost... and that a little boy had died in that room during Sunday School in the 1950's"
Olivia Bennett says, "his name was Sergio Martinez..."
>Helena Astra says, "oh my..."
Gardner Greenway says, "Oh no.."
Olivia Bennett says, "and that the Priest confirmed this... and what I saw..."
Kri Caselli's face went chalk white.
Olivia Bennett says, "well... lets just say i'm not so much of a skeptic as I was."
Olivia Bennett says, "thanks for listening to my tale."
Renatta Cipriano gulps.
Olivia Bennett smiles.
Bryan Falcon shivers.
Silvie Rivard just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Helena Astra just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Kri Caselli just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Renatta Cipriano just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Olivia Bennett smiles.
You applaud appreciatively at Olivia Bennett.
Silvie Rivard smiles.
Ivan Solzhenitsyn applauds.
Justine Lord just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Gardner Greenway just gave Olivia Bennett a smooch.
Thomas Wilkeburgh just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Sean O'Conner applauds.
Bryan Falcon just applauded Olivia Bennett.
Olivia Bennett giggles at Gardner Greenway.
Bryan Falcon grins at Kri Caselli.
Gardner Greenway's face went chalk white.
Helena Astra gazes at Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway exclaims, "I have girl cooties!"
Gardner Greenway gets a white golf towel with the BCC monogram embroidered on the corner from inside his adventurer's backpack.
Justine Lord chuckles.
You glance at Gardner Greenway.
Olivia Bennett giggles at Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway wipes his mouth with his towl.
You giggle.
Renatta Cipriano begins chuckling at Gardner Greenway.
Gardner Greenway puts his towel in his adventurer's backpack.
Renatta Cipriano asks, "When was the last time you bathed Gardner?"
Renatta Cipriano ducks her head.
Gardner Greenway scoots even closer to Silvie, "Hold me, keep me safe!"
Olivia Bennett says, "he bathes in the stream"
Olivia Bennett begins laughing at Gardner Greenway!
Gardner Greenway nods to Olivia Bennett.
Renatta Cipriano says, "That explains alot."

Silvie Rivard smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "Well, I shall take things away from the otherworldly ghosts and to a time of myth and magic and the power of storytelling..."
Silvie Rivard nods to Justine Lord.
Olivia Bennett smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "For my story is about a teller of tales and the magic of these tales..."
Renatta Cipriano smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "Long, long ago, in the time of lords and ladies, castles and kings, monsters and dragons and magical rings, there was one who told, to young and old, tales of all these things. "
Justine Lord smiles with wonder.
Renatta Cipriano grins.
Justine Lord says, "This tale-teller, as he was called, travelled from village to village with his leather satchel over his shoulder."
Justine Lord says, "He'd tell his stories in exchange for a hot meal or a place to rest his weary bones for the night."
Justine Lord says, "Sometimes he'd even come away with a new story or two for his efforts...for tales were meant and ARE meant to be shared."
Justine Lord says, "If they're not told, they crumble into dust and blow away."
Renatta Cipriano nods to Justine Lord.
Silvie Rivard nods to Justine Lord.
Gardner Greenway smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "One particular night, a very special night, the townspeople of a small village were rejoicing that the storyteller was coming."
Justine Lord says, "The lord of the manor opened his hall for all to come and share in the telling of his legendary tales and declared it a feast day."
Justine Lord says, "Among the listeners was a young girl, a peasant girl, who was collecting food in her apron for her sister who was lying sick in bed at home.  They lived all by themselves, for their parents had died."
Renatta Cipriano seems sad.
Justine Lord exclaims, "In came the tale-teller and there was much cheering and many demands for a story!"
Renatta Cipriano grins at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "The old man smiled and set his leather satchel down on a table. He opened it, and those who were nearest could see it was filled to the brim with polished stones. "
Justine Lord says, "I've prepared a new tale for you," he said and picked a stone from the top of his pile."
Justine Lord says, "He grasped this stone in his right hand and held it to his heart, closed his eyes, and took a long, slow breath.  He opened his eyes..."
Renatta Cipriano blinks at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "Once upon a time there dwelt a father and his three sons..." he began.  His hand never left his heart."
Sean O'Conner blinks.
Justine Lord says, "The listeners leaned forward, hardly breathing, not wanting to miss a word. It was a story of a thrilling adventure, and when the tale-teller finished, the listeners cheered. The tale-teller took the stone away from his heart and replaced it in the satchel. "
Justine Lord says, "Another!  Another!  People yelled for more.  "Tell a funny one!" someone hollered."
Silvie Rivard smiles at Justine Lord.
Sean O'Conner smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "Here's one you'll like," the tale-teller said, choosing a small red stone.  He placed it to his heart as he had the other."
Justine Lord says, "One day in the forest a fox met this bear..."
Justine Lord says, "Soon the listeners were weak with laughter.  When the tale-teller finished, they shouted, "Another! Another!""
Justine Lord says, ""Do you have a love story?" asked a young couple nearby. The tale-teller smiled and said, "Of course." He reached into the satchel and pulled out a silver stone shaped like a teardrop. "
Justine Lord says, "A long time ago there lived three sisters..."
Justine Lord says, "As he told this tale, tears formed in the eyes of his listeners, for the lovers had to undergo many trials to test their love."
Justine Lord says, "But there was one listener whose eyes were not wet."
Olivia Bennett raises an eyebrow.
Justine Lord says, "This man was a thief, and he had come to the feast for the free food, not the stories. But when he saw the silver stone, his interest in this tale-teller grew. "
Justine Lord frowns.
Sean O'Conner sighs.
Justine Lord says, "Easily, like a snake, he slithered through the crowd until he stood beside the table where the satchel lay. His practiced eyes scanned the stones within. "
Justine Lord exclaims, "These were no ordinary stones!"
Sean O'Conner nods.
Justine Lord says, "He would have to have a jeweler appraise them, of course, but he d be willing to wager that he was looking at carnelians, opals, jade, amber, lapis lazuli and other semi-precious stones. "
Gardner Greenway gazes at Justine Lord.
Renatta Cipriano smiles at Justine Lord.
Silvie Rivard frowns.
Justine Lord says, "He hadn't even noticed that the tale-teller had finished his story.  The old man set the teardrop shaped stone in the bag right before the thief's eyes."
Justine Lord exclaims, "It was solid silver!"
Justine Lord says, "A stone like that would bring a good price, thought the thief, and waited for his chance. Suddenly it came. "
Justine Lord says, ""My friends, I must go refresh my thirst ... but I will return shortly," said the tale-teller. He left his satchel, still open, on the table. "
Olivia Bennett winces expressively.
Justine Lord says, "The thief snatched the silver stone and slipped it into the leather bag that hung from his belt. He glanced around, grabbed a handful of other stones and slithered into the night. "
Olivia Bennett gasps aloud.
Sean O'Conner mumbles something unprintable.
Gardner Greenway says softly, "That....that..."
Justine Lord says, "The tale-teller had just returned with a frosty tankard and saw him go.  He stroked his beard and sighed."
Justine Lord says, "Soon the thief arrived at the home of a jeweler."
Renatta Cipriano shakes her head.
Justine Lord says, "In these days, he'd have been known as a fence."
Olivia Bennett clutches her gem pouch.
Silvie Rivard nods to Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "What would you give me for this?" the thief asked, reaching into his pouch. Feeling the largest stone, he pulled it out. "
Justine Lord says, "The jeweler laughed."
Sean O'Conner blinks.
Justine Lord exclaims, "Common stones such as these can be found on the side of any road!"
Olivia Bennett snickers.
Justine Lord says, "You'll get nothing from me."
Justine Lord says, ""What?!" said the thief. He peered at the stone in the candlelight. He could have sworn it was silver, but now it looked like an ordinary rock. "
Sean O'Conner chuckles.
Justine Lord says, "He dumped out the entire pouch.  They were all rocks."
Olivia Bennett grins.
Kri's jaw drops.
Justine Lord says, "I don't understand," muttered the thief.  "In the tale-teller's hands, these stones were different."
Justine Lord says, ""Ah, so that s what happened," said the jeweler. "These are story stones. They can t be sold. Did you listen to the stories?" "
Renatta Cipriano grins.
Justine Lord says, "The thief shook his head."
Justine Lord says, "Without the stories," said the jeweler, "these stones are worthless.  Now, be gone!  I'm tired and need sleep." "
Gardner Greenway smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "Back at the hall, the listeners were again begging for a tale. What to tell? His eyes scanned the room, and met the eyes of a young maiden with an apron full of food. I know what she needs to hear, he thought. Ah, here s the perfect stone...a heart-healing tale. "
Silvie Rivard smiles.
Sean O'Conner smiles.
Justine Lord says, "In a certain time, in a certain place, there lived a peasant girl..."
Olivia Bennett smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "His eyes never left those of the maiden."
Renatta Cipriano grins.
Justine Lord says, "She needs this story, he realized.  She needs this story even more than I do."
Justine Lord says, "When the tale was done, she moved through the crowd until she was standing directly before him."
Justine Lord says, "Would you come to my house and tell my sister this story," she begged the old man."
Justine Lord says, "He looked at her for a long moment, then took her hand and placed the stone in her palm and closed her fingers around it.  "I think you need to be the one to tell it.""
Kri Caselli grins at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "The girl hurried home, with her apron full of food and the stone clutched tightly in her hand. Her sister was lying in bed, feverish and weak."
Justine Lord says, "I've brought you something wonderful!" she exclaimed, opening her hand."
Justine Lord exclaims, "Oh, no!  It was an ordinary rock!"
Sean O'Conner gasps aloud.
Justine Lord says, "Quickly, she closed her hand to hide it.  She would have to pretend.  She placed her hand over her heart  and took a deep breath..."
Justine Lord exclaims, "Suddenly, her mind was filled with images, feelings...everything that had been in the story!"
Justine Lord says, "In a certain place, in a certain time, there lived a peasant girl..."
Renatta Cipriano smiles at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord says, "She stumbled over some of the words, but the images remained, and she found new words.  Her eyes never left her sister."
Silvie Rivard beams happily at Justine Lord.
Justine Lord exclaims, "When she finished, her sister's face was radiant.  "Oh, what a beautiful story!  Tell it again!  Please!"
Justine Lord says, ""Of course." The girl put the stone over her heart again, and again the images washed over her. The words came easier this time."
Renatta Cipriano smiles at Justine Lord.
You smile.
Justine Lord asks, "This is better nourishment than food," said her sister, already looking healthier.  "Again...please?"
Justine Lord says, "Through the night, the story was told again and again, each time more smoothly. When the morning sun came through their window, it shone on two sleeping girls."
Justine Lord says, "And in the hand of one of them there lay a stone of bright, shining gold."
Justine Lord says, "And that is my tale."
Justine Lord smiles.
Renatta Cipriano just applauded Justine Lord.
Gardner Greenway lets out a hearty cheer for Justine Lord.
Olivia Bennett beams happily.
Silvie Rivard just applauded Justine Lord.
Olivia Bennett just applauded Justine Lord.
Kri Caselli just applauded Justine Lord.
You applaud appreciatively at Justine Lord.
Thomas Wilkeburgh just applauded Justine Lord.
Bryan Falcon just applauded Justine Lord.
Bryan Falcon says, "I kept expecting someone to die..."
Silvie Rivard begins chuckling at Bryan Falcon.
Olivia Bennett grins at Bryan Falcon.
Justine Lord says, "I was getting away from the dead children."
Olivia Bennett giggles.
Bryan Falcon says, "Ah."
Bryan Falcon lets out a hearty cheer for Justine Lord.
Sean O'Conner says, "bravo"
Justine Lord chuckles.
Sean O'Conner says, "very nice"
Sean O'Conner just applauded Justine Lord.
Victoria Connor applauds.
Bryan Falcon says, "I thought maybe the old man was killing people, and trapping their stories within the stones..."
Bryan Falcon shivers.
Justine Lord exclaims, "Ugh!"

Silvie Rivard says, "Well, looks like we're done now"
Silvie Rivard exclaims, "And what a wonderful group of stories!"
Silvie Rivard says, "Now, I have some gifts for our tale-tellers."
Silvie Rivard gets a black satin baseball jacket with an orange stripe at the neck and waist from inside her envelope handbag.