Bonesong Part One: Creation Sings, and I Am... in Counterpoint

Contributor: Erin the Red

Submission: In-Game writing from Rowan MacMaith and Chance, two musical players from the same game

LARP system: Accelerant
Your Location: Connecticut, USA
Character name: Rowan MacMaith
Years LARPing: 7

Chance and Rowan are two longtime players-- they are both of the Bayastri race, a cat-like animal race. Cat-races are popular in many LARPs, among many players. Many players use extravagant make-up and costuming. How players play their cat-people depends on the game. Erin writes that Rowan and Chance are "Cat sisters" and "longtime friends." The following is a dialogue between the two female-identifying characters. (Both players are talented and creative musicians.)

Rowan: I can't speak. I can't move. I am just staring at Valen, with his words ringing in my ears...

'The Bonesong showed me what is happening... the Tapestry is thinning, and She is awakening. She will win.' His voice is devoid of the normal burbling laughter... and as I look at him I realize just how far the Malediction taint has taken him. He is no longer in his Naveril garb, he is dressed in red and black. I once again feel that swell of defeat, of the need to throw myself on the mercy of the Veil and scream for it to take me away from all of this darkness. In the darkness, I am a Deceiver to the Pale, and the Pale is burning, and Valen is falling to Malediction...Midnight's voice rings out in the Tavern. He tells us of what is to come when the Lord of the Pyres arrives, and I am absolutely stricken with fear. Could this get any worse? Grum the Mad, here in this tavern? The Banshee Queen, here in this tavern? All of this evil in this tavern, with the Bone Song strapped to Valen's back? I grab Valen's hand to steady myself and turn my back to the wall... I don't want those who look at me as a leader to see me cry. A couple of deep breaths later, I turn back around with an answer for Valen.

'Valen, even a spider's thread is strong, despite being virtually invisible. Even if the Tapestry thins, the Crones will not let it fail.' I tell him I am going to collect the people we need for the trip to the Dragonspire, squeeze his hand and go to look for Corbalaak, because I could use some comfort.

As soon as I see his face, I know there will be no comfort... Corbalaak's face looks like the Storm's Anger itself.

'What happened!?'

'Guess who is now supposed to help with the Chimeric decoy during the Lord of Pyres ... thing.'

Oh, no... 'Let me guess... you?'

Corbalaak's frustrated toss of his hands is all I needed to see to know I am right. 'Love, that is when Father Merrick looks to open the Gate to the Dragonspire.' My heart aches... Corbalaak traveled all this way, knowing he will have to leave before the sun rises to attend a meeting far away, in order to stand by my side. Now the Fates conspire to keep us apart at a crucial moment. I swallow the wave of sobs in my throat. Corbalaak goes one way, I go the other.

One discussion with Trelaine, Khalder, and Sam later I have the beginnings of a group of people I trust. However, all three of them have shredded more of my belief in success. Sam is furious with Valen's tainting, and does not trust him. With tears in my eyes, I point out that I have no choice. Valen is my champion in this instance, I cannot leave him behind. Sam and Khalder makes plans to take care of Valen, should the need arise, and I leave them frightened and worried.

Chance: The tavern is a madhouse when I get there. The sky outside lights up at irregular intervals, and the gusting wind blows warm rain in every direction. No sooner has one protected himself from one side than it shifts, and chooses another. I have not quite run to the tavern, but I wasn’t strolling either. There will be ample opportunity for me to be soaked to the skin tonight, I am sure of it, and I am putting it off for as long as I may. You know you’re not young anymore, when you can no longer get completely sodden with total indifference. Averyl is here ahead of me, and I nod to her as I wade into the mass of Shadowfane.

Lucius and Rowan are standing near the door, and I go to speak to them. Rowan takes my hand and I can see from her too-white face and darting eyes that she is on the edge of breaking down. She lays out the choice for me with a gentleness and care that tells me this is how she wished it had been done for her. She says that I must choose to work with a group in the tavern, convincing the powers that have been drawn by the Lord of Pyres to refuse his hospitality, or to go with her, into the Dragonspire, and pitch that cursed book right out of the world. 

Lucius overrides her, assuming that I will do as he wishes. I usually do, but the choice is mine, and just because he trusts me most doesn’t mean that there aren’t enough trustworthy, competent people in this town to do what he is trying to organize, as well as what Rowan must do. I am looking at him when she burst into tears. I am heartened to see that there is enough of him left underneath the Tyrant to embrace her at once, comforting her, even as she turns her face against his shoulder. It is not this uncharacteristic breakdown which decides me, but it helps. She has six, and if my whole family goes, that will be seven more, just making the number that she has quoted me. We are best in our group, and we will not denude the town of much needed protection. 

The Spire will be narrow, I think. It is a good group, so long as everyone remembers to step out when they should.

* * *

Here ends Part One. Comment, share, and submit.

Read more Shadowfane from Terra.

Want OoG discussion? JJ has a great start.