The Long - Silent Stones Sound With Song Once More

[Xannarandrel]

The church was so old now that it lacked a roof entirely, and the walls were crumbling and fragmented. Where colorful tapestries and pennants had once flown against the ensconced walls and carven eaves - now only moss and vines crawled. The altar had been spirited away by time or forces unknown. The floor was mostly intact, and upon this, Xannarandrel crossed in her leather boots. Her dress, silver in color, trailed behind her due to its cut, though it was relatively flattering or revealing elsewhere. A cape resembling streams of silver hung at her shoulders, and she carried a sheathed, curved greatsword in her left hand currently.

Xanna sat upon a large stone in front of the altar, and began to play a song beneath the moonlight. As she played, the sounds carried amongst the age-old stones, and out into the woods beyond.

She sang:

On a dark wintry eve, in a fogbound forest old
There lie a forest path of winding stone so cold
And there in this lovely, verdant tale
The moon shone bright upon an emerald vale
Then came a sound that brought a sharp fright
And I did start at the noise in that misty night
For amongst the leaves and trees of oak
A silver clad, beautiful maiden spirit spoke
“Be still, mortal, please do not fear
I bear no ill will, nay, I shed a joyful tear
I have long been alone, please do not flee
and I ask, wouldst thou dance with me?”
So she took my hand and I did as was bade
We walked down to dance in the forest glade
The moonbeams shone upon us as we moved in bliss
Past the witching hour we even shared a brief kiss
We danced around and around the spirit fire
At the nearing of dawn, I lay down and did expire
The sun's light woke me, I feared it was but a dream
But our footsteps traced all around the green
I sat and listened, and thus did I hear
“Let go your mortal woe and fear.
Remember always what we shared in that dance
And how bravely did you take that chance.
Go and pursue your most sincere dreams,
For truly nothing is truly as it seems.”

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

In the shadows nearby, a complimentary tune can be heard, the sound of a little wooden flute. The flute stops playing as a curious, small figure emerges from the bushes.
A kender girl, vibrant and full of life, slips her flute into her coat pocket and bounces forward with her long chestnut hair pulled into playful ponytails. Her patchwork coat is a riot of colors stitched together from countless travels, that flaps lightly in the ambient breeze.
Clutched tightly in her hand is a sturdy walking stick, a shillelagh with knotted handle. Its true purpose is cleverly concealed within, a well-hidden sword for when mischief meets danger.
Her hazel eyes sparkle with mischief and wonder. She can’t resist the poignant melody echoing from the dark elf’s lips.

Excuse me!

The kender girl chirps, her voice bright against the somber tune.

That’s a lovely song! But why the long face? Surely there’s an adventure waiting just around the corner!

With an impish grin, the kender steps closer, ready to unravel the mystery of the forlorn bard and perhaps, in turn, spark a new tale of her own.

Hiya! My name is Serendipity. What's yours, drow Lady?

[Xannarandrel]

In the shadows nearby, a complimentary tune can be heard, the sound of a little wooden flute. The flute stops playing as a curious, small figure emerges from the bushes.
A kender girl, vibrant and full of life, slips her flute into her coat pocket and bounces forward with her long chestnut hair pulled into playful ponytails. Her patchwork coat is a riot of colors stitched together from countless travels, that flaps lightly in the ambient breeze.
Clutched tightly in her hand is a sturdy walking stick, a shillelagh with knotted handle. Its true purpose is cleverly concealed within, a well-hidden sword for when mischief meets danger.
Her hazel eyes sparkle with mischief and wonder. She can’t resist the poignant melody echoing from the dark elf’s lips.

Excuse me!

The kender girl chirps, her voice bright against the somber tune.

That’s a lovely song! But why the long face? Surely there’s an adventure waiting just around the corner!

With an impish grin, the kender steps closer, ready to unravel the mystery of the forlorn bard and perhaps, in turn, spark a new tale of her own.

Hiya! My name is Serendipity. What's yours, drow Lady?

Xannarandrel continued to play until the end of her song, though at the unexpected accompaniment, she does spare a few upward glances just to confirm her safety.

Once she is finished playing, she looks over at the short, chestnut-haired lady, whom she assumes is some variety of halfling.

She offers a smile to her as she talks, and then greets her with a half-bow from the waist.

"Hello, Serendipity. You can call me Xannarandrel, or, just Xanna," she says, putting her instrument away.

She returns to sitting on the stone and then continues, "Thank you for the compliments in the song. I am not truly sad, but I find it is sometimes cathartic to play a song of sorrow. And sometimes, it is better than simply letting sorrowful memories linger without expression. But let us talk of something else - what brings you here, to a random grove near Silverymoon?"

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Silverymoon? Wow! Did I really travel that far north?!

The kender places a little finger to her pressed lips, her eyes dancing back and forth for a brief moment while she considers the many landmarks she passed along her way.

Wanderlust! This is my first time so, I'm not really sure where I wanted to go. I guess Silverymoon is as good a place as any!

The miniature humanoid girl has pointed ears like an elf and stands at three ft tall. She has a dazzling little smile. Serendipity sits on a rock beside Xanna and sets her shillelagh down between her feet that are covered in soft little brown leather boots.

I lost my hoopak but I borrowed this nice walking stick from a small man dressed in green. Look! It has a secret sword hiding inside!

The kender girl gleefully opens the handle to reveal the shiny little blade inside the hollowed stick.

I've never used a sword before. Hmm..it's pretty sharp.

With child like wonder, eyes twinkling, Serendipity looks up to Xanna.

[Xannarandrel]

Silverymoon? Wow! Did I really travel that far north?!

The kender places a little finger to her pressed lips, her eyes dancing back and forth for a brief moment while she considers the many landmarks she passed along her way.

Wanderlust! This is my first time so, I'm not really sure where I wanted to go. I guess Silverymoon is as good a place as any!

The miniature humanoid girl has pointed ears like an elf and stands at three ft tall. She has a dazzling little smile. Serendipity sits on a rock beside Xanna and sets her shillelagh down between her feet that are covered in soft little brown leather boots.

I lost my hoopak but I borrowed this nice walking stick from a small man dressed in green. Look! It has a secret sword hiding inside!

The kender girl gleefully opens the handle to reveal the shiny little blade inside the hollowed stick.

I've never used a sword before. Hmm..it's pretty sharp.

With child like wonder, eyes twinkling, Serendipity looks up to Xanna.

Xanna seems to enjoy the sight of the hidden blade, showing a small smile and a twinkle in her teal eyes.

"Well. On the one hand, I regret to inform you that you have strayed rather far," She says.

She stands up in front of the kender, and then adds with a gesture to the small hidden sword, "You have in fact wandered upon a skilled swordmistress, who happens to love to teach. So, you do not have any experience with a blade? Would you like to learn?"

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Really? A real swordmistress?!

She giggles, pointing to Xanna's large sword.

I guess I should have known by the huge blade you carry, but it was your song I first noticed. I am indeed lucky today!

Serendipity closes the blade up and hops down from her seat on the stone. She casualky braids her ponytails while conversing with Xanna.

Yes, I really would like to learn the art of swordsmanship from such a learned defender as yourself! I was kinda bored so I took this journey. Trying new things is important. Like my Uncle Trapspringer, I used to cover my bedroom walls with maps and wonder what is out there in the world. So, I guess the itch to wander led me here for this purpose! And..I guess that leprechaun wouldnt mind me borrowing this pointy thing for awhile. He didnt really need it anyway. He was taking a long nap under a hill piled with clovers.

The kender smiles, looking up to Xanna much like an adoring, impressionable, young admirer.

[Xannarandrel]

Really? A real swordmistress?!

She giggles, pointing to Xanna's large sword.

I guess I should have known by the huge blade you carry, but it was your song I first noticed. I am indeed lucky today!

Serendipity closes the blade up and hops down from her seat on the stone. She casualky braids her ponytails while conversing with Xanna.

Yes, I really would like to learn the art of swordsmanship from such a learned defender as yourself! I was kinda bored so I took this journey. Trying new things is important. Like my Uncle Trapspringer, I used to cover my bedroom walls with maps and wonder what is out there in the world. So, I guess the itch to wander led me here for this purpose! And..I guess that leprechaun wouldnt mind me borrowing this pointy thing for awhile. He didnt really need it anyway. He was taking a long nap under a hill piled with clovers.

The kender smiles, looking up to Xanna much like an adoring, impressionable, young admirer.

Xanna's face shifts from contentedness, to admiration, and eventually to concern. She raises a brow.

"Oh. Well, let us hope the Leprechaun doesn't hold a grudge, then," she says, clearing her throat.

She stands up and surveys the ruined cathedral's floorspace. There was ample room to maneuver for the both of them. She picked up her greatsword and drew it with a flourish. The curved white steel of the blade glittered in the scattered light.

"Stand beside me, and face the same way, if you will. We should have plenty of room to swing safely. Take your sword in both hands. Ensure you grip more tightly with your palms and lower fingers. Your upper fingers and thumbs will remain looser until the moment of a strike - it isn't a hammer," she instructs, displaying the formation of her hands.

"Then, ensure you stand with your lead foot behind, so - your right foot behind, if you are right handed. When you strike, take a step so that your blade strikes at the same time as your lead foot, as you step forward. One step - one strike, so that you conduct the whole chain of your body into your motion. The intent is less to do with power, and more to do with control and speed," Xanna explained, stepping and striking at an impressive speed at the open air ahead of her, and then looking to her left where she had bid Serendipity to stand, a safe distance apart.

"Now, your turn, let us see a few overhead strikes. Reset to your original position after each strike. Sword high, with your lead hand at the level of your ear, slightly off to the side. Elbows in," Xanna instructed, waiting expectantly.

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Whee!
Overhead strikes?! Like a bird swooping down to catch a shiny little bauble! That sounds like so much fun, Xanna! Can we make it a game too? I so love to play games! Like, if I get the overhead strike juuuust right, maybe I get to add in a spin or a twirl! Oh! Oh! Oh! I bet I can do a jump too!
Look, look! I’m stepping forward just like you said!

The little kender girl grins widely, her hazel eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm.

Okay! Step forward and swing! Like a... like a big, friendly tree branch! And I’ll just swoosh and—whoops! Did I accidentally swing at that bird over there? It looked like it was up to something sneaky!

Serendipity giggles and mimics the overhead strike, her movements may be a little too enthusiastic and wildly unpredictable.

I can almost feel the sword sparkling in the air! Do you think it’ll leave a trail of sparkles when I swing? That would be so cool!
Okay, here goes! Swoosh! Wow, did you see that? I think I sliced the air really, really clean! What’s next? Can we do it again? Or maybe have a contest to see who can make the silliest face while swinging? I’m ready when you are!

Serendipity bounces on toes, excitedly awaiting the next instruction.

[Xannarandrel]

Whee!
Overhead strikes?! Like a bird swooping down to catch a shiny little bauble! That sounds like so much fun, Xanna! Can we make it a game too? I so love to play games! Like, if I get the overhead strike juuuust right, maybe I get to add in a spin or a twirl! Oh! Oh! Oh! I bet I can do a jump too!
Look, look! I’m stepping forward just like you said!

The little kender girl grins widely, her hazel eyes sparkling with childlike enthusiasm.

Okay! Step forward and swing! Like a... like a big, friendly tree branch! And I’ll just swoosh and—whoops! Did I accidentally swing at that bird over there? It looked like it was up to something sneaky!

Serendipity giggles and mimics the overhead strike, her movements may be a little too enthusiastic and wildly unpredictable.

I can almost feel the sword sparkling in the air! Do you think it’ll leave a trail of sparkles when I swing? That would be so cool!
Okay, here goes! Swoosh! Wow, did you see that? I think I sliced the air really, really clean! What’s next? Can we do it again? Or maybe have a contest to see who can make the silliest face while swinging? I’m ready when you are!

Serendipity bounces on toes, excitedly awaiting the next instruction.

"I can commend your enthusiasm, friend Serendipity, but if you wish to learn from me, regretfully, the humorous face making contests will have to wait until after lessons. You must control your strikes," Xanna says.

She smiles a little, but then her serious face returns, made somewhat more stern by her black eyeliner and lipstick.

"See..." She explains, and brings her sword in a very deliberate arc to the center of the air ahead of her.

"If you swing more than this, you risk hitting the floor, or exposing yourself to a counter because your weapon is not a threat. You must take this into account. Try again, and this time, swing with control. Your sword is a lever. Account for its balance, and do not overswing."

She stands apart and watches, resting her own sword on her shoulder in a stylish, expectant pose.

"After you get this right, we can discuss a simple footwork device. It is like a dance. That should be exciting."

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Control my strikes? Oh, that sounds almost like trying to convince a squirrel to sit still! But I’d love to give it a try!

Serendipity smiles, tilting her head a bit as if taking in the information.

So, you’re saying I need to bring the sword right to the middle of the arc? Like this?

The kender swings the sword wildly in a flashy, exaggerated motion, clearly more focused on the spectacle than the technique.

Wheeee!

She giggles, then looks over to Xanna's serious expression. Her eyes widen with excitement.

But wait! If I get too controlled, will my strikes lose their fun? Can you really have a good adventure without a bit of chaos? Maybe I can call it controlled chaos!

She grins, a sprinkle of madness in her eyes.

What do you think? Should I add a little hop when I bring my sword to the middle? Or maybe a twirl? Oh, and can I flip it upside down for a moment? That would be super cool! I mean, who doesn’t love a good flourish?

The memory of the swordswoman's instructions emphasizing the importance of controlling her strikes and bringing the sword to the center of the arc, return once again to the kender girl. With ears perked up and struggling not to grin, she holds the sword clumsily, her fingers almost slipping off the hilt.

Control, you say?

Serendipity's words reveal the amount of difficulty she has keeping her mind focused on implementing the task at hand, her eyes again widen with excitement.

Like controlling a squirrel when you’re trying to give it a yummy berry? I think I can manage this time!

With a serious nod, the kender straightens up, tries to focus, imagining a whimsical ballet of colors swirling around her. As she swings the sword and by pure chance, brings the sword right to the middle of the arc, just as she believes the swordswoman instructed.

Look! I think I’m a natural! I must’ve channeled the spirit of a careening autumn leaf!

The kender strikes another pose, pointing the sword dramatically forward.

Or perhaps I’m a falling star, soaring through the heavens!

With a delighted laugh, the kender continues.

Who knew controlling a sword would be so much like juggling, except with much less dropping and way more...

She tumbles slightly, catching herself with an expert balance.

Adventure!

[Xannarandrel]

Control my strikes? Oh, that sounds almost like trying to convince a squirrel to sit still! But I’d love to give it a try!

Serendipity smiles, tilting her head a bit as if taking in the information.

So, you’re saying I need to bring the sword right to the middle of the arc? Like this?

The kender swings the sword wildly in a flashy, exaggerated motion, clearly more focused on the spectacle than the technique.

Wheeee!

She giggles, then looks over to Xanna's serious expression. Her eyes widen with excitement.

But wait! If I get too controlled, will my strikes lose their fun? Can you really have a good adventure without a bit of chaos? Maybe I can call it controlled chaos!

She grins, a sprinkle of madness in her eyes.

What do you think? Should I add a little hop when I bring my sword to the middle? Or maybe a twirl? Oh, and can I flip it upside down for a moment? That would be super cool! I mean, who doesn’t love a good flourish?

The memory of the swordswoman's instructions emphasizing the importance of controlling her strikes and bringing the sword to the center of the arc, return once again to the kender girl. With ears perked up and struggling not to grin, she holds the sword clumsily, her fingers almost slipping off the hilt.

Control, you say?

Serendipity's words reveal the amount of difficulty she has keeping her mind focused on implementing the task at hand, her eyes again widen with excitement.

Like controlling a squirrel when you’re trying to give it a yummy berry? I think I can manage this time!

With a serious nod, the kender straightens up, tries to focus, imagining a whimsical ballet of colors swirling around her. As she swings the sword and by pure chance, brings the sword right to the middle of the arc, just as she believes the swordswoman instructed.

Look! I think I’m a natural! I must’ve channeled the spirit of a careening autumn leaf!

The kender strikes another pose, pointing the sword dramatically forward.

Or perhaps I’m a falling star, soaring through the heavens!

With a delighted laugh, the kender continues.

Who knew controlling a sword would be so much like juggling, except with much less dropping and way more...

She tumbles slightly, catching herself with an expert balance.

Adventure!

"Good, good. You did it," She says with a smile.

"Now, refocus and we will go over our footwork dance. I call it the triangle step. If we face our imaginary opponent, and we step forward, strike, and then pivot step with our left foot behind our right foot, moving right, and then finally, move our right foot back, making a triangle, we can attack and remove ourselves from danger in a fluid motion. If we cover ourselves with a guard as we retreat, we are doubly safe."

Xanna demonstrates by executing a controlled slash with a forward step that transitions into a high guard with a turn of her wrists as she steps sideways and then retreats. She does this once more, even more slowly and dance like, to truly let her pupil see the intent behind the motions.

"Now, can you try?"

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Serendipity’s bright eyes twinkle with excitement as she claps her hands together, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

Oh, I can’t wait to give it a go! A triangle step sounds like a jelly-filled pastry shape!

She moves to her position with a grin, mimicking the swordmistress’s stances with an exaggerated, child like flair.

So I step forward to strike...

The kender girl lunges playfully with her little sword, adding in an overly dramatic fashion.

HUZZAH!

Her exclamation echos lightly in the church like a miniature training yard.

Then I pivot!

She exclaims, stepping her left foot behind her right. However, instead of moving to the right, she spins in a circle, her arms flailing as if she were caught in a sudden gust of wind.

Whoopsie daisy! But it’s all part of the dance, right?

Serendipity giggles then trying again, she focuses, more determined to get it right this time.

Soooo, foot forward, strike!

She manages to execute the forward step, this time landing with a wide grin.

Now the pivot!

She steps left then merrily starts to hop back, wiggling her waist as she retreats.

And..retreat! Ha! This is more like an escape! The magical kender dance of sword fighting!

She comes to a halt, Serendipity’s eyes sparkle with playful mischief.

What do you think, Swordmistress? Did I dance away from danger well enough to keep my pockets safe?

[Xannarandrel]

Serendipity’s bright eyes twinkle with excitement as she claps her hands together, barely able to contain her enthusiasm.

Oh, I can’t wait to give it a go! A triangle step sounds like a jelly-filled pastry shape!

She moves to her position with a grin, mimicking the swordmistress’s stances with an exaggerated, child like flair.

So I step forward to strike...

The kender girl lunges playfully with her little sword, adding in an overly dramatic fashion.

HUZZAH!

Her exclamation echos lightly in the church like a miniature training yard.

Then I pivot!

She exclaims, stepping her left foot behind her right. However, instead of moving to the right, she spins in a circle, her arms flailing as if she were caught in a sudden gust of wind.

Whoopsie daisy! But it’s all part of the dance, right?

Serendipity giggles then trying again, she focuses, more determined to get it right this time.

Soooo, foot forward, strike!

She manages to execute the forward step, this time landing with a wide grin.

Now the pivot!

She steps left then merrily starts to hop back, wiggling her waist as she retreats.

And..retreat! Ha! This is more like an escape! The magical kender dance of sword fighting!

She comes to a halt, Serendipity’s eyes sparkle with playful mischief.

What do you think, Swordmistress? Did I dance away from danger well enough to keep my pockets safe?

"Well done. Well done. I think that covers the basics. Now, let's take a break."

Xanna sits down again, taking a swig from a waterskin and sheathing her sword. It is so long that she has to both stretch and grip the dull spine of the sword to do so, but it is clear that she has done it many times.

"Where did you come from again, my friend? South? And you said, Kender? I have not heard this term before."

She glances at Serendipity, making a mistaken assumption without a hint of guile.

[Verlansia Arseaniamaen]

Serendipity flips open a pocket flap of one of her pockets of holding to take out a bright, multi-colored, opalescent stone for a little show and tell.

Oh, Xanna! Let me tell you about this most marvelous adventure! You see, I was frolicking through the outskirts of the Hiddukel Forest...what a lovely place, also full of shinies and stories! You won’t believe the most marvelous things that happen there! Anyway, I decided it was time for a bit of a jaunt, you know? Krynn is especially delightful, with all its dragons and heroes and, oh! The mishaps you could find in every corner. But you see, I heard fantastic tales! Fabulous tales, about a place, a city shimmering with silver and filled with all sorts of wondrous folk!

So, I packed my little bag. Just a few bits and baubles really, but oh, what a collection! I think I even brought along a piece of dried fruit that might’ve been an apple a few moons ago, and some glitter from a failed spell. Anyway, I just followed the stories, you know? One foot in front of the other, skipping through the clouds like a pebble on a stream!

But wait!
At first, I hopped on a friendly little cloud, they say they like it when you tell them a joke, and then off I went, over the mountains and valleys! I met a talking giant, black hare with pink eyes who gave me directions to the next nearest portal. How could I resist?

Talking animals are always the best guides! They really know all the best shortcuts, like behind the willow tree on the road to Neverwinter!

I found the portal, let me tell you! It was a bit of a squabbly, wibbly-wobbly ride, but oh my! With a flash and a swhoosh, I was stepping right into this realm! And the first thing I noticed was the air because it sparkled! And the buildings, they’re all made of the silvery stone that shines like the stars at night!

Now, what I love most is how everyone here is so friendly! There's magic in the air, and every time I turn around, I see someone enchanting a broomstick or howling at a moonbeam! I’ve already started collecting shiny things from the streets and don’t get me started on the food! I tried something called a moon pie… Scrumptious!

And you know what? I simply can’t wait to see what else this place holds! There are adventures to be had and treasures to find, and I’ve heard whispers of a grand festival soon! Oh, isn’t life just grand?

Then suddenly, while in the streets I tripped over a most peculiar stone! It glimmered with a strange light and, before I knew it, I was whisked away all over again like a leaf on the wind!

At first, I thought I had found a new sort of treasure, but when I opened my eyes, whoa! I was standing here in the most magnificent place ever, this Silverymoon! Oh, the buildings are like nothing I’d ever seen, with tall spires reaching for the sky and flowing rivers that sparkle like diamonds caught in the sun!
The air is filled with the smell of bread baking and flowers blooming.
There are elves! And humans! And all sorts of folk! Everyone is even more friendly, like old and dear friends, you know? Like they had gathered to share stories and laughter many times before.

I even found a shop selling the strangest trinkets one could ever imagine! You wouldn’t believe the wonders of this place! So many shiny things just begging to be touched and maybe, just maybe, pocketed for a journey later!
Oh, and the magic! The magic here is like a gentle breeze, tickling at the back of your neck, urging you to explore every corner!

I found a little den with a sleeping leprechaun and it was filled with faerie lights, and they whispered tales of long lost heroes and hidden treasure!

But I must admit, it’s a bit different than Krynn. There aren’t as many dragons, which is puzzling, but you know what? I could get used to a world that has so many more shiny things! Who knows what sort of goodies I might find here?

I can’t wait to start adventuring! What’s next? A quest? A treasure hunt? Oh, I do hope I run into a dragon or two! Everyone loves a good challenge, dont you think, Xanna?!

So here I am, a kender learning how to use a sword from the best swordmistress in Silverymoon and I can’t wait to fill my pockets with as many trinkets as I can find! Adventure calls, and I must follow!

With a giggle, Serendipity returns the multi colored stone to her pocket of holding and closes the flap. Her hazel eyes glisten with joy and look expectantly up to Xanna.

Are you from Silverymoon or just adventuring too?

The kender girl looks around, though eagerly awaiting a responce from Xanna, she slowly starts becoming easily distracted. Before long, Serendipity takes a piece of pink chalk from her bag to play hop scotch on the stone path. If time passes further, she eventually will wander off back into the woods while playing her flute.