The Basin's Newest Star

<-- Gurashi having very bad time. just wrapped up their dailies and was preparing to go mope some more in their manse when they bumped into Nymaane and said hello...

You have emoted: Gurashi's mouth quirks to the right, leading them to pause, before they nod, already in the process of producing another muffin.

You give a fist-sized breakfast muffin to Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker.

Nymaane presses a hand to her mouth as she muffles a giggle.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "For you, too."

A frown tugging at her features when she notices, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to you, "Are you okay? You're not as bubbly as you normally are."

Bizirik, the leothin sits patiently, watching Gurashi, evidently also waiting for a muffin.

You have emoted: Gurashi gives pause, then nods. "Tired," They say at last with a nod, fishing out another muffin, which they offer to Nymaane, much to the leothin's horror.

Bizirik, the leothin gives a horrified gasp.

Bizirik, the leothin narrows her eyes at you in an unnerving manner.

You think to yourself: * stillness - static *.

Nymaane slowly nods her head before shaking her at the proffered muffin, instead gesturing to Bizirik, the leothin.

Bizirik, the leothin nods her head sagely at Nymaane.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over at the leothin, blinking slowly. "...always acts so starved," They whisper, offering the creature the baked good, which is eaten right out of their hand.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to you, "This may, or may not, be unwanted, but."

Nymaane quietly slips her arms around you, pulling you close against her in a tight embrace.

Hugo Girard yells, "You are cordially invited to come to the World Stage where you will witness the debut of the Basin's next star!"

You blink.

honors hugo
There is no such person, I'm afraid.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks, then looks at Nymaane slowly, their own hands resting gently upon her back.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "...who...was that?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks down at Nymaane, wide-eyed. "...want to go see?"

Giving the human one more tight squeeze before she pulls away, Nymaane rolls her shoulders in a small shrug. "I'm not sure, to be honest, but I'll go."

Nymaane begins to follow you.

<-- walkies!

Vesteran World Stage.
A massive chamber extends out and away from the entrance, sloping downwards towards a magnificent stage for performances. Elegant red curtains hang from the ceiling above, ready to be swept back at will. Carved into countless rows of stone seats connected by stairs, the cavern floor forms an enormous bowl-shaped amphitheatre leading down to the stage. The granite walls are perfectly smooth, rounded in order to echo the sounds emanating from the stage for optimal acoustics. Hanging from the ceiling, several light green crystals radiate constant light within the chamber and can brighten or dim depending on the needs of the performance. A vast stage fills most of the chamber, with opulent velvet curtains hanging from its gilt arch. Hugo Girard is here, humming a soulful tune. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. The regal form of a Lady of Moonlight stands here, gleaming streamers of white fabric surrounding the graceful figure.
You see exits leading west and out.

LOOK HUGO
Of an average build, Hugo Girard is a young human with well-coiffed black hair that extends just past his ears. Evidence of spending much time in the sun, his skin is richly tanned and contrasts the pair of sharp blue eyes that sit high on his face. His jaw narrows into a pointed chin that sports a short goatee. Wearing a long-sleeved black shirt that opens at his neck, brown leather overalls, and a pair of worn boots, this man is clearly dressed more for agricultural activities rather than adventure.
Hugo Girard is not one to be trifled with.

You tilt your head curiously.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks slowly as they wander into the room, clinging to their mandolin. "Are too late?" They whisper, gaze sweeping the room before falling upon Hugo Girard.

Hugo Girard says, "Welcome, welcome! No, you are not too late at all."
Nymaane blinks up at you before shifting her attention to Hugo Girard, a small "phew," escaping her lips.

You think to yourself: * at last, among the static - a sense of curiosity *.

Moving further into the theater, you ask, "Uhm, heard someone shouting ... about a new star?"

<-- Sutekh Arriving
A lady-like penguin waddles in from the out.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Hugo Girard.

Sutekh greets Hugo Girard with a sincere smile.

Sutekh's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks over their shoulder towards Sutekh, offering a little wave before returning their attention to Hugo Girard.

Brimming with excitement, Hugo Girard asks, "Are you ready for the opportunity of your lifetime, or are there more who would like to hear my debut song?"

You blink.

Voice rising an octave, you ask, "...opportunities?"

You think to yourself: * curiosity bleeds into confusion *.

Hugo Girard says, "Why yes, you get to be among the first to hear my debut song. My first fans - is that not the greatest opportunity there is?"

Sutekh's elytra clack together sharply with a loud, if low, tone.

You have emoted: "Ah, uh," Gurashi apologetically raises a hand. "Uhm - would... love to hear your song? Yes! Would LOVE to hear," They clap their hands together, voice rising in an attempt to be cheerful.

Offering a hand, you ask Hugo Girard, "Hi, am Gurashi - you are?"

Nymaane glances askance.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "I'd be delighted to listen to it!"

Returning your gesture, Hugo Girard responds, "I am Hugo Girard. You may not know me yet, but soon enough the whole Basin will know of me!"

You think to yourself: * a desperate attempt at rousing some some joy, some excitement for this newly persons - they deserve it *.

Sutekh's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "Now, my dear fans, please take a seat and enjoy the show!"

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes Hugo Girard's hands a few times before gesturing over their shoulders. "Are my friends, Miss Nymaane and Mister Sutekh. Uhm," They turn forward, curious. "Am ready whenever you are - to hear it, mean."

Sutekh tilts his head and listens intently.

You have emoted: Gurashi sinks slowly into the very first row, wide-eyed, blinking owlishly at Hugo Girard.

Nymaane quietly takes the seat next to you, letting something large fall from her arms.
<-- a distinct lack of Alces the moose

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker whispers, "He's gone."

You glance askance at Nymaane.

Nymaane waves her hand dismissively.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "To eat muffins in peace?"

Nymaane nods her head at you.

You nod your head sagely.

Hugo Girard steps towards the centre of the stage. Beaming with overflowing pride, he takes a deep bow.

You have emoted: Gurashi returns their full attention to the stage, sitting up a little straighter, holding their own instrument tightly. They flash Hugo Girard an encouraging smile, nodding.

Hugo Girard shoots at perplexed look at his audience. "My dearest fans, where is the applause?"

Sutekh looms in the back, his elytra quiet as he awaits something to occur. Grudgingly, he raises his chitinous hands and rapports out some 'clapping'.

You blink.

Nymaane laces her hands together on her lap, her gaze shifting to the stage as she watches Hugo Girard with rapt attention. She pauses, once, only to untangle them and begin clapping excitedly.

You have emoted: Gurashi begins to clap eagerly, expression twisting with apology as they nod again, then drop their hands into their lap, clasping them tightly together.

Seemingly satisfied with the audience's response, Hugo Girard holds up a finger to his lips to make a shushing gesture. He moves over to a box at the edge of the stage and retrieves a wooden mandolin. He takes the opportunity to adjust his grip on the instrument as he walks back to the centre of the stage before taking another bow.

You stare blankly into space.

Nymaane hisses sibilantly into the corner of your mind, "..are we supposed to clap again?"

You have emoted: Gurashi casts a subtle glance toward Nymaane beside them before returning their attention to the stage.

You shake your head at Nymaane.

You blink a few times and stare at a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in confusion.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Hugo Girard.

Nymaane nods once at you before letting her hands fall back to her lap.

Hugo Girard takes a deep breath as he finally appears prepared to begin his performance. However, as soon as he begins to pluck the strings of the mandolin, it becomes clear that the sounds produced are dull and flat, a far cry from the lively tune his theatrics had promised. Unease, perhaps even horror, quickly replaces his proud expression as he immediately stops playing.

Your melodic voice sings into Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker's mind, "//i knew it."

You have emoted: Gurashi sits there, mouth formed in a perfect 'o' of surprise as Hugo Girard abruptly wraps up their 'tune'

"Oh no, oh no," Hugo Girard desperately mumbles, his voice now only audible due to the acoustics in the amphitheatre. Holding up the mandolin to inspect it he gasps nervously. "The strings! I have worn them out from my practice. What am I going to do now?"

Sutekh glances at where you is sitting, with their own mandolin.

Nymaane's eyes widen in surprise before she subtlety glances at you.

You have emoted: Gurashi blinks very slowly, then gasp, rising from their spot. "Ah, uh," They wander forward, removing the strap from around their shoulder and offering the instrument out. "Uhm, would you...?"

You cease wielding a vibrant mandolin of songbirds and stars in your left hand.

You look at Hugo Girard hopefully.

Rising forward to stand on their toes, you say to Hugo Girard, "Mine is tuned! Not worn out!"

Hugo Girard says, "No, no, no. This is the mandolin my grandfather had left me. It was his dream as much as mine for me to become a star. I must play with his mandolin."

You blink.

Lowering their instrument, you say to Hugo Girard, "...do - do need something to fix it? I do not know -how- to make instruments, just how to -play-."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks back towards Nymaane and Sutekh. "Would an artisans be able to help?"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Maybe. I'm not an artisan."

Hugo Girard says, "Yes, that's it! You can help me fix it."

Sutekh stares blankly into space.

Your melodic voice sings into Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker's mind, "//... IS THIS A NEW QUEST?"
Your melodic voice sings into Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker's mind, "// *hopeful noise*."
Nymaane hisses sibilantly into the corner of your mind, "// oh god, I hope so."

Hugo Girard says, "Come visit me in my home, not far from my home village of Delport. I'll explain more there."

You tilt your head curiously at Hugo Girard.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh? Uh, which sides of Delports?"

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Looking back towards their companions, you say, "D-do not visit often."

Nymaane smiles wryly at you.

You blush at Nymaane furiously.

Hugo Girard says, "It is next to the road, in the direction of the city called New Celest."

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh! I know where that is."

Sutekh murmurs softly to himself.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "I will see you there!"

Nodding, you say to Hugo Girard, "We will go meet you there, then!"

Sutekh begins to follow you.

Nymaane urges you onwards.

<-- run run run

Old Imperial Road by Delport. (road).
This location is flooded with shallow, crystal clear water. A gentle breeze whistles around you. The road is paved with stones and mortar, and wraps around the Razine Mountains. Its surface is scuffed and scarred by centuries of use of grinding traffic, yet its serviceable condition bespeaks that its construction was assisted by mysterious powers. No grass or weeds have been able to penetrate the road's surface, and any detritus is quickly blown to the side by the low winds that sweep down from the mountain range. This section of the road is between the two great bridges that span over the raging waters of the Estengare river. A path leads to the village of Delport that nestles between the two arms of the Estengare. Standing majestically, a lady-like penguin with a sparkling, opalescent scarf surveys the surroundings. A huge archdemon looms here, surrounded by black mist.
You see exits leading northeast, southeast, and southwest.

Bright and clear, you say, "Do think meant around here? Or is another part of the road..."

You glance askance.

Nymaane, riding a grand, white stag with rainbow wings's form collapses into a swarm of lightning bugs, which flicker and race out to the northeast.

<-- searching!

A dwelling by the highway. <-- a hidden N entrance from the highway
This cabin-like home is compact but comfortable, housing a single bed with some space left over for a chair and small table. Loose sheets of paper with what appears to be hastily scribbled notes litter the table. A dark red rug covers most of the wooden floor. Two small openings on either side of the door looks out to the Old Imperial Road a short distance away, bringing in both fresh air as well as the frequent sounds of passing travelers. Hugo Girard is here, humming a soulful tune. Standing majestically, a lady-like penguin with a sparkling, opalescent scarf surveys the surroundings. A huge archdemon looms here, surrounded by black mist. The regal form of a Lady of Moonlight stands here, gleaming streamers of white fabric surrounding the graceful figure.
You see a single exit leading south.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh!"

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to you, "That works, too."

With a laugh, you say, "Y-your door is very well hidden."

You blush furiously.

Happily, you say, "But we are here! Uhm."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Hugo Girard says, "Welcome to my humble abode, my dear fans."

Returning their own instrument to their back, you ask Hugo Girard, "What can do? For your instrument?"

You tilt your head and listen intently to Hugo Girard.

Grinning broadly at you, Hugo Girard takes a deep bow.

Hugo Girard says, "Hello, dear Gurashi. My name is Hugo Girard. I am destined to become the Basin's next musical icon."

Hugo Girard's grin suddenly turns into a pained frown as he takes out an ornate wooden mandolin. He holds the instrument out, showing off its worn-out strings.

Hugo Girard says, "At least I would be, but I can't make music with this. Could you please help me get it repaired?"
Hugo Girard expectantly tilts his head in your direction, his frown curving up into a handsome smile.
 [1] (say) Yes, I can help you.
 [2] (say) No, I am busy.

Bright and clear, you say, "Yes, I can help you."

Hugo Girard says, "Excellent! Merci! First I need five blue roans. Their hair makes the finest strings. Could you fetch some for me? I heard they roam in the Oleanvir Valley nearby."
You have received a quest! Check out QUEST DELPORTIAN_BARD for more information.

Light spreads across your back in numerous colours and hues, enfolding you like butterfly wings.

Bright and clear, you say, "Roans? BLUE roans..."

Hugo Girard says, "I need those roans from the Oleanvir Valley nearby. They make the finest strings."

Nymaane nods her head at you.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to you, "Do you want us to help you?"

Eagerly, you say, "Of course!"

<-- Sutekh yeets off
Shuffling to the south, a lady-like penguin leaves.
A hideous archdemon departs, trailing black mist.

Her eyes widening briefly, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "..do.. do we kill them?"

Bright and clear, you say, "We need to hear the s--."

Bright and clear, you ask, "Ah - yeah - do we have to kill them?"

Bright and clear, you whisper, "What's a roan."

Hugo Girard says, "I need those roans from the Oleanvir Valley nearby. They make the finest strings."

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to you, "It's a type of horse."

You fret over everything that might go wrong.

Surprised, you say to Nymaane, "Oh? Oh."

Hugo Girard says, "Yes, I need their corpses, so that I may collect their hair."

You nod your head emphatically.

Nymaane nods her head emphatically.

Bright and clear, you say to Nymaane, "Let's go meet him."

You have emoted: Gurashi holds out their hand.

Nymaane quietly takes your hand in her own, giving you a tight squeeze.

You give Nymaane a friendly squeeze.

<-- more searching!

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "We're gonna be abducted."

A fierce and enormous roc swoops down and picks you up into her claws, carrying you away and dumping you into a large nest.
Nymaane follows you ether.

A fledgling roc chomps at Nymaane with a powerful beak.
A fledgling roc claws at you with razor-sharp talons.
A fledgling roc chomps at Nymaane with a powerful beak.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh NO."

<-- MORE searching

Your melodic voice sings into Contemptible Sutekh's mind, "How is going?"

The hollow voice of Sutekh reverberates in your mind, "Rocs."

<-- Even MORE  searching!

A fierce and enormous roc swoops down and picks you up into her claws, carrying you away and dumping you into a large nest.
A precariously perched nest upon a precipice.
A fledgling roc chomps at you with a powerful beak.
A fledgling roc claws at you with razor-sharp talons.
A fledgling roc chomps at you with a powerful beak.
Bright and clear, you say, "NooOOOO."

<-- AT LAST

A dwelling by the highway.
This cabin-like home is compact but comfortable, housing a single bed with some space left over for a chair and small table. Loose sheets of paper with what appears to be hastily scribbled notes litter the table. A dark red rug covers most of the wooden floor. Two small openings on either side of the door looks out to the Old Imperial Road a short distance away, bringing in both fresh air as well as the frequent sounds of passing travelers. Hugo Girard is here, humming a soulful tune. Standing majestically, a lady-like penguin with a sparkling, opalescent scarf surveys the surroundings. A huge archdemon looms here, surrounded by black mist. Completely motionless, a slender leothin intently surveys its surroundings. Eyes gleaming with daring, a Horizon Walker stands here armed and ready to face the vast unknown.
You see a single exit leading south.

You eyes light up as you smile.

Hugo Girard says, "Just what I needed! A small reward for your trouble."
Hugo Girard hands Sutekh a small pouch of gold.

Short of breath, you say, "Have the ... oh."

Hugo Girard says, "Let me go extract the hair from this roan."

You blink.

Hugo Girard heaves the roan out of the cabin briefly. He returns with a pleased grin, a bundle of loose horsehair in his grasp.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "I need more horsehair. Please bring me more roans!" x2

You give the corpse of a blue roan to Hugo Girard.
Hugo Girard says, "Just what I needed! A small reward for your trouble."
Hugo Girard hands you a small pouch of gold.
Hugo Girard says, "Let me go extract the hair from this roan."
Hugo Girard heaves the roan out of the cabin briefly. He returns with a pleased grin, a bundle of loose horsehair in his grasp.
Hugo Girard exclaims, "I need more horsehair. Please bring me more roans!" x2

You tilt your head curiously.

Nymaane gives the corpse of a blue roan to Hugo Girard.
Hugo Girard says, "Just what I needed! A small reward for your trouble."
Hugo Girard hands Nymaane a small pouch of gold.
Hugo Girard says, "Let me go extract the hair from this roan."
You face lights up as you smile brightly at Nymaane.

Hugo Girard heaves the roan out of the cabin briefly. He returns with a pleased grin, a bundle of loose horsehair in his grasp.

Hugo Girard says, "This should be enough horsehair to string my mandolin! One moment, please."

Hugo Girard excitedly takes a seat in his chair, gently laying the prized mandolin on the table. With focused determination, he begins his work.

You look at Hugo Girard hopefully.
Hugo Girard says, "Give me a moment?"

With some deft handiwork, Hugo Girard soon replaces the worn-out strings with the newly harvested horsehair. Barely able to keep his excitement, he proclaims, "It is done! Now I will become a superstar! Here, a sample of my talent!"

You nod your head emphatically.

You nod your head emphatically.

You nod your head emphatically.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "Sorry - am excited."

Hugo Girard dramatically takes a bow and prepares to play a tune, but as his fingers strike against the strings, the promised melody is nowhere to be heard. Instead, a screeching sound rings out, reverberating around the cabin.

You wince in pain.

Desperation flashing across his face, Hugo Girard says, "Oh no! These strings are out of tune. I cannot make music like this. Please, you must help me tune it properly."

Bizirik, the leothin stares blankly into space.

Hugo Girard says, "To tune a string you just need to pull or push its peg to change its note. Once you think you have the right note, you can pluck it to hear how it sounds. Keep doing this until you get the perfect sound."

You twitch spasmodically.

Hugo Girard says, "There are four strings that need to be tuned. If you forget how to do it just ask me for the instructions again."

You stare blankly into space.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "I am counting on you, Nymaane!"

Flashing a toothy smile, Hugo Girard hands Nymaane an ornate wooden mandolin.

Nymaane stares blankly into space.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "..I.. I don't know anything.. about.. tuning."

You throw back your head as you let loose a delighted laugh.

Bright and clear, you say to Nymaane, "Hold it - will help you."

You nod your head sagely.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Hand it to me. I'm good at puzzles."

Nymaane stares blankly at Sutekh.

Sutekh chitters to himself with speedy movement of his mandibles.

You have emoted: Gurashi sidles up beside Nymaane, helping her examine the pegs with a smile.

Taking a golden broom by its handle, Sutekh sweeps the room of imperfection and a golden glow emanates from the ground.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "Remember, you can ask for the instructions again if you need them!"

With a gentle effort Nymaane frees the peg from its previously locked position and starts to turn it in a clockwise direction.

Bright and clear, you say, "You mush PUSH the pegs, yes, until they sound -goodly-."

Sutekh jerks slightly as the air fills with sparkling motes of bright light.
You sense Celaphaeia pulling on the strands of aether surrounding Sutekh.

Encouragingly, you say to Nymaane, "Is like trying to get the most -perfectest- colors in a fancy puzzles."

Inky calligraphy blooms in midair, rapidly growing into the figure of Celaphaeia.

You have emoted: Gurashi offers Celaphaeia a little wave before returning their attention to Nymaane and the instrument. "Four strings, so...."

Nymaane plucks abstractedly at you.
Nymaane plucks abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
A jarring sound rings out from the mandolin as Nymaane plucks the string. Clearly, it is completely out of tune.
With a gentle effort Nymaane frees the peg from its previously locked position and starts to turn it in a clockwise direction.

<-- lots of this

Nymaane ponders for a moment and says "Hrm..."

With a gentle effort Nymaane frees the peg from its previously locked position and starts to turn it in an anticlockwise direction.

You tilt your head and listen intently to Nymaane.

You have emoted: Gurashi winces, offering advice now and again, afraid to get close enough to actually -touch- the instrument as the aid Nymaane in her tuning. "You will be a bard yet!" They say at last.

Sutekh chitters at you with energetic clicks of his mandibles.

You sense the sweeping gaze of Tridemon looking upon you.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to Hugo Girard, "..how do I try the other pegs? I'm only able to turn the first one."

Hugo Girard says, "You need to tune in each in turn."

Comprehension flashes across Nymaane's face.

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "* a little thrum * Hi hi, dearly one. Am helping a bard mans fix his instrument."

The melodious voice of Tridemon resonates in your mind, "Oh? How's it going?"

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Well..."

Your melodic voice sings into Tridemon Regalis, Keeper of Pure Waters's mind, "Am helping Miss Nymaane tune this instrument, yes ..."

Nymaane plucks abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
A jarring sound rings out from the mandolin as Nymaane plucks the string. Clearly, it is completely out of tune.

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "So, like, PUSH MANDOLIN, PULL MANDOLIN, PULL MANDOLIN, PUSH MANDOLIN, PLUCK MANDOLIN to see if you've done any of the four correctly?"

You nod your head at Nymaane.

<-- continued tuning

Cheerfully, you whisper, "Good, good."

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "No, you have to do the thing four times before plucking, I think."

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to Sutekh, "..not when I can only turn one string peg."

Sutekh's mandibles twitch slightly as he voices a brief, curious chirr.

Hugo Girard says, "No, you need to pluck the string you are tuning to see if you have tuned it correctly."

You tilt your head and listen intently to Hugo Girard.

Drawing in a regretful sigh, Hugo Girard says, "My mandolin has new strings, but Gurashi is still tuning them for me, so I can't show you my talents right now."

Nymaane gives an ornate wooden mandolin to you.

Bright and clear, you whisper, "I am??" They look back at Nymaane handling the instrument and more confusedly whisper, "I.... -am-?"

You stare blankly into space.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker whispers to you, "You're the bard."

Bright and clear, you say, "Eh?"

You blush furiously.

P MANDOLIN
The small body of this mandolin resembles a bisected chestnut both in shape and colour. The front is made of a lighter wood that is framed by a thin strip of gold dust. The back is bowl-shaped and features a darker wood that accentuates its rich grainy pattern. Four strings stretch from the bridge up through a slender neck, terminating at the pegbox. Each of the rustic gold pegs has been engraved with markings that allows anyone working with them to easily tell which note it is tuned to.
It weighs about 2 pounds and 0 ounce(s).
It has the following aliases: mandolin.

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in a clockwise direction.
You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads G#.

Great waves crash over one another as they pour in from the south, finally swirling together before solidifying into Tridemon.

Tridemon hugs you compassionately.

You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
A jarring sound rings out from the mandolin as you pluck the string. Clearly, it is completely out of tune.

You give Tridemon a friendly squeeze.

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in a clockwise direction.
You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads A#.

Bright and clear, you sing, "A-sharp~."

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in a clockwise direction.
You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads B.

Bright and clear, you say, "Oh wait."

You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads A#.
You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
A jarring sound rings out from the mandolin as you pluck the string. Clearly, it is completely out of tune.

Bright and clear, you say, "O-K was not A-sharp."

<-- fiddling!

Bright and clear, you whisper, "Not G sharps..."

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in an anticlockwise direction.
You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads F.
You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
You gingerly pick at the string but all that comes out is a dissonant tone that lingers in the air for a moment too long.

Bright and clear, you say, ".... ah!"

Bright and clear, you say, "Ah?"

Curiously, you sing, "An F! Are you an F..."

Hugo Girard exclaims, "It sounds like you are closer to the right note!"

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in an anticlockwise direction.
You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads D#.
You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
Notes that sound just slightly out of tune from the mandolin as you lightly pluck the string.

You think to yourself: * curiouser *.

You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads C#.

You think to yourself: One more.

You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
You strum the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out, leaving you satisfied that this string has been correctly tuned.

Gurashi strums the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out.

You inspect the next peg and see that it is locked in the position marked as E.

You hands fly to your mouth as you give a short gasp of elation.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to you, "I knew you'd have the magic touch."

Hugo Girard exclaims, "Excellent!"

Brightening, you sing, "It is E!"

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says, "Three more!"

You have emoted: Gurashi strums on an ornate wooden mandolin happily. "...I will not lose my progress if start tuning the rest now right?"

You have emoted: Gurashi looks at Hugo Girard worriedly.

Contemptible Celaphaeia D'Cente laughingly says, "This is very exciting!"

Hugo Girard exclaims, "No, you should be able to tune the next peg now!"

You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads G.
You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
You strum the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out, leaving you satisfied that this string has been correctly tuned.
Gurashi strums the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out.
You inspect the next peg and see that it is locked in the position marked as D.

Nymaane watches you excitedly.

You have emoted: Gurashi hums as they play along, taking note of their progress. "E, D," They whisper, continuing.

You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.
You strum the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out, leaving you satisfied that this string has been correctly tuned.
Gurashi strums the string of the mandolin and a harmonic note plays out.
You inspect the next peg and see that it is locked in the position marked as E.

The corners of your mouth turn up as you grin mischievously.

Bright and clear, you say, "E..."

You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.

Notes that sound just slightly out of tune from the mandolin as you lightly pluck the string.

With a gentle effort you free the peg from its previously locked position and start to turn it in an anticlockwise direction.

You soon feel the peg lock into place again, pointing to the marking that reads D#.

You pluck abstractedly at an ornate wooden mandolin.

You delicately play each string in succession and mellifluous notes resonate from the mandolin. You are confident that all of the strings have been correctly tuned.

"Ahah!" you exclaim triumphantly.

"Yay!", Nymaane shouts happily at you.

Proudly, you say to Hugo Girard, "Mister Girard, I think your instrument is ready to go."

With a nod, you give an ornate wooden mandolin to Hugo Girard.

Hugo Girard's face lights up as his receives the mandolin. He gingerly inspects the pegs, lightly twisting them to ensure they are in place.

Satisfied with the results of his visual inspection, Hugo Girard closes his eyes and begins to strum each string in succession. His beam grow wider with each delicate tune that plays out.

Hugo Girard exclaims, "Oui! This is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you so much, dear Gurashi!"

Hugo Girard says, "Now I can become the star I was destined to be. Please, take this for your trouble."

With an excited twinkle in his eyes, Hugo Girard presses a bag of gold into your hand.
You have completed the Hugo Girard's Mandolin quest!
Your karma rises in response to your deeds.

Celaphaeia claps her hands together merrily.

You cheer wildly!

Bright and clear, you exclaim to Hugo Girard, "Wait! You were going to sing for us!"

You look at Hugo Girard hopefully.
Hugo Girard says, "Dear Gurashi, thank you so much for your help. I can now make music for all to hear."

Hugo Girard briefly grins at you before his attention returns to his mandolin.

Tridemon begins to follow you.

(CLAN): You say, "IT'S A NEW QUEST."

Sutekh greets Hugo Girard with a sincere smile.

Sutekh stares blankly into space.

Playing a slow but emotional tune, Hugo Girard strums his mandolin, seemingly oblivious to Sutekh's greetings.

You open your mouth but say nothing.

Giggling, you say, "That was exciting!"

Nymaane nods her head at you.

Contemptible Celaphaeia D'Cente says, "Musical! I am glad I snuck my way in!"

A little forlornly, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker asks you, "How are we supposed to be his biggest fans if we can't hear him play, though?"

Try greeting Hugo again!

With a deep reverb, Contemptible Sutekh says to you, "No honors, but what did he give?"

Nymaane greets Hugo Girard with a sincere smile.
Hugo Girard says, "Hello! I am Hugo Girard, the Basin's future star. Are you looking for an autograph? I am afraid I cannot at the moment. I must continue with my practice."

"Greetings!" Sutekh says with a smile.

Comprehension flashes across Sutekh's face.

Hugo Girard starts strumming his mandolin, playing a slow but emotional tune. Drawing in a deep breath, he begins to sing, "Rubies are red. Sapphires are blue."

Sutekh chitters to himself with speedy movement of his mandibles.

Hugo Girard gazes longingly as if an unknown lover is standing before him. His voice builds on the emotion, "My dear Gurashi, this song is for you."

You stare blankly into space.

Sutekh glances askance.

The melody's tempo gradually accelerates Hugo Girard's fingers plucks his mandolin with a faster pace. "Whether in the streets of New Celest or on the trails of the Razines."

(clan): You say, "LOL."

Nymaane covers her mouth with her hands, eyes wide.

Even more spirited, Hugo Girard's accompanying voice develops along with the music, rising both in tempo and volume. "Oh Gurashi my heart, we shall not part."

You think to yourself: * dumbfounded *.

Eyes now closed and completely captured by the emotion of his music, Hugo Girard's song enters its crescendo. "Sweet Gurashi. No other human as beautiful and bold."

Tridemon gives Hugo Girard the once-over, eyeing him suspiciously.

As the music slowly winds down, Hugo Girard looks on as if caught in a dream. The final words of his song are almost whispered, "Like Tristan and Andre, we will be together 'til old."

The song comes to its conclusion and Hugo Girard dramatically waves an arm in front of him as he takes a deep bow.

You stare blankly into space.

A confident grin spreads from cheek to cheek as Hugo Girard boyishly muses, "Perfect, hmm?"

Sutekh grumbles angrily.

Muffled, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "..That.. that was lovely."

You have emoted: Gurashi says nothing, mouth formed into a perfect 'o' of surprise before they cover their face with both hands to muffle their scream.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker whispers to Hugo Girard, "May I have that autograph now?"

You have emoted: Gurashi wheezes softly, lifting their head from their hands at last and flashing Hugo Girard a sheepish smile. "Thank you," They say at last. "Very muchly for the songs. Was. Fantastic."

You have emoted: Gurashi shakes their head, then reaches up to wipe their eyes. "That was fun. Thank you muchly."

Hugo Girard says, "Maybe one day I will have a autograph signing session, where I can meet all of my fans."

Bright and clear, you say to Sutekh, "Did not give me any things - got to help him!" <-- I missed the gold because am egg, it was less than 1k

Hugo Girard says, "I don't need any help right now."

Bright and clear, you say, "The reward was..." They glance sidelong at Hugo, "a song."

Bright and clear, you say, "I like songs."

You stare blankly into space.

You clear your throat.

Apologetically, you say, "But, a-anyway. Was nicely to meet and am glad that."

Laughing nervously, you say, "Got to hear song, yes, got to help. Hope instrument stays in goodly shapes."

Hugo Girard says, "I don't need any help right now."

A clear pout in his tone, Contemptible Sutekh says, "He better not get any ideas."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Nymaane.

You think to yourself: * at last, a tiny grateful thrum among the static *.

You see the following people here:
Celaphaeia, Nymaane, Tridemon, Sutekh, Gurashi.

You have emoted: Gurashi looks ab out to those gathered, suddenly taking note of Celaphaeia again. "Oh, right."

You give a small round loaf covered in poppy seeds to Contemptible Celaphaeia D'Cente.

You nod your head emphatically.

Celaphaeia raises her hand in greeting to you and says "Hello!"

Hugo Girard says, "Thank you all once again for your help. As my first fans I will be sure to invite you all to any concerts I hold in the future."

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says, "Oh, excellent."

With a little nod, you say to Hugo Girard, "O-K - will leave your home, now, then."

Celaphaeia gives a bounteous platter of dark sea sushi to you.

In a soft, sunny voice, Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker says to Hugo Girard, "I look forward to any invitation."

You thank Celaphaeia profusely.

Sutekh exhales slowly, allowing a long fluid breath to creep from his lungs.

You reach out, pulling Nymaane into a tight embrace.

Nymaane gives you a friendly squeeze.

You whisper quietly in Nymaane's ear.

Your melodic voice sings into Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker's mind, "Thank you for the hugs before."

Your melodic voice sings into Rig-Wilde Kalas Nymaane, the Spiritwalker's mind, "Am glad came to stage with me!"

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Nymaane.

Nymaane hisses sibilantly into the corner of your mind, "Of course! If you need more, I'm full of them."

You face lights up as you smile brightly at Sutekh.

You reach out, pulling Sutekh into a tight embrace.

Nymaane waves goodbye.

<-- she leaves, and then, immediately after:

Nymaane hisses sibilantly into the corner of your mind, "..I .."

Nymaane hisses sibilantly into the corner of your mind, "..I'm a cow murderer."

Bright and clear, you say to Sutekh, "Gave you lots of foods while you were mindless," They tease, "So be sure to eat them. And help Hugo in case he needs it."

You wave goodbye at Celaphaeia.

Bright and clear, you say to Celaphaeia, "Was nicely to see, again, yes."

Sutekh hugs you compassionately.

Laughing, Contemptible Celaphaeia D'Cente says to you, "No fibbing to me this time, you sneaky one!"

You flail about helplessly.

You give Sutekh a friendly squeeze.

Bright and clear, you say to Celaphaeia, "Sorry! Am sorry! Ah!"

You give a fist-sized breakfast muffin to Contemptible Celaphaeia D'Cente.

You nod your head sagely.

To Hugo, you sing, "Until we meets again~."