I really like this kid. I randomly saw him standing at the Nexus a few hours earlier, so I bought him a beauty ring and some vials and answered questions he had. Ended up randomly becoming his mentor. O.o A few hours later, he wanted an interview to end novicehood. The best part is I think he's a genuine newb. He was asking me how I emoted and stuff, so I told him how it works. Anyways, this is how I love guild interviews to be...

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Sebbi:
He is a graceful elfen and is slightly taller than most of his brethren. His skin is alabaster white in color, perfectly flawless without a scar showing, his hair a dark green hue, flowing down thickly to the middle of his back. His almond shaped eyes are light grey in color, and he looks to be quite lean beneath his clothing. He is wearing a canvas backpack, an emerald beauty ring, and soft deep green robes.

Sebbi ponders the situation.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says to you, "The Shadowbeat. Our specialization."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I think I understand Mahalla, and how we are all Dolls."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Controlled by others."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Mahalla allows us to take control of our lives, and we become Her Dolls."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Could you explain the Shadowbeat in detail to me?"

You ponder the situation.

You say, "The Shadowbeat was the first song sung here in the Glomdoring, once mortals returned to the forest."

Sebbi tilts his head and listens intently to you.

You say, "The song was sung in honor of the spirits and forces of these woods: its words mimicked the hiss of spiders, the darkness of caverns, the caw of Crow."

Comprehension flashes across Sebbi's face.

You say, "And when it was sung, it awoke something."

You say, "Memory, a voice from a Goddess long lost in the Void: Mahalla."

You say, "Her voice responded to the song and began to sing with it as well, and the song became more than just a song - the song became power."

You say, "Through the Shadowbeat, we channel the Wyrd and the Glomdoring - our enemies physically hurt, bleed and lie paralyzed from the words, while our allies are protected and their attacks strengthened from the music."

Sebbi ponders the situation.

You say, "It is manipulation of the strings at a most masterful level - our music is not just inspiring, but physically palpable."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

You say, "Does that help explain it a bit?"

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Very much so."

The ghost of a smile passes fleetingly across your lips.

Sebbi follows you up.
Top of the Black Tower. (Glomdoring Forest.)
The shadowy outline of a twisted forest casts a dark gloom here. The bright sun shines down, blanketing you with its life-giving warmth. The summit of the Black Tower consists of a flat platform of black stone surrounded by a small crenelated wall. To one side of this rooftop is set a small wooden trapdoor, dark wood standing out against the ebon flooring. The view from this height is absolutely astounding. The tower stretches some way above the forest, giving some idea of the scale of things here. Glomdoring itself stretches quite some distance on each side, rotten trees and broken branches showing the extent of its decay. To the southeast there is a gap in the trees, and it is just possible to see the edge of a long rift in the ground. To the south and east, great mountain peaks cast their shadows; whilst to the north the shape of the inner sea and its smaller corrupted counterpart are visible as shimmering light on the horizon. To the west, the great marsh-plains lead over and beyond a small river, until they reach the horizon. Night's Needle pushes up from the ebon flooring.
You see a single exit leading down (open door).

You say, "You have been to Mahalla's shrine."

A wry smile spreads across your face.

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "And I know the way well."

You say, "So we shall have the interview here. The view is...refreshing."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Sebbi tilts his head and listens intently to you.

You have emoted: Sadhyra looks out from the tower across the forest sprawling below, her gaze caught for a long moment, before she turns back to regard you.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark stands rather still, grey orbs remaining on the Queen.

Sternly, you say, "I will not ask to see your curatives - from this point on, your life is in your own hands. If you are not equipped, it is your own self you harm."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

You have emoted: Sadhyra's lips curve in the hint of a smile. "Instead, I will merely ask you: what brings you to the Harbingers?"

Speaking slowly, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Saying I come to promote and spread the Wyrd would be rather easy. I love the sounds of nature, so becoming a Bard was obvious for me. But.."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Just being any Bard wasn't good enough."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I love the style of music among the Harbingers, along with their philosophies."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "The more I learn, the more I like."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "After reading about the Voice of Mahalla, you could say I was stuck."

You say, "What about the philosophies interests you?"

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "How we are all but puppets, dancing to others strings."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "It is poetic, deep, and beautiful."

You have emoted: Sadhyra listens, nodding slowly in agreement. Her faceted eyes reveal little and her alien features are impossible to decipher.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "And how we, the Harbingers, dance to Mahalla's Strings instead of mortal ones..."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "That settled it for me."

Softly, you say, "You wish to control others?"

Sebbi nods his head emphatically.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "And I don't wish to be controlled by anyone but a Goddess."

Sebbi scratches his head looking for an idea.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I am also very serious about this."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark looks to the window.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Being a Harbinger is right for me, it fits in with my style."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "As I grow, I am sure my understanding will grow even more, but I will never turn me head from Glomdoring."

You weave your illusion.
A faint tugging pulls at your mind, as if an external force is softly, gently sifting through your thoughts.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I am dedicated to this, which I have chosen."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark looks back to Sadhyra, and watches her carefully.

Carefully, you say, "Are you not afraid of what it means - to give yourself up to the music, instead of, say, cementing your control in merely physical arts, like swordplay?"

Speaking proudly, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "How else will I be the best musician if I do not give myself up to the music? Swordplay is needed in our world, I understand that."

You say, "To be an artist means releasing some control and belief to the divine, to the magic and the forces your art emulates and draws from."

You say, "This does not frighten you?"

Sebbi ponders the situation.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Not at all."

You weave your illusion.
The presence presses closer to your thoughts, as if studying them, perhaps even attempting subtle manipulation.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Besides, without the Wyrd, I am nothing."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Without Glomdoring, I am nothing."

You weave your illusion.
Unbidden, the urge comes to you to play a note - a dark, strong note, reverent of the Wyrd.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Without the Voice of Malhalla, I am but a Doll, controlled by others."

You have emoted: Sadhyra nods slowly, considering your words.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "As I said before, I want to be controlled by a Goddess, not a mortal."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "And after you explained the Shadowbeat to me."

Sebbi's mouth turns up as his face breaks into a smile.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I will not join any other guild, nor any other commune."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "The other bards, city bards, Serenwilde bards, all of them."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Beneath us."

You have emoted: Sadhyra smiles faintly, inclining her head in agreement.

You weave your illusion.
The urge does not diminish - instead, more insistently, something bubbles up inside you, a note demanding to be played in worship of the forest.

Sebbi blinks.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I am... getting this urge."

You tilt your head curiously.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "It is a note that wishes to be played in worship of our forest."

Quietly, you say, "The most brilliant artists are those who follow their impulses.."

Sebbi blushes furiously.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I don't consider myself brilliant at all."

With a soft laugh, you say, "No, but that is why you are here for training."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "You are correct, as I still have so much to learn."

You weave your illusion.
The feeling washes over you again, dizzying. A song, a note, a tone inside your thoughts desires to be voiced.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I am still reeling from all I have learned in the past few days."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark seems to blank out for a moment, a soft smile slowly crossing his lips as he listens to something, his eyes closing.

You have emoted: Sadhyra's eyes darken as she watches you with interest.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "The Crow cries from the darkness created by the Light, a Voice hidden within the night."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Her Voice calls out to me from the blackness of our forest trees, hidden, waiting for me to find her and set her free."

You have emoted: Sadhyra pauses, her arm dropping to her side at your words. "Interesting..." she murmurs softly.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark eyes open quickly, blinking fast as if to clear away some dream. He looks simply stumped.

You weave your illusion.
As you utter the words, feelings course through you: exhilaration! Inspiration! Fear! Triumph!...before all disperses, leaving just yourself, silent.

Speaking very softly, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "What was that?"

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark is clearly still confused by what happened. His eyes search the Queens for some answer, though he doesn't speak.

You have emoted: Sadhyra merely smiles a slight smile, folding one hand before her chest. "What was what?" she asks, eyes shining in interest.

Still speaking softly, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I don't know. It... came and went. So many feelings.."

Sebbi shudders violently.

You have emoted: Sadhyra's smile tightens to an impassive line. "Did it frighten you?" she asks.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Not at all. There was a feeling of fear in there, but it was mixed in with all the other feelings."

Sebbi scratches his head in confusion.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Was that the Voice of the Malhalla?"

You have emoted: Sadhyra tilts her head thoughtfully. Her voice is low as she replies. "Mahalla's voice twines through the forest, and the forest's pulse beats in time with our own."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Of course, of course. That is what I must of felt, the pulse."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I didn't expect it to be so powerful."

Sebbi beams broadly.

Slowly, you say, "To be inspired, on any level, can be a disorienting experience - our music is, afterall, not merely words, but songs of power."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "And to think I knew what I was getting into. That was... orgasmic."

Sebbi scratches his head looking for an idea.

You have emoted: Sadhyra's tone warms, as she smiles again. "Not many are gifted with such a strong visit," she replies. "Some mortals go their whole lives without knowing..."

The corners of Sebbi's mouth turn up as he grins mischievously.

You have emoted: Sadhyra spreads her hands helplessly. "...Her touch, the forest's touch. The urge to sing and create. The need to link with a song greater than one's own."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Most mortals don't deserve such knowledge."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "It was a bit much even for me, though I long to feel it again."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark closes his eyes in remembrance.

Shortly, you say, "Study and you shall. Keep your mind open, and you will. Remember the forest and its power, and it is certain."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark nods seriously, his eyes once again locked with hers.

You have emoted: Sadhyra pauses, her gaze drifting off to stare down at the twisted trees rising on either sides of the tower. In the forest's gloom, their branches are mere tangles of shadows and clots of darkness, and the Queen's faceted eyes reflect their gloaming.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Everything alright my Queen?"

Quietly, her gaze still on the woods, you say, "You can become that, you know."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

Glancing towards the woods, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I hope one day I can."

You have emoted: Sadhyra stares at the forest a moment longer. Softly: "All of this - you will learn to channel it. Control it, revel in it."

Sebbi beams broadly at you.

Exhaling slowly and smiling back at you, you say, "I expect great things from you, Sebbi."

<>

Sebbi blushes at you furiously.

Speaking proudly, Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "As do I, my Lady. As do I."

Her tone growing crisp, more businesslike, you say, "Your next step is the crescendo."

You say, "You will work to hone your fledgling talents there."

Sebbi nods his head at you.

You say, "As always, if you have any questions, ask me."

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "I always seek you out if I have questions my Lady."

You say, "Others can help, too, remember. Even Queens must sleep."

Your eyes sparkle with amusement.

You say, "Is there anything else for now?"

Sebbi ponders the situation.

Sebbi, Murmur in the Dark says, "Hmmm, I am no longer a Murmur right?"

Sebbi will now be known as Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd.

You say, "Indeed, you are not."

Sebbi beams broadly.

Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd says, "What is my new title?"

You say, "Whisper of the Wyrd."

Sebbi cackles hellishly.

Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd says, "Even our titles, so beautiful."

Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd sighs with a painfully happy expression on his face, eyes closed, lips parted to reveal white perfect teeth.

Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd says, "I believe I have fallen in love."

Smiling, you say, "The forest has that effect."

Sebbi utters a deep, rumbling laugh.

You say, "You are dismissed, then. Again, well done, Sebbi."

You incline your head politely to those around you.

Sebbi, Whisper of the Wyrd says, "My Queen."

With a flourish of his arm, Sebbi bows deeply.

You weave your illusion.
As you turn to go, a faint breeze brushes across your skin, laden with the rich scent of loam, whispering, softly, a farewell.

Sebbi leaves to the down.

How lovely. Kudos to you and, especially, Sebbi!