Stories in Blue

[AKA Azure]

A tale recently remembered at a gathering at the new hall of The Nocturnal Hand


Frog's Travels

Once, in a swamp much like this one, though probably a bit um... mushier underfoot, Frog lived.

Now Frog was a fine fellow if you liked green…and fly breath. We can't forget the fly breath. Outside of that, he was, as I said a fine fellow. Frog was full of cheer and jests and known as a hoppy sort indeed. He grew restless though and decided it was time to start anew.

Frog gathered his things, said goodbye to his friends and headed out of the swamp. Oh, the adventures he had as he traveled far and wide! He and Hawk came to an understanding (though that tale is a long one), he taught Squirrel how to better his leaps, and found many tasty new bugs along the way.

Each new day as he traveled further and further Frog found himself looking for something. What it was he knew not, but he started each day with hope in his heart and few bugs in his belly. Each place was new and interesting, and in its own way nice, but it wasn't what he was looking for. So he continued on. Finally he came to a place where the ground was yielding and the smells almost familiar. His steps squelched underfoot and he found himself enjoying each step more and more.

As he camped that night he realized what it was. He had seen a great deal, eaten strange and exotic things, met wonderful people, but he also wanted his home, his friends, and meals he knew. This hint of familiarity was just what he had been looking for. Frog traveled more and had many more adventures, but in his mind the best one was going home and telling his friends about what he did.

It was a new start for him, for he was not just Frog anymore but Frog the Far-Travelled. And each trip he took after that time he knew his home was there, waiting for him. The trips were better for he knew what he could return to.

Welcome to your new home The Nocturnal Hand. May it always be here for you and may your tales, songs and sharings here be just what you will want.

Bugs not included.

[AKA Azure]

A tale recently told. Thanks to a recent storm for reminding me of it.


A Storm at Temple



It is said people will see signs in anything. No matter how large or small. Long ago, such a thing occurred.

People were worshiping at one of the temples of the gods when a storm came up and lightning struck one of the towers. Some immediately cried out in fear and one jumped upon a bench and stated “We have done wrong. The gods are punishing us. We must repent. Say what you and others have done wrong and we will try to make it right.”

Others began to believe him and rushed forward to pour out their perceptions of the wrongdoings of themselves and others. The first speaker began assigning penance. What people must do to appease the gods’ anger.

Another stood and watched and shook his head. The terrified people turned on him with shout of anger. “Show your wrongs and those of others that they may forgive us. If you do not, we will surely kill you to appease them on all of our behalves.” Such was the fear all had in them at that moment.

The man shook his head again and said “I will do no such thing. Nor should you let some shouting lead you astray. If they were angry, do you not think the gods have better aim? Instead, rejoice that none were hurt and realize they were watching over us with favor.”

With that the people fell silent and looked at each other with uncertainty.

And the second man - the one who spoke up? He was not seen again though people swore for days and months after that where he had stood one could still see a faint light.