The blue-clad, heavily armored warriors of the City are rushing to and fro before the city like swarming bees. Rapidly approaching the city is a force, smaller but numerous enough, of men and women in green and purple.\n\n"Who would do this?" you ask. "The elders were all at Echomount, they know peace is coming..."\n\n[[...|who knows]]

"Raiders, Jes!" Alda cries, pulling to a stop next to you. "Raiders from Carillon City!" \n\n"Here?! Why?" \n\nYou have your opinions about the City, but you've never lifted a finger against them. And there can't be anything here that they want; you're just poor homesteaders. \n\n[[...|wtf]]\n\n

"No peace with the criminals who attacked our bell choir!" cries out one of the Caroler soldiers behind you. "No peace with the people who would have the city wither without the rains!"\n\n"Please," you say...\n\n[["If you take revenge now, more people are going to get hurt!"|no revenge]]\n\n[["There's a better way! We can help each other!"|better way][$bell = $bell + 1]]

The sentry's leader - leaning on one his sentries for support, you notice with satisfaction - looks cowed. "They brought a caroler here, Ker." Ker - you know the name. A very important elder and a powerful Singer. "And that one is a caroler, too!" He points at Alda, standing behind Ker. "She had a bell!" \n\n"Yes, she was born in the City, you nitwit," Ker says, quieter now but his voice still laced with venom. "And then she moved out here and spent the last decade growing grain with her bare hands." \n\n[[...|elder apology]]

"You mean she doesn't know about...?" \n\nOrit is so surprised that he drops the chime. It clatters on the cavern floor, and the light is gone in an instant as the bell is stilled. He fumbles in the dark for a moment before restoring illumination by sounding the chime once again.\n\n"Know about what?" you ask, looking back and forth between them.\n\nOrit looks to Alda. "It's not my place to say," he says.\n\n[[...|no secret]]

"I'd think they would have stopped when they saw you," you suggest. "Those clothes practically scream Carillon." \n\n"I would have thought that too," he scowling. "I intend to pursue the matter when I get home, believe me." \n\n[["Why did you leave Carillon City, Alda?"|why leave]]\n\n[["Why is Orit here now?"|why Orit]]\n\n[["What now?"|what now]]

"Alda, what's going on?" you ask, turning back to her. "Where did those Carolers come from? Why are you //meeting// with a Caroler?" \n\n"Orit's mother is an old friend." She smiles. "A //very// old friend. I wasn't always an ornery old farm woman, you know." \n\nIndeed, she looks years younger in the dim light, with her eyes focused not on anything here in the cavern, but something years ago and miles away. \n\n[[...|Orit came]]\n

He takes a deep breath before continuing. \n\n"My mother wants peace with Wilderkind. She wants to stop the violence before it goes any further. But she wasn't who to talk to among the Wilderkind. She thought Alda might have a better idea."\n\n[[...|I do]]

"I just thought, with all the raids..." \n\n"Get. Out. Of Here," Ker says emphatically. "Go home, and stay there. " He turns away from the sentry, who starts to slink away. \n\nThe elder turns to Orit. "My apologies for the treatment you've received. For you to come here on a mission of peace, and be greeted like this..." \n\n[[...|Orit speech]]

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Orit scowls. "Because they're idiots," he says.\n\n"It's the warriors, and a few of the masters who support them." He shakes his head. "They've been talking as though the Wilderkind already declared war. They don't understand - or maybe they do and they pretend not to - that you're not organized the way we are, that Wilderkind from one settlement might attack us and the others could have nothing to do with it. \n\n[[...|idiots 2]]

Orit excuses himself - you can see that he's exhausted, and already a line of elders is forming to talk to him one-on-one. He's got work to do yet before he sleeps. You let him go. \n\nAlda approaches you, smiling warmly. "You," she says, "did extremely well, Jes. I'm sorry I left you with a bell and hardly any instruction - but you rose to the occasion admirably. I'm proud of you."\n\n[["I wish you'd told me about where you were from."|origin]]\n\n[["Could you teach me more about the bell?"|the bell]]\n\n[["Back at you - Orit couldn't have done it without you."|proud]]

The figures cresting the rise, and now running down it after Alda and the Caroler, are also dressed in the blue and gold colors of Carillon, but they're wearing real armor, not light metal plates for fashion. Soldiers - and soldiers trained in the magic of Ringing. \n\n"Alda," you cry out as they get closer. "What's going on?" \n\n[[...|help]]

Untitled Story

<<display check with orit>> tells you he's been thinking the same thing. "I didn't realize how different the Wilderlands are from the area around Carillon City. We've all heard how much drier it is, but I don't think we realized just how much. Maybe part of the solution is that we can call rains for you? Or even teach you to do it yourselves.\n\n<<display both ways>>\n\n<<set $bell to $bell + 1>>

//All// the bells. \n\nSuddenly every bell in every spire is ringing, and you hear voices and handbells striking up on every street corner. The delegates are startled; some actually cover their ears. Alda grits her teeth, but it's Orit who looks the most shocked. His eyes go wide, his skin turns ashen.\n\n"That's the alarm," he says. "The city's under attack!" \n\nThe two of you raise to a nearby staircase leading up to the rampart; Alda rushes after you. \n\n[[...|two armies]]

You don't have any more time to wait. Already the Carolers are holding their bells poised, ready to call up projectiles to fling at the Wilderkind, who aren't slowing their charge.\n\n"Wish me luck!" you call - and leap off the rampart. \n\n[[...|leap]]

"Your dear mother is blinded by nostalgia," Alda says. She smiles, but bittersweetly. "I seem to remember standing for quite a bit. Didn't have much choice.\n\n"'Ran the city' is a great exaggeration, Jes. But I had some power, yes." \n\n[["Why did you leave Carillon City, Alda?"|why leave]]\n\n[["Why is Orit here now?"|why Orit]]\n\n[["What were those raiders doing here?"|why raiders]]

Suddenly a great //boom// passes over the battlefield, nearly knocking you off your feet. You, the sentries and Orit all look up toward Echomount - and see a cluster of elders standing together. One stands at the front; he's the one who unleashed that incredible yell. \n\n"What," he shouts - at a fearsome but natural volume - "can possibly be the meaning of this?!" \n\n[[...|sentry apology]]

"What now?" you ask the both of them. \n\n"Orit came here to make peace," Alda says. "There's a conclave meeting of wilderkind elders, at Echomount. I'm going to bring him there, lend him my voice, and let him plead his case." \n\nYou turn to Orit. "How exactly are you going to persuade them? After all..."\n\n[["...people are frightened, because of the drought."|frightened]]\n\n[["...they're right to be angry that you're stealing the rains."|angry]]

There's a large camp set up near the Echomount, and a place is found for the three of you to sleep. \n\nThe next morning, Orit finds you over breakfast. "I'm heading back to Carillon City today with a few of the elders," he tells you. "A bigger delegation will follow us, but with violence looming we don't want to lose any time. \n\n"You've already done a lot for me and for the peace process - but I'd like you to come." \n\n[["I'd be honored."|honored]]\n\n[["I'd like to see the city..."|adventure]]\n\n[["I'll do it if you think I could help."|needed]]\n\n

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You can't see the man's face in the gathering twilight. He's quiet for a long moment, and then gives a long, piercing whistle.\n\nYou become aware of motion all around you. More sentries stepping out from cover. You're surrounded. \n\nAlda crosses her arms. "I have a right to speak at the conclave, young man," she says. "I can't imagine the elders would look to kindly on your turning Wilderkind away." \n\n"And I don't think they'd look kindly on you bringing a caroler to Echomount," he shoots back. "You know, a force of them raided my settlement a few days back? Do you have any idea what those barbarians are doing to our people? What they did to my family?" \n\n[[...|Orit]]

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"If you take revenge now, more people are going to get hurt!" <<display no use>>

<<display check with orit>> assures you that he agrees. "I didn't realize how much we were changing the landscape," he admits. "Not until I saw your and Alda's fields. After seeing what you make due with, the way we treat our own lands seems lavish. Of course, we have a great many people to feed - more than live in any one place in the Wilderlands.\n\n<<display both ways>>

You talk to Orit about it. He hears you out and then

He pauses for effect. They lean in to hear what comes next. \n\nHe's good. \n\n"...that we will do, not just what it takes to pull us back from disaster, but what we must to be true neighbors, and friends, to the Wilderkind."\n\n[[...|if we must]]

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"Remind me why I wanted to come back here and do this?" Alda asks, sitting down after emptying another bucket. But she's smiling. "I'm getting too old for this." \n\n"Nonsense," you laugh, taking a seat beside you. The field's only about half done, but the sun is still high in the sky; plenty of time. "If you can tramp to the city in back in a few days you're fit to help a neighbor you owe a favor." \n\nShe laughs too. "Save the country one time, and suddenly there's no living with you."\n\n[[...|buckets2]]

"I'd be honored," you tell him.\n\n"Excellent!" He beams. "It'll be good to have you along - and to be honest, I think having you there will make things go smoother. It's a good story - the Wilderkind who saved a Caroler with bell and voice together. \n\n"<<display prepare>>\n\n<<set $bell to $bell + 1>>

"As I told you," Alda says gently to Orit, shaking her head. "If there Wilderkind five of us in a room there are five opinions. Most of the Wilderkind feel the same as Jes." \n\nHe nods. They're clearly continuing a conversation from earlier; you're not quite sure what it means. \n\n[[...|why 2]]

You see people on both sides hesitate, exchanging glances with their neighbors or looking thoughtfully over at their opponents.\n\nBut then one of the Carolers rings their bell and a stone whips into the air; it zips around and flies toward a Wilderkind. You leap in front of it with your shield and reflect it - but you've lost the moment. \n\nNo sign of the elders and the masters. You need to buy more time, hold off the bloodshed as long as you possibly can...\n\n[[...|action3]]

The sentry stumbles and ends up running in a wide orbit around you, cursing.\n\n"You did it," Orit says, eyes wide. "She's right. Bell and voice, together... the implications..."\n\nYou don't have time to think about them. The sentries are closing in. "Stay behind me," you tell him. \n\n[[...|action2]]

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"<<print $sendoff>>"\n\n"//Thank you//", Alda says. She puts a hand on your shoulder and looks you straight in the face. "If I had any other choice, I wouldn't drag you into this," she says. \n\n"But this is bigger than either of us."\n\n[[...|fighting carolers]] \n\n

"There's a better way! We can help each other!" <<display no use>>

"Jes here" - he puts a hand on your shoulder, the familiarity of the gesture catching you offguard - "just saved my life. She did it with a song in her throat and a bell in her hand. We should be the same way: bell and song, City and Wilderlands, solving our problems together. \n\n"That is the message - and the pledge - I bring from the masters of Carillon City." \n\n[[...|not that easy]]

"You!" he cries.\n\n"Please, everyone!" you cry out. "Don't do this! The elders and the masters are in the city negotiating peace! There's no need to fight!"\n\n"No peace with the people who burned my family's crops!" the sentry leader cries. "No peace with the people who steal the rains!" \n\n[[...|bad carolers]]

It takes more than a day of hard hiking to reach Echomount; it's close to dusk the next day as you draw close to the deep crater where the elders of the Wilderkind meet. You can see the flicker of campfires; the conclave is already gathered. \n\nThe elders are no doubt eager to sort out the trouble of the drought and the conflict with Carillon City. Hopefully, you're in time to have a voice at the table. \n\n"Stop right there!" \n\nOh, of course. Nothing's ever easy, is it? \n\n[[...|guards]]

But that's still far away, for now. For now you have a field, and a crop you're counting on, and too little water. You contemplate the ditch. Perhaps you could dig it deeper to draw more water out to your field? Or perhaps you should resort to getting water by the bucket field and watering the crops by hand?\n\nBoth approaches are a lot of work. You'd probably need help from Alda, your one neighbor who lives on the other side of the lake. You look up at the rise that separates your property, and are surprised to see two figures cresting it, coming toward you.\n\n[[...|loudbells]]

You sing a shield around yourself, and it cushions your impact with the ground. You run forward, sprinting for all your worth. You rush through the ranks of the Caroler warriors, raising cries as you go, but moving too quickly for them to react until you're already past. \n\nA shielded Wilderkind is about the barrel into the first rank; you see hurled projectiles impacting off his shields. You leap past the first Caroler warriors just in time, and throw up a shield of your own, cancelling his. \n\nBoth of you fall; you're surprised, but not as much as you could be, to see the leader of the sentries at Echomount. \n\n[[...|bad wilderkind]]

"In Carillon City we haven't been good neighbors to you, of late," he says, addressing the elders. "We have told ourselves that your problems were our own, and that if we could believe we weren't to blame that there was nothing we needed to do. \n\n"That lack of neighborliness has led to misunderstanding, which has nearly led us into disaster. I speak for the masters of Carillon City when I tell you..."\n\n[[...|for effect]]

A number of the raiders have fallen, stunned by their own hurled rocks bouncing back, but more are coming. You're not sure how much longer you can keep this up; you start falling back, toward the safety of the caves. \n\nThe Carolers follow you into the gaping mouth of the caverns that stretch back into the mountains, but not far; after a few turnings, they think better of it and fall back. \n\nSound carries in the caves. You hear them shouting to each other; you hear the order to withdraw, and heavy boots tramping back to the cave entrance. \n\n[[...|direction]]

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"I understand your doubts," Alda says. "But don't you think there's at least a chance this could make things better - without the need for war?" \n\n[[...|persuaded]]

Orit frowns, not pleased by this turn of conversation - but he nods. "On my mother's behalf, I'm authorized to discuss changes in how we call the rains," Orit says. "Personally, I don't believe the drought has anything to do with our rain calling. But as a show of good faith, we're willing to discuss it." \n\n[[...|doubts 3]]

It's not that easy, of course.\n\nThe discussion goes on for hours, including a recess and a return to Echomount proper. You are excited to see it, never having made the journey before; a bowl of a volcanic crater, with eerily good acoustics so the elders don't need to shout to be heard - though of course, that doesn't necessarily stop them. \n\n[[...|diverse views]]

"Retribution," the Caroler says, breathing hard. \n\nYou gape at him "//Retribution//? For what? We haven't done anything to them!" \n\n"Other Wilderkind have," the Caroler says. "There have been raids..."\n\n[[...|hold them]]\n

And in another day you're in the city itself. \n\nIt's a strange place. Buildings tower above you like high cliffs, there are people //everywhere// - and of course there are the bells. Merchants ringing bells to attract attention as they hawk their wares, bells affixed outside homes for visitors to signal those inside. Bells literally ring every hour from tall spires, to mark the progress of the day. \n\n[[...|you find it]]

Alda is watching you closely, studying you. "Jes," she says after a long moment. "You've helped us a great deal today. But... I need to ask you for even more.\n\n"Come with us." \n\nYour eyes widen in surprise. "Me? Why?"\n\n[[...|why me]]

"Ok," you say. "Ok, I'll do what I can." \n\nYou look out over the two armies. The Carolers have stopped advancing; they're organizing themselves into ranks. You see bells flashing in the sun. The Wilderkind, in contrast, are fanning out, getting space with which to maneuver and charge, readying shields to rush into the center of the Carolers' formations. "Just... hurry," you say. \n\n[[...|fly]]

"...they'll catch you," you finish.\n\n"No they won't," she says. "If they try, you'll pull them back." She hands you the bell. "Use this." \n\n<<display wtf a bell>>

"'Involved?' You were one of the great masters!" Orit says. He turns to you. "She practically ran the city! \n\n"My mother still talks about her to this day. Anytime she has a problem with another master, it's 'Alda wouldn't stand for this, Orit, she would set them straight.'"\n\n[[...|exaggeration]]

Alda has taken back the bell she gave you near the Echomount. Your bell is a large golden hand-bell with a hardwoord handle, a gift from Orit and his mother before you left the city.\n\n"A little piece of the city and its spirit you can take with you," Orit said. He pointed out the inscription along the sound rim: "Friend of Carillon." \n\nNow you and Alda stand on the crest of the rise between your properties, preparing to join together in a ritual that's familiar to her but strange for you - calling the rain. \n\n[[...|bell2]]

"That was extraordinary," you tell him. "Dealing with one elder is hard enough, let alone all of them."\n\nHe laughs; he's more relaxed now than you've seen him before. "I can well believe it. Honestly, that was refreshing compared to dealing with a room full of masters. They're more polite, but that just means you never know what they're thinking."\n\n"Definitely not a problem with our elders," you say. The two of you share a smile. \n\n[[...|alda talk]]

Anonymous

"It wasn't an accusation, Orit," Alda says, sternly. "It's a fact - people here are scared, and fear makes people do awful things. \n\n"If you're going to make peace, your first concern can't be proving that you're side is right."\n\n[[...|apology]]

You nod reluctantly. You wish you could stay at home - there's so much work to do, and your homestead is your life. But Alda has a point. \n\n"Alright. I'll come. The sooner this is resolved, the sooner everything will go back to normal." \n\n[[...|journey]]

"I wish you'd told me about where you were from," you tell her. "That wasn't the way I would have chosen to get to know you better, Alda." \n\nShe nods. "I'm sorry about that. I wanted to leave all of it behind. Being out here, among the Wilderkind, it felt good. But some people, at first, were like that sentry - I was just a caroler to them." She shrugs. "I got used to not talking about it. \n\n"But I should have told you. I guess Carillon City isn't the only one that needs to think about being a better neighbor. Tell you what - when we get back, I'll tell you all about it - while we dig out your irrigation ditch."\n\nYou laugh. "I //will// hold you to that."\n\n[[...|to carillon]]\n\n

And Alda is holding a silver hand-bell produced from a pouch on her belt. Of course; the Caroler raiders were using their bells to call pull objects through the air, but Alda is using it to pull //shields//. \n\nCome to think of it, you're glad you weren't up against her before. \n\n"She's a Ringer!" cries one of the sentries. "Careful!" \n\nAlda steps back over to you and Orit. "I'll get to the conclave," she says. "They'll put a stop to this foolishness. Jes, keep them off Orit." \n\nYou frown. "That'll never work, Alda..."\n\n[["...they'll catch you."|catch alda]]\n\n[["...I can't fight them all."|shield v shield]]

The sound of bells comes back - louder, more insistent, even through your shield. You narrow your eyes; something's wrong, you've never heard them this loud before. \n\nYou look back up toward the two figures. They're not just coming toward you. They're running. And more figures are coming over the rise behind them. \n\n[[...|the two]]

Orit shakes your hand. "Thank you," he says. "For everything. For saving me, and for taking a chance on me. Really, thank you. "\n\n[["Thank you for taking a chance on us."|chance]]\n\n[["That was extraordinary."|praise orit]]\n\n[["Maybe things will get back to normal now."|normal]]

<<set $bell to 0>>You're in the west field, ankle-deep in the muck of an irrigation ditch, frowning down at the mud squelching around your boots. There's not enough water. \n\nYou climb out of the ditch and look around, pursing your lips. The field is filled with promising green shoots, but the soil is dry and sandy. And beyond the field, the waters of the small lake that provide water for your small farm and your neighbor's are visibly low. \n\nYou look up at the sky. Dark clouds race overhead. They promise rain, but you know the rain won't fall here. The clouds will speed on to where the Ringers of Carillon City are calling them. \n\n[[...|bells]]

"This bell is shaped for calling - for summoning things to yourself. It will do the work for you. It's Just like singing: focus on what you want, ring the bell with decision, and it will happen." \n\n"Now, good luck - and wish me the same." And she's off, running with surprising speed for her age. One of the sentries rushes after her; you bite your lip and follow her advice: you picture the sentry veering off toward you, you hold the image in your mind, and you ring the bell...\n\n[[...|you did it]]

Of course, song is as much a part of life in the Wilderlands. But only in the context of the family, the home. Alda's probably heard you singing, from time to time at your homestead; you're damned sure nobody else has. This is a very different way of living.\n\n[[You find it charming.|charming]]\n\n[[You find it obnoxious.|obnoxious]]

"...people are frightened, because of the drought," you finish. \n\n<<display fault>>\n\n[[...|frightened2]]\n\n<<set $bell to $bell + 1>>

It happens suddenly. \n\nOne moment you're fighting for your life, trying desperately to stop attacks from both sides. And suddenly all around you, projectiles are veering away, shields are falling away. \n\nIn a moment, the space between the two armies - the space you've been occupying alone - is filled with pairs. An elder for every master - for every bell, a voice. \n\n[[...|intervention2]]

Finish your breakfast and come find us on the Echomount - we'll be marshalling there."\n\n[[...|walking to carillon]]

A week later, and you're finally back on your homestead.\n\nNegotiations are still not done, but you really couldn't afford to be away any longer. Orit smoothed things over with the masters - the elders understood - and, with everyone satisfied that the militant factions on both side are contained, you were dismissed, with sincere thanks from both sides. Alda came with you, satisfied that things were finally on the right track, but Orit stayed behind to assist his mother. He promised to write. \n\nNow you and Alda are standing together <<if $bell gte 5>>holding bells.\n\n[[...|holding bells]]\n<<else>>holding buckets.\n\n[[...|holding buckets]]\n\n<<endif>>

"...they're right to be angry that you're stealing the rains."\n\n<<display fault>>\n\n[[...|angry2]]

"I'll do it if you think I could help," you tell him. "I have to get back home - but I'll see this through, if I'm needed."\n\nHe nods. "I understand. I wouldn't ask it, but your story that will mean something to both sides - the Wilderkind who saved a Caroler with bell and voice. It really seems to mean something to the elders. I think it will to the masters as well." \n\nYou nod hesitantly. "I never set out to be a symbol. But if it will help bring peace...."\n\nHe smiles. "//Thank you.// <<display prepare>>

"I can't hold off so many," you say. "They have bells, I assume they know how to use them..." \n\n"You must try," Alda says, desperation in her voice. "You know I wouldn't ask you for this if it wasn't of the highest importance. \n\n"You're one of the best Singers I've ever seen," she insists. "You can do this." \n\n[["You're right. Go."|thank you][$sendoff = "You're right. Go."]]\n\n[["I'll... I'll do my best."|thank you][$sendoff = "I'll... I'll do my best."]]\n\n[["You owe me for this."|thank you][$sendoff = "You owe me for this."]]

One day, you stand on the city's ramparts with Orit. The two of you have both been only peripherally involved with the negotiations themselves, present occasionally but mostly left on your own. He's been showing you some of his favorite sites; today, that means the view of the mountains from atop the wall.\n\n[[...|warriors]]

"Why did those raiders come here?" you ask.\n\nAlda looks at Orit. "Actually, that's a good question. Why on earth did they come here, of all places?" \n\n[[...|idiots]]

"But this is more than a raid," Orit says, pointing out at the two armies, which are rapidly coming together. "This is the beginnings of a battle. There will be losses, on both sides. So much bloodshed..."\n\nHe shakes his head. "No matter what the elders and masters say, I'm not sure we can avert a war. The warriors on both side have forced the issue." \n\nHis voice cracks; he looks heartbroken. "We were so close..." \n\n[[...|not over yet]]

And then, once it's quiet, it's not long before you hear a high, gentle ring, very different from the insistent clanging of the raiders' bells. \n\nDespite the echoes and the darkness you find you know exactly where the sound is coming from. \n\nFollowing the sound leads, in a few minutes, to Alda and the Caroler, crouched in a narrow side passage. They are illuminated by a soft glow from a chime that the Caroler holds in his hands. \n\n[[...|cavern convo]]

"I wasn't sure you would want to keep using a bell," Alda remarks as the two of you sit on the hilltop watching the sky afterward. You think you feel the air getting a little cooler.\n\nYou shrug. "It's all music," you say. "That's what I learned, from meeting Orit and visiting the City, I think. We're all just people, and we all make music." \n\nAlda smiles. "I felt the same way, the first time I was lucky enough to be allowed to listen to one of my neighbor's songs." \n\nThe two of you are quiet for a moment. The wind picks up; the weather is changing. \n\n[[...|Credits]]

"A well done calling, Orit," Alda says to him. "I told you they wouldn't capture her. Come, Jes - are you alright? They didn't hurt you, did they?"\n\n"I'm fine."\n\n"I told you," Alda repeats to Orit. She smiles. "Thank you so much, Jes. I'm so glad you're safe. Now, I owe you an explanation. First, let me introduce Orit."\n\n[[...|ringer]]

"<<print $saying>>" you call. But they ignore you. You hear the sound of singing all around you, the crackle of magic, the displaced air from shields being conjured out of song.\n\nSuddenly their leader shoots forward, a shield crackling to life around him; he means to ram you all with it, toss you aside. You bring up your own shield just in time. The two shields crackle when they meet, and then dissipate. You're safe - from his attack. \n\n[[...|attacked2]]

"What about the rains?" calls a woman from among the elders. "You call the rains to yourselves, and they pass us by while the ground grows parched and the crops fail."\n\n"You're calling too far and too damn loudly with your bells!" says a man. "My family lives nearby the city, and there's no peace! Music should be a sacred and a private thing!" \n\nYou see Alda frown where she stands beside the leader of the elders. Will Orit lose his temper?\n\n[[...|no he won't]]

But the first sign of the city is the explosion of green in the distance - the product of their rain calling. You hear murmuring among the elders. There is resentment, as well as excitement about the potential - could such a thing be possible in the Wilderlands as well? \n\nPersonally, you can't help but feel...\n\n[[...angered that the carolers are living in such plenty while times are so hard for the Wilderkind.|peeved]]\n\n[[...excited that a partnership with Carillon City could bring this prosperity to your own homestead.|excited]]

The crowds and tapestry of sound all around are exciting, invigorating! You wander the city, eager to see everything, hear everything. The time flies by as you wander the city, while the masters and the elders meet to talk through details. \n\n<<display one day>>\n\n<<set $bell to $bell + 1>>

He doesn't in the slightest. "If being good neighbors means we have to be more careful about calling the rains, we are ready to discuss it," he says. "If it means we have to be respectful with the peals of our bells - which are as sacred for us as the privacy of your songs are to you - then we are hear to listen to what you need. \n\n"Provided," he adds, raising a cautioning finger, "that you are ready to do the same." \n\n[[...|my friend]]

Orit is standing right beside you. You hear him take a deep breath; you're not sure anyone else does. But when he speaks there's not trace of uncertainty or hesitation. \n\n"There's no apology necessary," he says. "I myself have witnessed violence just as reprehensible, practiced by my people against yours. \n\n"I'm not here to cast blame or demand an apology. All I want is to make it end - to ensure that this is the last time our people fight without reason." \n\n[[...|oration]]\n\n

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"I'm not sure I want peace..." you say, looking sidelong at Orit. "Not if it means that nothing changes, that the Carolers call the rains away while the lakes dry up and our crops die." \n\nAlda nods. "I understand. And I can promise you, that's not the kind of peace we're fighting for. Right, Orit?"\n\n[[...|doubts 2]]

"Me neither," he says. "It's like the sentries around the Echomount - so many people on both sides want peace. But it's easier to break something than to make it. If the sentries had killed me, or the raiders had killed you, things would be different now. The masters have put a stop to the raids now, but any more fighting and we could lose all of the progress we've made."\n\n[[...|next morning]]

"Why did you leave Carillon City, Alda?" you ask Alda. "Why walk away from something like that?"\n\nShe shrugs. "The truth is, I was always someone who liked the quiet. I used to envy the people out here, alone on their homesteads, without bells always ringing in their ears. \n\n"And being a leader means living for others before yourself. I did that for a long time. I decided it was time to do something for myself." \n\n[["Why is Orit here now?"|why Orit]]\n\n[["What were those raiders doing here?"|why raiders]]\n\n[["What now?"|what now]]\n

"...no," Alda says. "No, it's not over yet."\n\nShe turns to you. "Jes. We'll get the elders and the masters here as soon as we can. In the meantime..." \n\n"...what?" you say. "Just... get between them? Two armies? How can I...?"\n\n"I don't know," she admits. "I'm sorry, I don't. But I do know that everything we've worked for is gone if those two armies meet. I don't know. You've got the powers of both sides, the power to shield and the power to call - voice //and// bell. Just... don't let those two armies meet. And I promise we'll bring help as soon as we can."\n\n[[...|deep breath jes]]

"It's not a secret," Alda says, shrugging. "It's just not something I talk about much." \n\nShe turns to you. "I'm from Carillon City, originally. I've been living with the Wilderkind a long time now, but I used to be involved in the city government." \n\n[[...|involved]]

"I don't know," Orit says, "but I can imagine. And I'm sorry. I'm hear to make sure the same thing doesn't happen to anyone else." \n\n"You mean you're here to save your people from our revenge," the man growls. "Well, I won't allow it." \n\n[["Don't do this, brother!"|attacked][$saying = "Don't do this, brother"]]\n\n[["Calm down - we'll go."|attacked][$saying = "Calm down - we'll go"]]\n\n[["Yeah? What are you going to do about it?"|attacked][$saying = "Yeah? What are you going to do about it?"]]

A man steps out from behind a boulder up ahead, tall and imposing. His deep voice carries through the cool evening air. "You're approaching a conclave of the Wilderkind," he says. "Turn back." \n\n"I'm Alda, from out east," Alda calls back. "I will address the conclave." \n\n"Alda. I may have heard the name. Who's that with you?" \n\n"My neighbor Jes," she says, gesturing to you. There's a barely perceptible pause; this is the tricky bit. "Orit from Carillon City. He has a message from a master there." \n\n[[...|whistle]]

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<<set $sendoff to "Nothing">>"There's no time to explain now," Alda says. "I need to keep him away from them.\n\n"I'm sorry to ask, Jes, but please. You're a strong Singer; for the good of all the Wilderkind, hold them off until we get to the caves. Join us there when you can." \n\n[["I need more than that, Alda."|demand explanation]]\n\n[["I can't hold off so many."|doubt]]\n\n[["Go."|thank you][$sendoff to "Go."]]\n\n

"The drought isn't our fault!" Orit protests. "We've always called the rains to the city. If we do it more now, it's because the drought affects us as well What would you have us do?"

"I agree with you that we all have to let go of our anger," Alda says calmly to Orit - though she shoots you a cautioning look - "but you'll face worse than that at the conclave,". "You won't make peace answering anger with anger, Orit." \n\n[[...|apology]]

"Thank you for your help," Orit says formally. "You are clearly a talented Singer," he says. But despite his politeness, he watches you with suspicion.\n\nYou gesture at the chime in his hands. "And you're a good Ringer." You didn't just follow the sound to them; the echoing of the caverns should have made that impossible. He showed you the way.\n\n"Thank you." He bows his head to accept the compliment. The light is dimming, and he strikes the chime again, with a small wooden rod he holds in his other hand. The glow, which was starting to fade with the sound, comes back. \n\n[[...|questions]]\n

Only a handful of the elders are with you, other than Alda, who the elders seem to have accepted as one of their own. Ker is among them. \n\nYou're able to travel quickly, and the arches and high spires of the city are soon visible across the dry plain. \n\n[[...|but]]

"I do, as it happens." She snorts. "It turns out Wilderkind politics are a great deal like Carillon politics, just a little less polite and a lot less formal.\n\n[["Why did you leave Carillon City, Alda?"|why leave]]\n\n[["What were those raiders doing here?"|why raiders]]\n\n[["What now?"|what now]]\n

You look down at the simple silver bell as though it's a snake. "I can't... I'm not a... "I don't know how to..."\n\n"You must," she says, laying a hand on your should. "And you can." \n\n"Him!" You gesture at Orit. "He can do it!" \n\nShe shakes her head. "Jes, using a bell in a fight is more like using your voice in a fight than like using a bell out of a fight. Take it from someone who's lived in the City and in the Wilderlands. You're the one who has to do this."\n\n"But how do I use it?" you insist.\n\n[[...|good luck]]

Another sentry is already rushing in. You don't think you can get your shield up again in time...\n\nBut suddenly there's a loud, clear sound - the sound of a bell - and he veers off course. He veers over toward Alda, stumbling, out of control; the sidesteps and he runs straight into another senty's shield. \n\n[[...|bell]]

The crowds and the incessant noise and the damn constant ringing is maddening. You put on a brave face during the negotiations and think of the day you'll be able to go home. \n\n<<display one day>>

She sighs contentedly, despite the sweat dripping down her brow. "And now we can - thanks in no small part to you, Jes." \n\nYou're both quiet for a moment, and then she stands. "Come on, then. I've got a few more hours in me, and I'm twice your age! Step to it!" \n\nAnd the two of you return very happily to work.

"You know, now that you have a bell you could probably just call the rain here, with my help" she says. "It'd be an easier way for your poor old neighbor to repay her debt than lugging buckets in the heat." \n\n"I know," you say. "But we're Wilderkind. This is what we do, just as calling the rain is what the Carolers do. That's all I want, I think, after everything: everyone with a chance to live they way the choose." \n\n[[...|buckets3]]

"But to be honest, I think you have things to teach us as well. I suspect our farmers would give up on fields as dry as yours and Alda's. Maybe we don't need as much water as we're using..." \n\n[[...|the city]]

You admire the distant view for some time, and then look at the environs surrounding the city. The rich green fields are exotic enough, for you. \n\nYou frown down at the buzz of activity all around the walls. You see lots heavy armor - real armor, not the ornate metal plates and scales that are inexplicably popular in the city's fashion. "There are a great many warriors," you remark to Orit. \n\nYou can't help but feel uncomfortable when some of the City's soldiers were hunting you down just days ago. \n\n[[...|busywork]]

Credits:\n\nJavascript Wizard:..........Sam Backus\nArtist Extraordinaire:......Suzi Curran\nDashing Writer:.............Dave Rogers\nThat One Guy:...............James Curran\n\nWith Audio Assets from Maerkunst's Female Voice Pack and Juskiddink's Bells and Gongs Pack. Played through the magic of Howler.js\n\nThanks for Playing!\n\n\n\n[[Start Over|Start]]

"What is Orit doing here now?" you ask her. \n\n"There was an attack," he answers for himself. "A band of Wilderkind attacked a bell choir calling the rains to the city. They..." He looks down. "They killed several Ringers. Apprentices, actually. Very young recruits. A lot of people were angry - very angry.\n\n[["I didn't know. I'm sorry."|apologize]]\n\n[["That has nothing to do with us."|deny]]

The next morning, the larger delegation of elders arrives. You, Orit and Alda meet them to conduct them to where the negotiations are taking place.\n\nThe negotiations are going well. You haven't heard all the details, but it's hoped that the newly arrived elders will simply have to ratify the agreement that Ker and the others have worked out.\n\nThat's when the bells start to sound.\n\n[[...|all the bells]]

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He smiles. "I serve at the pleasure of the masters, which is a great honor. My mother hopes I'll become one someday, and I may yet. But, the truth is... I have a business, a small one, and I //am// looking forward to getting back. \n\n"I'm no good with big spells, like you or Alda, but I have a talent for small ones, one that require more subtlety than strength. I can find people, or lost objects, or make light, or fix things." He laughs. "A handyman, more or less. But, you know. With magic." He grins sheepishly. "I have to admit, though, I can't wait to get back to it."\n\n[[...|alda talk]]

Speaking of which - a low peal of bells becomes audible. \n\nThe City is miles away, far longer than the sound would ordinary carry. But when they Ring their bells, instead of just ringing them, the sound moves in strange ways. \n\nYou open your mouth and sing to your self, soft and wordless. The air shifts around you, and there's a faint glow as a shield materializes around you, blocking out the sound. \n\nYou smile; the Carolers aren't the only ones with magic. \n\n[[...|waters]]

You look back and forth between them. Orit, whose hope has blossomed over the last few days, his eyes wide and desperate. Alda, who believed in peace from the start, who's hiked for days on her old legs to make it happen. You can't let what they've tried to accomplish end here. \n\nBoth for them and for yourself. \n\n[[Because if war breaks out now, there will be no going back to your quiet little homestead.|ok]]\n\n[[Because you believe too. You believe the City and the Wilderlands can work together.|ok][$bell to $bell + 1]]

"My fields will suffer..." you say to her doubtfully. "It's been a hard season as it is, Alda. To be away for so long..." \n\n"I know," she says. "But think how much more your fields will suffer if they're burned by Carolers, or if they're seized by a Wilderkind warlord to feed his army - and don't think their aren't plenty of would-be warlords just waiting for the excuse."\n\n[[...|persuaded]]

"Enough!" Ker bellows. "Wilderkind, you are not serving your people or your people. Step back!" \n\n"Carolers!" cries the woman at his side - about Alda's age, and bearing a distinct resemblance, you realize - "In the name of Carillon City and its masters, silence your bells!" \n\nAnd the do. \n\n[[...|epilogue]]

"Yes - I'd forgotten all about your farm." He frowns, looking genuinely worried. "I hope you haven't lost too much ground - and with the drought and everything too. Please, when you get home, send me word. If you incurred any great loss on my behalf - on my city's behalf - well, I promise you I'll make it right."\n\nIt's a kind offer, kind enough that you aren't quite sure what to respond. "What did you leave undone, back in Carillon City?" you ask. "You must have a life besides this."\n\n[[...|normal2]]\n

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Although they are more or less the only ones with water, in the middle of this drought. They've always called the rains to water their crops, but as the land gets drier, as the wells dry up and the lakes and pools get lower, they do it more and more. \n\nOr maybe, like some say, the more they call the rains the drier the land gets.\n\nYou don't know if it's true or not, but a lot of people more desperate than you have become convinced that Carillon's endless calling is the real cause of the drought. There's anger; there's even talk of war. \n\n[[...and you pray it doesn't become more than talk.|hereandnow]]\n\n[[...and Carillon City deserves no better, if they're really causing the drought.|hereandnow][$bell = $bell + 1]]

"Who knows?" Alda asks, pursing her lips. "Getting all the Wilderkind to agree of something is always hard. Maybe they're from settlements that didn't send an elder to the conclave, or maybe they didn't hear back from their elders in time. Or maybe they just don't want peace.\n\nShe looks to Orit. "We need to get the elders to the negotiations, and then we need to get everyone - elders //and// masters - back here to break this up." \n\n[[...|bloodshed]]

You shake your head. "Thank you for taking a chance on us," you say. "Being on the receiving end of those sentries attack - they'd made up their mind and nothing was going to change it. I'm glad there are people in Carillon City who are more open-minded." \n\n"Well, for my part, I'm just as glad that there are people like you and Alda in the Wilderlands." He frowns. "We all have a lot of work ahead of us, not just now but for years to come, if we want to come out ahead of people like those sentries - or like the raiders back at your house."\n\nHis serious expression breaks into a bright smile. "But the job will be a lot easier, partnering with people like you." \n\n[[...|alda talk]]

"Excellent." You're surprised at how profoundly //relieved// Alda looks. She's always seemed invincible to you: aged but vital, weathered but never broken by the years. \n\nIf even she can't undertake this by herself, things must be bad indeed.\n\n[[...|near echomount]]

"I'd like to see the city..." you admit. "The closest I've ever gotten to seeing it is a smudge on the horizon, and the distant sound of bells..." \n\nHe beams. "And I'd be delighted to show you my city. It's a very beautiful place. \n\n"<<display prepare>>\n\n<<set $bell to $bell + 1>>

"I need more than that, Alda," you insist. "You're asking me to risk my life for a stranger..." \n\n"War is coming," she says. "This Caroler and I are trying to stop it. Please - I'll explain everything later, but for now that has to be enough." \n\n[["Of course. Go - I'll stop them."|thank you][$sendoff = "Of course. Go - I'll stop them."]]\n\n[["I'll hold you to that. Go."|thank you][$sendoff = "I'll hold you to that. Go."]]\n\n[["This better be worth it."|thank you][$sendoff = "This better be worth it."]]

You're left alone with the Caroler soldiers approaching. Their bells are ringing; they're calling objects through the air, stones mostly, whipping them around at high speeds. You've heard of this; it's a variation of the same magic they use to call the rains.\n\nYou've never fought Carolers again. But you really doubt those rocks could pierce one of your shields...\n\n[[...|fight1]]

"Could you teach me more about the bell?" you ask, a little reluctant. \n\nShe raises an eyebrow. "I'd be very happy to do that. I thought you might not want to keep using it. I know it's not quite the way that most Wilderkind prefer to use magic. A bell is not a private instrument." \n\n"No," you say, "but now that I've used one, I don't think it's such a bad thing." \n\n"When we get back home," she says, "I will teach you everything that you want to know. While we dig out your irrigation ditch." \n\nYou laugh. "I //will// hold you to that."\n\n[[...|to carillon]]

"Maybe not," Alda says, "but it's still a terrible thing that happened to our neighbors - and something we could help stop happening again. Just because we're not to blame doesn't mean we're not responsible, Jes.\n\nShe turns back to Orit. "Go on," she says more gently.\n\n[[...|why 2]]

"...you're right. I'm sorry." Orit looks to you. "Please excuse me." \n\nYou nod. "Think nothing of it." There's nothing to be gained by arguing...\n\n[[...though you have to admit you're tempted.|come]]\n\n[[...and you see his side, though you don't agree.|come][$bell = $bell + 1]]\n

"I know you have work to do here. So do I. But it could all be for nothing if there's war in the city. Traveling won't be safe anymore, especially for a Wilderkind and a Caroler traveling together. I'm not as young as I used to be, and Orit's a good Ringer, but he's no warrior. \n\n[["Of course, Alda."|journey][$bell = $bell + 1]]\n\n[["My fields will suffer..."|work to do]]\n\n[["I'm not sure I want peace..."|mission doubts]]

She nods. "I'm glad I could help. I'm glad we both were. This is what will make this peace work, Jes. People like you and me chipping in and doing what we can when problems come our way."\n\n[[...|to carillon]]\n\n

Taking water bucket by bucket from the pond and spreading it among your crops is grueling work, and there's no way around it. But your crops need the attention after your time away. This is the second day you've given them this treatment; it's too soon to tell what the outcome will be, but the soil is darker and seems to be holding more of the moisture today. It's a good sign. \n\n[[...|buckets1.5]]

You go to the edge of the field and watch them approach. Alda is one: you can tell by the grey-hair, though she's running like a much younger woman.\n\nWith her is a young man that you don't know. He wears strange clothes, light garments with blue-painted metal adornments, plates and spikes and scales - a fashion so extravagant it could only come from Carillon.\n\n[[...|the others]]

Getting Wilderkind to agree on anything is a chore, and Orit takes more angry invective with patience and grace while the more conciliatory elders work on their peers. It's the early hours of the morning when something like an accord is reached. Not a treaty, quite, not a final agreement - but a committment, to stop the violence and to talk more. \n\nOrit and Alda both find you before bed. \n\n[[...|orit]]

Orit sighs. "Yes. I was asking my mother about it. They're providing busywork for them. Some of the warriors went off on raids without permission from the masters; they have orders not to now, but... well, my mother thought it was busy to keep them busy. So we've stepped up patrols, and we're doing a survery of the city's defenses. \n\n"I see." It's a sensible plan. But looking down on all those soldiers - and knowing that some of them wish they were out in the Wilderlands burning homesteads - still makes you uncomfortable. "I don't like thinking the peace is so fragile," you tell him.\n\n[[...|orit either]]

The sound you two make together is very beautiful. You can see the appeal. It makes you think about the future, about having a partner and a family someday maybe, making music together. Maybe bells can be a part of that. \n\n[[...|bell4]]

You start with an innovation unique to the Wilderlands, however - you sing a shield, a small one, not completely enclosing the two of you but just on either side along the ground - hopefully enough to channel the sound up and away from your neighbors. You have no desire to be a nuisance to anyone. Singing around Alda is a new experience, a new intimacy - but it's not uncommon between neighbors who have gotten to know each other. \n\n"I'll start," Alda tells you once you're finished. "And then you, and then me again. We build the sound together, let it carry, and then see what happens." \n\n[[...|bell3]]

"...I can't keep them at bay with just my shields," you finish.\n\n"No need," she says. "Here. Use this." She hands you the bell.\n\n<<display wtf a bell>>