The Mythological History Of Atomic Honey

#8 A King's Lament

11/4/2013

We decided to use a song as episode 8 of the Mythological History of Atomic Honey instead of text. We constructed and recorded this song based on information we gathered from Sonitrus' personal journals from the time period following his marriage to Queen Kulambria.

Though some of the words we used for this song were entered into his journals in poetic form, we cannot be certain he intended them to be part of a song, though what we know of him makes it a good enough possibility for us to do so. We have also taken some of our own creative liberties with his words in places, emphasizing his obvious discomfort (and even displeasure, at times) with his marriage to the Queen-for reasons that are explained in previous episodes of the Mythological History of Atomic Honey.

0 Comments

#7 After The Wedding

8/12/2012

0 Comments

Unfortunately, all records of the wedding between Queen Kulambria and Sonitrus were later destroyed by the queen herself, for reasons that will much later be explained. The information we share with you here is drawn from personal writings from individuals close to the royal party (including notes even from Sonitrus' personal journal) , a solid understanding of Nolavarian history and tradition, and a moderate amount of pure speculation.

It is safe to assume that the ceremony was quite extravagant and that all people of all ages of Nolava would have been present for it. We can also assume that many songs would have been written specifically for the occasion, and-according to Nolavarian tradition-at least one of these songs would have been played repeatedly for forty days and nights directly following the ceremony. [At the time of this writing, we remain in search of writings and songs related to this wedding, and we will share them accordingly if and when they are discovered.]

There are many things that fascinate us regarding the wedding between Queen Kulambria and Sonitrus, but of particular interest we note that their union was unprecedented in the kingdom of Nolava-and for more reasons than one.

Firstly, previous to Queen Kulambria's rule, royal inheritance had always remained with the male. We can only speculate as to why Kulambria's father, King Sonus-upon his deathbed-gave the throne to her instead of her brother Sebius, though it should be noted that Kulambria was the eldest of the siblings.

Secondly, as the previous paragraph would imply, there never was a question as to whether a man who married into the royal family would be rightfully crowned king. Ultimately it was decided by a council of elders shortly after the wedding that Sonitrus would in fact be titled "King Sonitrus" for official reasons, but that citizens of Nolava would not be required to address him as such, and that a crown would be made specially for him that was identical to Queen Kulambria's in every way. In effect, though he could be properly called "King," he would wield no actual power in any official capacity. It must be added that Sonitrus himself interacted with the council of the elders, and much of the details they set forth were by his own request (Sontrus was a humble man by nature who desired above all to properly fulfill his duties as Chief of all bards, nor had he any desire for power).

And this leads us to another curiosity regarding their marriage: namely, that, as a rule of thumb, bards rarely engaged in romantic relationships, let alone marrying. There was no written rule or regulation among the bards regarding celibacy, but it was generally believed by them that intimate relations with a particular individual would likely interfere with their duty and relationship to the people as a whole, so those situations were simply avoided. That system had been quite adequate up until the marriage between Queen Kulambria and Brother Sonitrus, Chief of all bards.

This potential conflict was not lost on our dear Sonitrus-now "King"-and it is clear from many of his songs, poems, and journal entries that it was a dense weight he carried with him on many a day after the wedding. Even in a tangible sense, the adjustment would have been a great challenge to him: he had bunked with fellow bards, Brothers Martinus and Samulus for many a season since his youth. Moving into the castle and sharing a bed with the Queen, one might imagine, would have been quite un-comforting-initially, at least.

We will explore many of the struggles and inner conflicts of our dear Sonitrus in the days to come that followed his marriage to Queen Kulambria. For now, we leave the reader with an excerpt from an untitled poem he wrote that seems to have been written just a few weeks after the wedding (perhaps it was intended to be a song, we are still looking into this possibility):

"The light vanishes quickly, beneath the surface,

It suffocates;

The lantern bleeds its oil into an unknown current;

It drowns.

Will the daystar call it to the surface?

Will the moonlight speak its name?

Will it ever breathe again?"

Thank you all for sticking with us, and for your fantastic love and support

0 Comments

#6 A Melodius Festival & An Engaging Queen

4/22/2012

0 Comments

So the day of the festival of the goddess Melodia, the late goddess of song, had finally fallen upon the children of Nolava after much anticipation [should the reader wonder how a goddess can pass away, I refer them to entry #1 of this blog]. Though the day of this festival was among the most important on the Nolavarian calendar, and the festival held each year, this particular one was of greater importance.

Word had spread throughout the kingdom that their lovely Queenn Kulambria was to make a special announcement at the conclusion of this year's festival, and there was much speculation as to the nature of this announcement among the people of Nolava. It stands to reason, then, that it was next to impossible on that day to find a Nolavarian who as not at the festival, from suckling to the aged, from all corners of the kingdom, its center, and everything in-between.

As with all Nolavarian festivals, all forms of merriment were present, besides myriad performances from the best bards in the land, and all associated residual dancing: there were games and contests of all sorts-for child and adult alike-the exchanging of all kinds of keepsakes, and an endless selection of food and drink available freely to all who attended.

As the sun began its gentle descent beneath Nolava, and many of its young citizens grew drowsy, a sudden hush fell upon the massive audience; the Queen entered the stage and approached the microphone. She smiled and blew kisses at her grateful and happy citizens, then bowed and began to speak:

My dearest friends and citizens of our lovely kingdom, I want to thank you for the great honor you have shown my beloved mother, the goddess Melodia, our goddess of song. May the love and melody we have all shared here today reach her inner chambers; that she will see fit to bless our kingdom for another year. I know many of you have anticipated a very special announcement at the closing of this festival, and you will not be disappointed. Before I make this announcement, however, I must call forward our chief of all bards, Brother Sonitrus: together he and I shall perform a special song he has composed for this occasion, at my request. Dear Sonitrus?

The audience stirred a bit as Sonitrus the Golden (as he'd come to be called) somewhat bashfully approached Queen Kulambria's side, nervously tuning his guitar while he walked. He settled into his position at the edge of the stage, legs dangled over its edge, cleared his throat, and plucked a string. With the first note he played, every soul present fell completely silent; Queen Kulambria took her microphone out of its stand and sat down beside him.

The Atomic Honey song, "Staring At The Sun," is the most accurate translation of this special song we have, based on data gathered from the historical records of the ancient Nolavarian bards: here is a link to it with video: http://youtu.be/5x0szhnmtGM

Many wept during the performance of this song, including the queen herself, even as she sang its words. At its conclusion, there were no cheers, for all were deeply moved and found themselves unable to speak. The queen smiled, hugged dear Sonitrus, then stood again to address the audience:

And now, my dear friends, I think you've waited long enough: over the years, I know many of you have wondered that I have never taken a husband-and rightfully so. The truth is, I've had my eyes set upon one of our fair citizens for many a year now, and my heart-but just a little. I've spent many years afraid to confront these feelings, convincing myself that my duty is to you, the fair people of Nolava-and indeed shall it remain so for as long as I live-and that I could better serve you alone. Whether my heart has gotten the best of me, or I'm foolishly misguiding myself I cannot tell-I only know that I no longer desire to lead this kingdom alone and have decided to take a husband...if he will have me.

The silence of the audience became quite a loud silence at this point, of course, and one could feel that the collective body was about to burst with anticipation. Queen Kulambria gathered herself, smiled softly at the horizon, then continued:My dearest Sonitrus, ever at my side, will you remain as such as my husband for as long as we live?

The audience gasped collectively. Dear Sonitrus, chief of all bards, fell instantly to his knees before the queen, in a state of wonder, disbelief, and overcome with humility. A tear escaped the corner of his eye and left its mark upon his cheek. His golden voice quite shaken, he spoke to the queen as thus:

My fair and lovely queen, I have not the words to express what I feel this moment: I am overcome with suprise; I am humbled, frightened, and overjoyed all at once. I can only say 'Yes,' my dear queen, for though I feel not worthy, how can I refuse? By your side as your loving husband shall I remain for so long as you find me worthy.

With that, Sonitrus the Golden knelt a bit more, and touched his forehead to the stage's floor for a second, just before Queen Kulambria took his arm and lifted him to his feet; his knees continued to tremble for many hours afterward. The newly betrothed embraced, and the entire kingdom of Nolava erupted into whistles, applause, and various chants (some silly, some quite touching). As the two held their embrace, the queen pulled Sonitrus' ear to her lips and whispered,

Sonitrus, my love, my dear, and my soon-to-be husband, you must quickly learn to stop calling me your queen-it sounds so impersonal. I'm rather fond of 'lover' if you desire my input on this, my love.

The queen held him tighter still for another moment and smiled as she looked deeply into his glassy eyes.

Needless to say, the festival went on much longer than any had anticipated-even the queen-and many were still celebrating near the temple of the goddess Melodia when the sun stretched its arms and yawned the next dawn. Truly a new era was now upon the people of Nolava, for better or for worse. Kev oxox

0 Comments

#5 Sonitrus And The Solecistic Banquet

12/10/2011

1 Comment

Another placid day in the blessed kingdom of Nolava, and we find our dear friend and chief of all bards, Sonitrus, wearily approaching his quarters after a long morning of lectures to healers in the eastern marsh. The reader must remember, of course, that song enveloped all aspects of life in this period of Nolava's history, and that one of the chief purposes of song was healing. Oft was Sonitrus dispatched to various regions of the kingdom to share his gift of song with others in all manner of labor, and to instruct them in the use of song for such purposes.

As dear Sonitrus reached the final path to his quarters, not more than a hectare's distance away, he became conscious not only of his own weariness, but that also of the lands through which he passed. The critters that scurried off at the vibration of his footsteps seemed even a bit less spry than they had not so long ago. And the eagles-those sacred birds who would come to admire the songs of the people of Nolava-where had they gone off to? Brother Sonitrus shook his head in what must have appeared a silly fashion and spoke to himself "Do not trouble yourself; all is well and fine. A spot or two of rest and all shall feel right once again."

At length, Sonitrus closed the gate and approached the door to the small cottage that served as the quarters for himself and two fellow bards who were indeed like brothers to him-both for better and for worse. To Sonitrus' surprise the door swung open quickly before he had grasped the handle, and he nearly fell inside. There, in the briefly magical doorway, stood his cheery and wobbling bunk mates: Brothers Martinus and Samulus (also exceptional bards, it should be noted), swirling mixed wine in their dainty goblets.

Sonitrus chastised them somewhat father-like while picking up his satchel he'd dropped on the ground, "What of this?! It's barely mid day, and you greet your weary brother this way?! You ought to be ash-"

"Please, let us explain-" interrupted Martinus, "we're only following the Queen's orders."

"Yes," added Samulus, "the Queen's orders. It's a banquet-a banquet for you, brother!"

Sonitrus returned his satchel to the desk nearest his cot and examined the room. Indeed there was a feast fit for kings-many of them, in fact-upon the table...and enough wine for even more kings. Our friend composed himself considerably, though his brow remained furrowed, "You fancy beginning my banquet without me, do you? It matters not, my "thoughtful" brothers, I must retire shortly anyway-I am due in the central pastures by daybreak. I'm afraid I'll not be able to-"

Samulus and Martinus approached Sonitrus quickly, more giddy than before, and Martinus interrupted once more, "Yes...about that...umm, the Queen suspected you might say something along those lines." Martinus handed our friend a scroll sealed with the Queen's mark. "She instructed us also to give this to you at your first mention of tomorrow's labors...read it."

Samulus stood by, grinning, nodding his head in concurrence, "Yes, yes, read it, brother." He then winked at Martinus, and both bards snickered some more and refilled their goblets-this time filling a third one for Sonitrus while he was distracted with the scroll. Our best translation has the scroll reading thus:

Dearest Sonitrus,
I hope you can enjoy the banquet I have asked brothers Martinus and Samulus to prepare for you. You have burdened yourself far too much of late, and it's my wish that you indulge in a jolly respite. In the event you are not feeling well tomorrow and cannot attend your class in the central pastures, you have my assurance that our court is most understanding, and I have even taken the additional step of cancelling tomorrow's class for the convenience of all parties involved. Enjoy yourself this day and night, my dear friend, and let your worries escape. Also, of note, the wine you've been provided with for your banquet is courtesy of the cellar of my blessed parents.

Warmest Regards,
Queen Kulambria

After reading Queen Kulambria's scroll, dear Sonitrus let out a sigh, rolled the document back up, then tossed it into the gently burning hearth. He smiled softly to himself for a moment, as his back was turned to brothers Martinus and Samulus. The two brothers were behind him, swirling their goblets of wine and anxiously awaiting his response. He turned to them with a thoughtful look, sighed once more, and said "Well, if you can't beat them, join them, they say." He took the goblet from Samulus' hand, held it high in the air, raised his eyes and continued "Tonight, my dear brothers, we sing for no one but ourselves! Gods have mercy upon us for what we're about to do."

Brothers Martinus and Samulus held up their goblets in agreement, the goblets met, then all three brothers shouted in unison, "Here, here!" And so the banquet had begun. They drank, then feasted, then drank some more. They played their instruments and sang, then drank some more; then feasted again and drank more still as the hours vanished like wandering phantoms. Truly the night had served the Queen's purpose well, and at one point our dear Sonitrus even considered that she would have been proud to see her orders so efficiently carried-out with such reckless abandon. Somewhere along the way, even, pots had become helmets, broomsticks swords, and esteemed men but rowdy children. "It's good the Queen cancelled tomorrow's classes," Sonitrus observed eventually, "for indeed there'll be no meaningful work tomorrow."

At that, brother Martinus raised his freshly-filled goblet once again and shouted "Here, here!" Then Sonitrus and he giggled as they noticed brother Samulus lay snoring on the floor near the hearth, trusty sword in hand and magical helmet upon his head. Brother Martinus then shifted a bit on the couch and gestured for Sonitrus to join him. "Come, my dear brother; sit down next to me and unburden yourself."

Dear Sonitrus filled his goblet yet again, and dropped himself down upon the couch next to Martinus. There were several seconds of silence as the two bards seemed to be absorbing the moment. Martinus spoke first, "So tell me what weighs upon you, my brother."

More to come...very soon. Kev

1 Comment

#4 "The Queen's Approval & Prophecy Revealed"

6/4/2011

0 Comments

Time approached the upcoming festival of the Goddess Melodia in the kingdom of Nolava, and the moment arrived in which our dear Sonitrus, chief of all bards, was to submit his special song to Queen Kulambria. The queen met Sonitrus the Golden in the corridors en route to the music chamber, such was her anticipation of the song--and rightfully so--for this song was to serve as her public announcement to all the kingdom that she sought a man's hand in marriage. No one, of course, knew who the queen would choose but the queen herself--not even dear Sonitrus.

Sonitrus and the queen walked briskly toward the music chamber, and Sonitrus tuned the guitar he carried while they exchanged pleasantries. After they had entered the music chamber and sat down next to one another, Sonitrus removed the newly-written song from his pocket and handed it to the queen. A gentle smile fell upon her face as she looked it over and started humming the melody softly. "It's wonderful, my dear Sonitrus," she said, "but what about the words?"

"Yes, of course, my Queen:" he responded, "I have them written down in my other pocket; but with your approval, I'd rather you hear them first in the context of the song before you read them." The queen agreed it was better than way, and Sonitrus began tuning his guitar once more.

"Sonitrus, my dear, did you not already tune your guitar on the way in? You're killing me with anticipation...please get on with it," said the queen.

"Yes, of course, my Queen," Sonitrus answered. "I apologize for the delay, but I must re-tune now, if you don't mind." Sonitrus continued tuning the instrument, though noticeably more quickly. "You, see, my Queen, I must tune it to the frequency of your heart for it to be proper. The frequency of your heart has changed a bit since we entered the chamber. I am nearly finished now."

Queen Kulambria gasped, "My word, dear Sonitrus, even with all my years of study in song and melody, I have never heard of such a thing. Truly I am blessed to have you as my chief of bards."

"It was once common practice among the bards of old," Sonitrus replied, " but is oft forgotten in our age; few bards see much need to learn this craft since electronic devices have entered our realm, I am sorry to report." He then straightened himself in his seat and continued, "I digress. I am ready now. With your permission..."

"Yes, please do, my dear Sonitrus; I can hardly wait," the queen exclaimed. Sonitrus began to play, and the queen was moved almost instantly. The soundwaves took hold of her, embraced her, and massaged her heart as her eyes fell shut. When Sonitrus' voice emerged, and the words he'd written took shape, the queen found herself fighting back tears from the sheer beauty of it all.

Sonitrus completed the song after a few moments, and sat silent awaiting words from his Queen. There was a moment of silence before she spoke as she gathered herself. "My dearest Sonitrus, I don't know what to say--honestly. It's as if you know the workings of my heart better than I. Always shall I remember and cherish this moment, my dear friend." She dabbed at a single teardrop that glistened upon her cheek, stood, and sighed. Now completely gathered, she continued "I knew you could never fail to disappoint. Truly you are blessed by the gods."

Sonitrus stood, then knelt before his Queen,"Thank you, your highness. It was an honor and pleasure."

Queen Kulambria went on, "So now, my dear chief of all bards, you must tell me what troubles you. You hide your emotions well, my friend, but you cannot hide them from me--I know you too well by now."

"My Queen," Sonitrus replied, "I am a bard--always we carry burdens--our own and those of the poeple whom we love. It is our way, you konw."

The queen tensed a bit, "Sonitrus, I ask this as a friend; please do not make me demand it as your Queen. There is something you are not telling me, and I need to hear it."

"Yes, of course, my Queen, if you insis--"

Queen Kulambria placed her hands upon her hips and exclamed, "I do."

"Very well then," Sonitrus went on. "It is one of the prophecies..."

"Come now, dear Sonitrus, surely you're not troubling yourself needlessly with ancient writings again," she replied.

Sonitrus continued, "You have asked, and I answer is all, my Queen. I know well your thoughts on the ancient books of the bards, which is why I hesitated to tell you."

"Very well," the queen responded, "You may as well get it out of your system: what is this prophecy that troubles you so?"

They both sat down again, and Sonitrus replied, "It goes as thus:"

A shadow shall fall upon the kingdom of song,
When the magic of melody has become undone;
For the Queen, part Goddess, forsooth to wed,
Her children slain upon their bed.

Queen Kulambria exhaled deeply while standing up once more and said, "Dear Sonitrus, Sonitrus the Golden, I do understand why this should trouble you; but I assure you, you worry needlessly. You'll recall as a young girl, I myself was required to study many ancient works of the bards, and I remember also some of the prophecies. The prophecies, it is well-known, have been interpreted many different ways throughout many different ages, and can mean just about anything one's imagination is inclined to want it to. Sincerely, my friend, I appreciate your concern for myself, my children that do not exist, and even the fair and blessed people of our kingdom, Nolava." The queen then put her hand upon Sonitrus' shoulder as he stood once more, and continued, "Please, my friend, do not place this burden upon yourself. Be happy for me, for yourself, and for our kingdom. The festival of my dear mother will soon be upon us, and much merriment is to ensue. Unburden yourself, and join in!" She smiled kindly at Sonitrus as she led him out of the music chamber, and added, "Besides, my dear friend, ancient religions are no match for a great song in one's pocket."

Sonitrus smiled back at his Queen once more as they prepared to part ways now in the corridor. "I hear your words, my Queen, as always, and shall do my best to not be overcome by this. Only remember, your highness, I am a bard, and burdens of some sort of another shall I always carry with me." He bowed to his Queen once again and concluded, "Thank you for honoring me with your trust and appreciation. The gods smile upon you, my Queen."

0 Comments

#3 "Prosperity & A Royal Collaboration".

6/1/2011

0 Comments

And so it was, that after Sonitrus "The Golden" became chief of the bards in Nolava, that the kingdom was blessed, and many years of prosperity were to follow. All manner of the arts, sciences, technology, and faith flourished. Disease and poverty were all but unknown throughout the lands, and an unhappy countenance became a rarer sight than meteor showers.

The bards of Nolava had never been more efficent and productive than they were under the direction and guidance of Sonitrus. They learned to work with masters in all the other arts and sciences so that musical arrangments were composed for every purpose and occasion: aside from songs for seasons and festivals, there were songs for healing, for learning, and even for military prowess. It is sometimes said that, during this age, Nolava's doctors prescribed songs more often than herbs, and that men cherished their ability to hear sound above riches and esteem.

During this time also, of course, Sonitrus, being chief of bards, worked very closely with the good Queen Kulambria. Many hours of the week they spent together, composing magical songs that would be taught and given over to bards to be dispatched and taught throughout the kingdom. It must be remembered that Queen Kulambria herself was the daughter of Melodia, the Goddess of Song, and was therefore fully-trained and abundantly gifted in all form and manner of music. Perhaps a better pairing of artists has never occurred in any land or age, and to this day it is nearly impossible to find songs that are more beautiful and better-crafted than the songs of Sonitrus and Queen Kulambria.

This went on for many years, of course, and the young Sonitrus had grown in wisdom and stature; never losing his fair looks or the eyes of damsels wherever he should go. This was not unnoticed by the Queen herself, and one day she sent for Sonitrus, to meet with him privately. The best translation we have of their exchange relates as follows:

Queen: My dear Sonitrus, I must enquire of you, and ask a favor.

Sonitrus: You need not ask, my good Queen, for I am your servant. Only tell me, and it shall be done.

Queen: I must first caution you that what I shall tell you can be spoken to no one. I confide only in you for this matter, as I trust none better.

Sonitrus: I am humbled yet more, my Queen, and you have my word.

Queen: We both know that I am very fair to look upon, and that a truer heart cannot be found in Nolava.

Sonitrus: Yes, of course, my Queen.

Queen: I know also that as much as our people admire and respect me, they speak often regarding my lack of a husband. They do not understand it, I believe, and perhaps they are right in doing so. I have begun to ask this question myself even, of late. I think, my dear Sonitrus, it is time I take a husband lest my god-given beauty fade for lack of intimacy.

Sonitrus: My good Queen, if you seek my counsel regarding this--I am sorry--but I am not fit to advise you in this matter.

Queen: I need not your counsel, my dear Sonitrus; I need your gift of song. There is none more qualified, and none esteemed higher.

Sonitrus: Thank you again, my Queen, but I do not understand.

Queen: Secretly, I have had my eyes set upon a man of our kingdom for many years now, and even my heart, but just a little. His identity is a secret, even from you, my dearest friend, Sonitrus. I ask that you compose the song that I will perform at the upcoming festival for my late mother, the Goddess Melodia. When I complete my performance, I will profess my love for this man before the whole kingdom and shall ask his hand in marriage; for I know he will be present.

Sonitrus: May I ask but one question of you, only that I might better compose this special song?

Queen: Yes, but only one.

Sonitrus: This man, whose hand you will ask in marriage: would he have any reason to suspect you have these feeliings for him?

Queen: No, of course not, my dear Sonitrus--don't be silly. And please, no more questions about this: I trust your skill better when you do not think with your mind. Listen only to your heart, my friend, and your song will be better than I can imagine. This I say of a certainty.

Sonitrus: Thank you again, my queen. It shall be done as you have asked, and I trust the favor of the gods to bless me with a song suitable for this most sacred occasion.

And so Sonitrus left the Queen's presence, and began work immediately on this song.

0 Comments

#2 "How Sonitrus 'The Golden' Became Chief Of All Bards"

6/1/2011

0 Comments

Once the mourning period for King Sonilus and Queen Melodia had ended after 40 days, the king's daughter Kulambria was crowned as Queen of Nolava, and it was determined that a chief bard must be named. This was the Queen's first command: that they would gather the twelve bards who contributed to the ballad of King Sonilus and Queen Melodia, and that one of them would be named chief of all bards. Upon the advice of her brother, Sebius, Queen Kulambria suggested that a contest of sorts would be held to determine who would become chief of bards.

The Council of the Twelve Bards agreed unanimously that the Queen's suggestion was wise, and sprang from love. They then determined that the contest would consist of all participants performing a song in the river valley nearest the Godess Melodia's shrine; for there was a proverb in the ancient books of the bards that went thus:

He whose song reaches the eagles is esteemed better than his mass in gold

Each of the twelve participants would perform their song, and whichever song would bring an eagle into their presence would be the song of the bard who was to become chief. When the day came that the twelve bards would gather for this contest, all the kingdom of Nolava was present; from suckling to the aged--and not a single soul that lived was not present. The bards brought all manner of instruments: some stringed, some percussive, some hollow, and some brought even electronic instruments (which were uncommon in this age). And yet one of the bards, both the youngest and the fairest of the twelve, brought not a single instrument. His name was Sonitrus, who was soon to become Sonitrus "The Golden."

It is written in the books of the bards that Sonitrus was blessed by Melodia herself while yet a suckling; and there is no question the gods smiled upon him from his youth. Sonitrus was well-known throughout the borders of Nolava: admired amongst maidens for his fair appearance, kind heart, and gentle steps; and derided by men who were not bards for the very same. Sonitrus would perform his song seventh, after the first six had failed to attract an eagle with their performances. As he entered the arena to perform, he was greeted with cat-calls and jests from his fellow bards--but it was all in loving jest, and well-recieved by Sonitrus--knowing that his brothers loved him and in their hearts they wished him well. And indeed they did. As the immense crowd fell into a hush, Sonitrus raised his arms into the heavens, closed his eyes, and offered a silent prayer to the gods within his heart. He then exhaled one single note, and held it for many seconds. The silence of the audience was silenced even more,and still Sonitrus held his single note. This note changed in timbre and varied in its amplitude, but remained constant, and Sonitrus never took a breath. After several seconds passed, all heads turned east, as an eagle was spotted approaching the arena, then six others after it. The eagles circled the young bard as he held his note, then all descended and rested in the trees that surrounded him. Many that were in attendance wept, as they understood a new age had entered into their kingdom, and not one voice was heard but the single note of Sonitrus.

When Sonitrus had completed his note, the eagles remained perched high in the trees around him. They looked upon him, it seemed, with an admiration the likes of which is not found among men. The other eleven bards, so moved by this event, gathered together quickly and announced that the contest had concluded, and that Sonitrus "The Golden" was now chief among bards. The greatest cheers ever heard in Nolava erupted after this announcement, and moments later, Queen Kalumbria herself entered the arena and blessed Sonitrus. The Queen smiled at him lovingly as he knelt before her and wept, being so overcome with the events that had just transpired. Queen Kalumbria herself then announced to all that were in attendance that Sonitrus The Golden was now chief among bards, and that truly a new era of love and prosperity had graced their kingdom. The subjects of Nolava erupted in joyous applause once more, and never again was such a day known in that kingdom or any other.

0 Comments

#1"The Death of King Sonilus & Queen Melodia

6/1/2011

1 Comment

In the land of Nolava there was a great king called Sonilus. King Sonilus ruled so justly over his kingdom, and was so fair to look upon, that he was favored even by the gods, one of whom, called Melodia (the godess of song) chose to become mortal--and his Queen. Under their rule, the kindgom of Nolava prospered. Together, they bare three children: Kulambria, the eldest daughter, Sebius, the son, and Arsia, the youngest of the three.

After many peaceful and joyous years of rule, King Sonilus fell ill, and knew that his time was near. He called upon his eldest daughter Kulambria, expressed his love for her, and designated her to rule the kingdom of Nolava in his stead. Since Queen Melodia had forfeited her immortality to marry the king, her life was linked to his, and they would pass together in the same instant.

After King Sonilus and Queen Melodia had exhaled their final breath, the entire kingdom mourned for 40 days and 40 nights. The greatest bards in the land were assembled and constructed the ballad that would play throughout the kingdom without ceasing until the 40th night had passed. It is said that the soundwaves from this song carried the bodies of the King and Queen across the land and out to the sea.

1 Comment

#8 A King's Lament

#7 After The Wedding

#6 A Melodius Festival & An Engaging Queen

#5 Sonitrus And The Solecistic Banquet

#4 "The Queen's Approval & Prophecy Revealed"

#3 "Prosperity & A Royal Collaboration".

#2 "How Sonitrus 'The Golden' Became Chief Of All Bards"

#1"The Death of King Sonilus & Queen Melodia

Kev

Archives

Categories