Light's Storytellers

And that concludes the report on the hunt. Similar monsters may still be in the area, so please remain vigilant.

Of course, Sister Melina.

......

Was there something else?

Oh, er, no! Nothing at all! Um...

I-I simply wanted to let you know that I'm looking forward to it very much!

......?

Oh, Sister Melina. I heard the news. I can't wait!

If you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask.

...What was that about?

Oh, Sister Melina. Great timing! I just finished inspecting your equipment.

What do you think? With this, your magic should...

...Do you happen to know what's going on?

What do you mean?

I haven't the faintest idea. It's just that everyone I've run into is looking forward to something that I'm apparently involved in...

Oh, that? I imagine that's because of Sister Thillelille.

Thillelille...?

O-Oh... I take it you haven't heard?

Uh... Well... I think it's best if you ask her.

Now, I'd better get back to...

Not so fast.

Thillelille.

Melina! What good timing! I wanted to tell you...

That we've been chosen as the Light's Storytellers?

Oh, you've heard?

Yes, we've finally been chosen!

Chosen, hm?

That's right! Didn't you think it was odd?

We've never been asked to do it. Not once! Even though all the other priests have...

I was curious, so I asked about it, and that's when they said we could do it next! Our time's finally come!

......

What's a light's storyteller?

Oh, that's right. You're new, aren't you? Well, um...

Why don't I explain?

On long nights beneath a dark moon, the church gathers children to listen to stories. It's known as the Moonlight Gathering.

The stories are mostly simplified versions of scripture passages and fables, and those who read them are known as storytellers.

Exactly!

The church used to host them to keep children safe on nights when monsters were believed to be more active.

But over time, it became a way for us to teach younger followers about the church and its teachings.

Oh, okay! So storytellers are people who teach us things!

Right. And there's another important purpose.

The event is also a means to train new priests.

It is...?

Those who aren't experienced in delivering the church's teachings learn to speak to crowds by telling stories to children.

After all, expression and inflection can greatly change how those teachings are received.

So they observe the children's reactions and try to find their own way of connecting with people. ...Do you see what I'm saying?

I-I do...

The two of us were quickly promoted to cardinal and arch-cleric, so we were never tasked with it.

It wasn't an oversight or a mistake. It was because we were exempt.

What?! Nobody told me that!

So you're saying we didn't have to take on the responsibility after all?

But...but...I didn't tell them I wanted to do it. I honestly was just asking why we hadn't yet.

The church must've thought you were interested. And they're not going to deny a request from an arch-cleric of all people.

That's what happened?!

Are you really that important, Thillelille?

But you're always the first one to get found when we play hide-and-seek...

That has nothing to do with anything!

Um... So then you're going to...

Yes, since there's still time until the event, I'll see if I can decline the assignment.

I can ask for you too, if you'd like.

You're not going to do it, Sister Melina?

Hm...?

But I really wanted to hear you and Thillelille tell us a story!

Are you really going to quit...?

I already told my mom about it...

I asked her to make me some really bitter tea that day so I can stay up to hear your story...

......

I-It's alright, Melina! Thillelille will work extra hard to make sure the children have a great time!

So you don't need to ask for me, okay?

...Fine, then I won't decline the assignment either.

I'll stay on with you.

Right, it'll just be, Huh?

I've been so busy with hunts that I haven't spoken to people in a while. It wouldn't hurt to revisit the fundamentals.

I'm doing this for myself, understand? Just don't expect too much from me.

M-Melinaaa!!

You really are something else, aren't you?!

Anyway, just leave it all to me! Thillelille will put on a production no one will ever forget!

Blip bleep!

By the way, what's the story this time?

And how would I know?

"The Snowbird Sisters."

Rosetta!

It's supposedly based on an old folktale from a harsh, cold land.

But nowadays, it's probably better known as a fable tied to church teachings.

It begins with a wounded nightbird seeking shelter from a blizzard at the home of two snowbird sisters.

"The Snowbird Sisters"...? I feel like I've heard of it. I think?

But how do YOU know what the story is?

Because I was given the script of the last production as a reference.

You were...?

...Wait. Does that mean...

Well, I heard that the two of you were going to be the Light's Storytellers.

So I asked, "Do you think it'll be alright with just the two of them?"

...I see. A harmless question under normal circumstances, but coming from an inquisitor, it was a different matter.

Exactly!

So you'll be joining us too?!

Indeed! There aren't many events quite so amusing, er, meaningful, as this!

So allow me to stay by your side and help you as best as I can.

Hey! What do you mean, "amusing"?!

Once upon a time, there lived two young snowbirds who were waiting for their parents to return from a warm land far away.

One day, the sisters find an injured nightbird caught in a fierce blizzard, and they bring her home to shelter her from the storm.

However, the elder snowbird immediately realizes that the nightbird is in a bad state and doesn't have long to live.

But the younger snowbird continues to care for her, using her soft wings to shield her from the piercing winds.

......

Had it just been the two sisters, they could have kept themselves warm and made it through the storm.

However, the younger snowbird chose to share her warmth with the large nightbird, who grew colder and colder.

After some time, the nightbird opens her eyes for a brief moment. Though by then...

By then...?

The younger snowbird had grown cold, as she had given all her warmth to save the injured stranger.

......

The nightbird summons the last of her strength and says to her:

"I was given the task of passing the power of a great being on to someone worthy. And I've finally found them."

She turns to the young snowbird whose light is starting to fade and asks if there is a wish she would like to have granted.

......

Without hesitation, the snowbird says that she wants her sister taken somewhere warm, away from the cold.

When morning comes, neither the younger snowbird nor the nightbird open their eyes, for they are never to awaken again.

The elder snowbird shivers, feeling a sorrow she'd never felt before, when a radiant lightbird appears before her.

......!

The bird swiftly flies off, leaving a trail in its wake.

Certain that it was her sister, the elder snowbird takes wing and follows the trail into the distance.

After a long journey, she finds herself in the blessed land.

......

In that warm, blessed land, she lives happily ever after, her sister forever in her heart, never again to know the cold.

And that is the story of "The Snowbird Sisters" according to the previous script.

Those awaiting their loved ones, the one with a powerful gift, and the theme of self- sacrifice... I see there's plenty to interpret.

Anyway, what brings you here, Melina?

...Well, if they don't have any historical materials here, I'm afraid I might be out of luck.

I thought the original text would be helpful for reworking the script, so that we could present a story that isn't simply a retelling.

After all, stories change as they're passed down from generation to generation.

Is that so? My, my, you're taking your role rather seriously.

Or does this story hold a special place in rather your heart?

No. ...Well, not exactly.

Why didn't you tell us, Melina?! We would've searched with you!

I appreciate the thought, but I've already...

Oh!!!

Thillelille to the rescue! I found something amazing!

What...?!

Ta-da! Check this out!

Sparkly white frills, black shimmery material... They're perfect for our story!

My, you would have us wear costumes?

...That's not what I was looking for.

Hm, it seems like they're from the region where the story originated.

......

According to the records back then, folklore was passed down through dance rather than spoken words.

Then these must be dancers' costumes. I know we're only telling a story, but they're so cute... Can we wear them?

Well, I've heard more people are telling these stories in a play-like fashion, so why don't we do the same?

Melina, what do you say?

M-Melina! It's just as important to look the part, isn't it?!

And, um, they say "costumes make the man," right? So we HAVE to wear them!

The saying is "clothes make the man," not "costumes."

Ngh...!

You're not exactly selling me on this...but I don't have much reason to say no either.

Really?

Fine. Let's wear the costumes.

If we can't find the original text, we can at least show our respect for the story by looking the part.

Well, well, well!

That's so true!

Then it's settled! This one is Thillelille's! It's the perfect costume for the elder snowbird!

The elder snowbird...? Hmm, that might be tricky.

Rosetta will have to put a lot of effort into her acting to pull off the part of your younger sister.

The younger snowbird?! No, I should play the part of the nightbird. She's the biggest of the three characters, after all.

No, that's my role.

She's unconscious for the first half of the story and has fewer lines than the other characters. It's perfect for me.

That's not a valid reason!

There can't be two nightbirds... Hmm, does Thillelille need to hold auditions to decide who gets the part?

No, you don't need to do anything of the sort.

Hmm, how can we decide this fairly...? Oh, perhaps we can draw for it?

An interesting proposition... I trust the draw will be fair?

Of course! I'm an inquisitor of the church! Do you truly believe I would cheat you?

I suppose not. Alright, fine.

Right. Then go ahead. White for the snowbird, black for the nightbird.

......

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......

......

......

...This one.

Excellent!

I never thought you'd get Melina to pick that one with just your facial expressions...

You're more devious than I thought...

It was luck! She's the one who made the choice, after all.

So, Melina, how does it fit?

Unfortunately, it fits perfectly.

Oh, Melina! No need to be shy!

You should be honored for this chance to play the part of Thillelille's younger sister!

I-I'm not your...

My, my!

You look wonderful, Melina!

......

Now that we have our costumes, all that's left to do is practice!

Moonlight Gathering, here we come!