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Ceremony
by
Casey Coolidge
Played 3,839 times
View game source
(spoilers!)
Download the
.z8 file
Source Code
"Ceremony" by Casey Coolidge Include Basic Screen Effects by Emily Short. Use no scoring. Use the serial comma. Before starting the virtual machine: now the left hand status line is ""; now the right hand status line is "". When play begins: say "This is it. The Ceremony. That mysterious final test that marks the conclusion of the three years of training.[paragraph break]The details of the Ceremony are kept well hidden from those who have not participated in it. It is strictly forbidden to discuss the Ceremony... but that doesn't stop hushed whispers of speculation amongst the novices.[paragraph break]And it certainly doesn't stop the feeling of quivering nerves in the pit of your stomach. Even the regimented conditioning of the past three years cannot quell the feeling entirely..."; pause the game; say "The most commonly-held belief amongst the novices is that the Ceremony involves a live combatant, but discards the blunt blades and strike-dampers of the training hall.[paragraph break]A fight to the death. A demonstration of the ability to kill if necessary, without hesitation.[paragraph break]You can almost feel the tension and impatience from your fellow trainees in the antechamber behind you. You close your eyes and take a deep breath, focusing your awareness on the pinpoint-silver lights of the stars beyond the hull of the Ullian, letting their coldness calm your heated nerves. The door before you leads into the chamber where the Ceremony is to take place. You think about that small step, and how it will take you beyond this place and into the wide galaxy; or might end your life in futility..."; pause the game. Rule for constructing the status line: center "Ullian Abbey" at row 1; rule succeeds. Part 1 - Stuffy Stuff The player wears a black robe. The description of the black robe is "The ornate black robe of the Ceremony inductee. The cloth is rough against your skin." Instead of taking off the black robe, say "Nudity, while not frowned upon at the Ullian per se, does not befit the gravity of the Ceremony." Instead of jumping, say "It would be a shame if you accidentally tore this beautiful robe." Instead of listening, say "You hear the stars." Instead of singing, say "You hum a low tune, harmonizing with the stars." Instead of tasting something, say "You have more important things to worry about." Instead of smelling when the player is in Vaulted Hallway, say "You smell the spicy, ever-present scent of incense." Instead of smelling when the player is in Ceremony Chamber, say "You sense a whiff of tea on the air." Instead of smelling when the player is in Superior, say "You smell the odor of old books and heady incense." The player carries a dagger. Understand "knife" and "blade" and "weapon" and "Damascus steel" as the dagger. The indefinite article of the dagger is "your". The description of the dagger is "A long dagger from the forges on Golan Tertius, drawing on the ancient knowledge of Old Earth craftsmen of Damascus steel." Report dropping the dagger: say "You gently set your dagger down." instead. Report putting the dagger on a supporter: say "You gently set your dagger down on [the second noun]." instead. Report taking the dagger: say "You gingerly pick up your dagger and tuck it away into your robe." instead. Instead of dropping the dagger when the player is in Vaulted Hallway, say "You have no clue what could be to the north through that door. Disarming yourself now could spell disaster." Definition: a person is armed if it carries the dagger. Drawing is an action applying to one thing. Understand "draw [something]" as drawing. Check drawing: if the noun is not the dagger, say "You can[']t draw that." instead. Check drawing the dagger: if the player is in Vaulted Hallway, say "Walking into a room with drawn weapon is not always the safest course of action. You do not yet know what lies on the other side of the door." Instead of drawing something in the presence of a person that is not the player: say "There is no need for threatening gestures here." Part 2 - First Room Stuff Vaulted Hallway is a room. "You are at the end of a long hallway. The floor beneath your bare feet is tiled with darkest jade. Narrow windows on either hand admit the faint silver light of the surrounding stars, set like tiny jewels of cold flame in a ground of black velvet.[paragraph break][if the metal door is in Vaulted Hallway]A glistening metal door[otherwise]An open doorway[end if] lies to your north, leading to the Ceremony chamber." The window is scenery in Vaulted Hallway. Understand "windows" as the window. The description of the window is "You look through the windows at the profound abyss of galactic space, strewn with myriad stars. An incredible sense of your own size, at once immense and infinitely puny, fills you with elation." Instead of searching the window, try examining the window. The stars are scenery in Vaulted Hallway. Understand "star" as the stars. The description of the stars is "Millions upon millions of stars adorn the jet-black expanse of empty space, inconceivably remote and ancient and beautiful." Instead of listening to the stars, say "You hear a sound of singing, distant and heartrending." Instead of doing something other than examining or listening to the stars, say "The stars are much too far away." The floor is a backdrop. The floor is everywhere. Understand "jade", "tile", and "tiles" as the floor. The description of the floor is "Dark, swirled tiles of green jade. The polished stone is icy under your bare feet." Instead of putting something on the floor, try dropping the noun. Instead of entering the floor, say "Now is not the time to lose focus." The Ullian Abbey is a backdrop. The Ullian Abbey is everywhere. The description of the Ullian Abbey is "Everything that you see around you: the floors, the walls, the ceiling; and all that you cannot see: the generators, the engines, and the hull and shield that enclose this bubble of life, a haven of stone and metal admist the blackness of interstellar space." Every turn when Ceremony Chamber is unvisited and the turn count is greater than 14: if a random chance of one in five succeeds, say "Perhaps it is time to stop putting off your duty. The Ceremony chamber to the north beckons you. Besides, shirking responsibility has never been one of your weaknesses." Hallway-south is a room. Hallway-south is south of Vaulted Hallway. Instead of going to Hallway-south, say "The Ceremony, for good or ill, lies in the chamber to your north beyond the door. Running away at this point would be unthinkable." Instead of going north from Vaulted Hallway when the metal door is in Vaulted Hallway, say "You must first open the door." The glistening metal door is scenery in Vaulted Hallway. The description of the metal door is "A smooth surface of polished metal. In its center is a hand-pad lock." Instead of the player opening the metal door, say "This door is controlled by one of the usual hand-pad controls." The hand-pad control is part of the metal door. Understand "lock", "pad", "control", "hand-pad controls", "hand-pad lock", and "touch-lock" as the hand-pad control. The description of the hand-pad control is "An ordinary touch-lock. You wonder how many others have touched a hand to the pad to open the door; and then you wonder if the pad has ever been cleaned." Instead of touching the metal door, try touching the hand-pad control. Unlocking is an action applying to one visible thing. Understand "unlock [something]" as unlocking. Instead of unlocking something that is not the metal door, say "That doesn[']t seem to be something you can unlock." Instead of unlocking the metal door, try touching the hand-pad control. Instead of touching the hand-pad control when the player is in Vaulted Hallway: say "You press a hand lightly to the pad. A brief glow shines between your fingers, and the northward door slides silently up into a recess. You hold your breath for a moment. The Ceremony, whatever it is, now lies in the darkened chamber before you..."; now the metal door is in Ceremony Chamber. Ceremony Chamber is north of Vaulted Hallway. Instead of going to Ceremony Chamber when the metal door is in Ceremony Chamber for the first time : say "You step into the round Ceremony chamber, every muscle ready. The polished metal door slides noiselessly shut behind you. A warm but muted light permeates the small room. As your eyes adjust to the dim lighting, you see your friend Delpha, one of the low-ranking priestesses, standing in the center of the chamber.[paragraph break]She approaches you slowly. [quotation mark]So... this is it,[quotation mark] she says. She arches one dark eyebrow. A tiny smile dances around the corner of her lips. [quotation mark]Are you ready?[quotation mark][paragraph break]"; if the player consents, say "[line break]The dancing smile spreads over her whole mouth. [quotation mark]Good! I knew you[']d say that. Your boldness is one of the things I like best about you"; otherwise say "[line break]Delpha laughs. [quotation mark]It[']s too late to turn back now, little Sister"; say ". Come! I[']ll show you what you must do...[quotation mark][line break]"; pause the game; say "She leads you to the center of the room. There is a rectangular table here, covered in a wide variety of dishes and utensils. You stare at them in puzzlement. [quotation mark]What are these for?[quotation mark] you ask.[paragraph break]Delpha smiles again. [quotation mark]These are for the Ceremony, dear Sister. Your duty is this: to make a cup of tea for the Mother Superior.[quotation mark][paragraph break][quotation mark]What?[quotation mark] you say, incredulous. The heated nerves inside you are boiling with confusion and irritation. All that fuss and preparation, only to be faced with a menial task like this?"; pause the game; say "[quotation mark]That is all that I may tell you about the Ceremony,[quotation mark] Delpha goes on. [quotation mark]Feel free to ask for help if you need to, or to ask about any of the terrifying implements of torture in front of you. Though I trust you are sufficiently up to the task to do things on your own?[quotation mark] A smile flickers once more across her lips. She steps silently to the side and watches..."; move the player to Ceremony Chamber. Instead of touching the hand-pad control when the player is in Ceremony Chamber, say "You have come this far; you are not going to turn back now." Instead of going to Vaulted Hallway from Ceremony Chamber, say "You have come this far; you are not going to turn back now." Part 3 - Second Room Stuff The description of Ceremony Chamber is "You are standing in the center of the circular chamber, near a large stone table. On the table [if the number of things supported by the table is greater than 5]is a vast array of tea-making implements[otherwise if the number of things supported by the table is less than 6]are a few tea-making implements[end if][if the table is unexamined] that probably warrant closer inspection[end if].[paragraph break]The polished metal door seals off the hallway to the south. A low curtained archway leads east to another room." A thing can be examined or unexamined. A thing is usually unexamined. After examining something: now the noun is examined. Every turn when the player is in Ceremony Chamber: if a random chance of one in eight succeeds, say "[one of]You still can't believe that this simple task of tea-making is really the dreaded Ceremony for which you have been preparing for the past three years...[or]You try to focus on the stars again, letting them calm your frustration at this menial task.[or]Delpha smothers a yawn.[or]Delpha smooths the folds of her robe over her body, waiting patiently.[at random]". A procedural rule: ignore the describe what's on scenery supporters in room descriptions rule. The table is a supporter in Ceremony Chamber. The table is scenery. Understand "stone", "slab", "implements", and "jade" as the table. The description of the table is "A wide table made of a slab of jade supported by bronze legs. A shallow metal drawer is attached to the underside of the table.[line break][line break]A burner (currently [if the burner is flaming]on[otherwise if the burner is unflaming]off[end if]) sits at one end[if the burner supports something], on which is [a list of things supported by the burner][end if]." Does the player mean examining the table: it is very likely. Instead of dropping a thing when the player is in Ceremony Chamber, try putting the noun on the table. Instead of entering the table, say "Now is not the time to lose focus." The drawer is a closed openable container. The drawer is part of the table. Understand "sink" and "retractable sink" as the drawer. Report opening the drawer for the first time: say "You open the drawer beneath the table. It turns out to be a retractable sink." instead. Carry out opening the drawer for the first time: now the printed name of the drawer is "retractable sink". A serving tray is on the table. The serving tray is a portable supporter. The description of the serving tray is "A small square serving tray made of black lacquer." A procedural rule: ignore the can't put onto something being carried rule. Instead of putting something that is not the teacup on the serving tray, say "[quotation mark]The tray was made for teacups,[quotation mark] says Delpha." A teacup is on the table. Understand "cup", "tea", and "cup of tea" as the teacup. The teacup is an open container that is not openable. The description of the teacup is "A simple white porcelain teacup, just barely large enough to be held between two fingers, with a pattern of delicate blue trees around the outside." Does the player mean taking the teacup: it is very likely. Does the player mean giving the teacup to a person: it is very likely. A teapot is on the table. The teapot is an open container. Understand "pot" as the teapot. The description of the teapot is "A small earthenware teapot, deep and rich and unglazed." Instead of inserting something unpourable into the teapot, say "That would serve no purpose." A jar is a kind of container. A jar is usually closed and openable. The jar of cresai tea, the jar of yllwm tea, the jar of ereem tea, and the jar of oolong tea are jars on the table. Does the player mean taking a jar: it is very likely. Report opening a jar: say "You open the lid of [the noun]. It is full of tea-leaves." instead. Instead of inserting a container into something, say "[The noun] doesn[']t fit in that." Before listing contents: group jars together as "jars of tea". Part 4 - Tea-leaf Stuff A tea-leaf is a kind of thing. The plural of tea-leaf is tea-leaves. The indefinite article of a tea-leaf is "some". Understand "tea/leaf/leaves/tea-leaves" and "tea leaf/leaves" as some tea-leaves. Some cresai-leaves, some yllwm-leaves, some ereem-leaves, and some oolong-leaves are tea-leaves. The printed name of some cresai-leaves is "cresai tea-leaves". The printed name of some yllwm-leaves is "yllwm tea-leaves". The printed name of some ereem-leaves is "ereem tea-leaves". The printed name of some oolong-leaves is "oolong tea-leaves". Understand "cresai", "cresai tea/leaf/leaves/tea-leaf/tea-leaves", and "cresai tea leaf/leaves" as some cresai-leaves. Understand "yllwm", "yllwm tea/leaf/leaves/tea-leaf/tea-leaves", and "yllwm tea leaf/leaves" as some yllwm-leaves. Understand "ereem", "ereem tea/leaf/leaves/tea-leaf/tea-leaves", and "ereem tea leaf/leaves" as some ereem-leaves. Understand "oolong", "oolong tea/leaf/leaves/tea-leaf/tea-leaves", and "oolong leaf/leaves" as some oolong-leaves. The description of some cresai-leaves is "Tiny orange leaves with crimson tips. [quotation mark]Cresai tea comes from the moons of Ejelon,[quotation mark] says Delpha helpfully. [quotation mark]The moons['] rotation is very rapid, so the plant must complete its life cycle, growing and flowering in less than four hours, before the freezing Ejeloni night arrives.[quotation mark]". The description of some yllwm-leaves is "Long, pale-green leaves with an oily look to them. [quotation mark]That comes from caves in the mountains on Cwbra,[quotation mark] Delpha offers. [quotation mark]The luminescent water of the underground streams provides the light by which the plants grow.[quotation mark]". The description of some ereem-leaves is "Dark brown leaves, crinkled and roasted, with tiny white seeds sprinkled throughout. [quotation mark]That tea is prized on Taghil IV. It is said the roasting and processing takes over a year.[quotation mark]". The description of some oolong-leaves is "[quotation mark]Ah, that is the finest tea in the Abbey[']s collection,[quotation mark] says Delpha; [quotation mark]perhaps some of the finest tea in existence today. Legend has it that in the ancient past, an Old Earth emperor clothed in beautiful robes the bushes from which this tea came, after the tea saved the life of his mother.[quotation mark]". After examining some tea-leaves for the third time, say "Delpha certainly knows a lot about tea, you think. Good thing she[']s here to help you." Some tea-leaves have a jar called the associated-jar. The associated-jar of some cresai-leaves is the jar of cresai tea. The associated-jar of some yllwm-leaves is the jar of yllwm tea. The associated-jar of some ereem-leaves is the jar of ereem tea. The associated-jar of some oolong-leaves is the jar of oolong tea. Instead of smelling some cresai-leaves, say "Fruity and bright." Instead of smelling some yllwm-leaves, say "Earthy and herbal." Instead of smelling some ereem-leaves, say "Dark and nutty." Instead of smelling some oolong-leaves, say "Astringent, floral, woody... words are difficult to describe the aroma of this fascinating tea." Instead of taking some tea-leaves, say "Since you[']re serving this to the Mother Superior, you probably shouldn[']t handle the tea-leaves more than you have to." Instead of touching some tea-leaves, try taking the noun. Does the player mean smelling some tea-leaves: it is very likely. Does the player mean examining some tea-leaves: it is likely. Does the player mean examining a drinkable-tea: it is very likely. Does the player mean pouring some tea-leaves into something: it is likely. Does the player mean pouring a drinkable-tea into something: it is very likely. Does the player mean pouring something into some tea-leaves: it is very unlikely. Some cresai-leaves are in the jar of cresai tea. Some yllwm-leaves are in the jar of yllwm tea. Some ereem-leaves are in the jar of ereem tea. Some oolong-leaves are in the jar of oolong tea. After pouring some tea-leaves into the teacup, say "Delpha coughs. [quotation mark]Ordinarily we make tea in a teapot,[quotation mark] she says." Part 5 - Watery Stuff A burner is a supporter that is part of the table. The description of the burner is "A small gas burner set in the center of the table. It is operated with a simple switch. It is currently [if unflaming]off[otherwise if flaming]emitting little jets of bright blue flame[end if]." The carrying capacity of the burner is 1. The switch is part of the burner. Instead of switching on the switch, try switching on the burner. Instead of switching off the switch, try switching off the burner. Instead of turning the switch when the burner is flaming, try switching off the burner. Instead of turning the switch when the burner is unflaming, try switching on the burner. Instead of burning the switch, try switching on the burner. Instead of burning the burner, try switching on the burner. A thing can be flaming or unflaming. A thing is usually unflaming. Instead of switching on the burner when the burner is unflaming: say "You switch on the burner. Little blue tongues of flame leap eagerly up[if the water-pitcher is on the burner] around the bottom of the pitcher of water[end if]."; now the burner is flaming; move the flames to the location. Instead of switching off the burner: say "You switch off the burner. The flames disappear with a muffled whoosh."; now the burner is unflaming; now the flames are off-stage. Instead of switching on the burner when the burner is flaming: say "The burner is already lit." Instead of switching off the burner when the burner is unflaming: say "The burner is already off." A water-pitcher is on the burner. The printed name of the water-pitcher is "pitcher of water". Understand "pitcher", "water pitcher", "jug" and "pitcher of water" as the water-pitcher. The water-pitcher is an open container that is not openable. The description of the water-pitcher is "A large black pitcher. It is more or less full of [if the heat of the water-pitcher is 0]cold[otherwise if the heat of the water-pitcher is greater than 0 and the heat of the water-pitcher is less than 20]cool[otherwise if the heat of the water-pitcher is greater than 19 and the heat of the water-pitcher is less than 40]warm[otherwise if the heat of the water-pitcher is greater than 39 and the heat of the water-pitcher is less than 58]hot[otherwise if the heat of the water-pitcher is greater than 57]very hot[end if] water." Instead of inserting something into the water-pitcher, say "That would serve no purpose." The water-pitcher contains the water. The printed name of the water is "[if the heat of the water is 0]cold[otherwise if the heat of the water is greater than 0 and the heat of the water is less than 20]cool[otherwise if the heat of the water is greater than 19 and the heat of the water is less than 40]warm[otherwise if the heat of the water is greater than 39 and the heat of the water is less than 58]hot[otherwise if the heat of the water is greater than 57]very hot[end if] water". The indefinite article of the water is "some". The description of the water is "It[apostrophe]s [water]. Rather ordinary." Instead of drinking the water: if the water is in the teacup: say "You raise the teacup to your lips. [quotation mark]Sister! Where are your manners? That cup is for the Mother Superior![quotation mark] You lower the teacup again, sheepishly."; if the water is in the teapot: say "[quotation mark]Drinking from the teapot? That[']s Yixing clay, you know: incredibly old and precious.[quotation mark] Delpha[']s warning glance prevents you from proceeding."; if the water is in the water-pitcher: say "[quotation mark]Drinking from the pitcher like a bumbling barbarian? Not on my watch.[quotation mark][line break]". Instead of taking the water, say "[quotation mark]The water just runs through your fingers, doesn[apostrophe]t it, little Sister?[quotation mark] mocks Delpha with a smirk." A procedural rule while examining the water-pitcher: ignore the examine containers rule. Heating is an action applying to one visible thing. Understand "heat [something]" and "boil [something]" as heating. Instead of heating something unheatable, say "That would serve no purpose." Check heating the water: if the water is not in the water-pitcher, say "Delpha pipes up again. [quotation mark]Looks like you[']ve still got some water in there,[quotation mark] she says, pointing at [the encloser]. [quotation mark]Best get rid of that first. You[']ll find a little sink in the drawer under table.[quotation mark][line break]" instead. Check heating the water when the water is in the water-pitcher: if the water-pitcher is not on the burner, say "The pitcher is not on the burner." instead. Check heating the water-pitcher: if the water-pitcher is not on the burner, say "The pitcher is not on the burner." instead. Carry out heating: try switching on the burner. Instead of putting something unheatable on the burner when the burner is flaming, say "[quotation mark]You don't want to spoil [the noun], dear Sister,[quotation mark] chides Delpha with a laugh." Instead of switching on the burner when something unheatable is on the burner, say "[quotation mark]You don't want to spoil the [list of unheatable things supported by the burner], dear Sister,[quotation mark] chides Delpha with a laugh." A thing can be heatable or unheatable. A thing is usually unheatable. The water-pitcher is heatable. The water is heatable. A thing has a number called heat. The heat of a thing is usually zero. Every turn when the water-pitcher is supported by a flaming burner: increase the heat of the water-pitcher by 5. Every turn when the water is in the water-pitcher: let H be the heat of the water-pitcher; now the heat of the water is H. Every turn when the water-pitcher does not contain the water, decrease the heat of the water by 2. Every turn when the water-pitcher is not supported by a flaming burner, decrease the heat of the water-pitcher by 1. Every turn when the heat of the water-pitcher is less than 0, now the heat of the water-pitcher is 0. Every turn when the heat of the water is greater than 60, now the heat of the water is 60. Every turn when the heat of the water is less than 0, now the heat of the water is 0. Every turn when the heat of the water-pitcher is greater than 60, now the heat of the water-pitcher is 60. The flames are scenery. Understand "flame" and "fire" as the flames. The description of the flames is "Bright and blue like the surface of a blue star." Instead of doing something other than examining with the flames, say "[quotation mark]Playing with fire again, Sister?[quotation mark] laughs Delpha." Part 6 - Pouring Stuff A thing can be pourable or unpourable. A thing is usually unpourable. The water is pourable. Some tea-leaves are pourable. Instead of inserting something unpourable into a container, say "You[']re not quite sure how to manage that." Instead of inserting something pourable into a container, try pouring the noun into the second noun. Pouring it into is an action applying to one visible thing and one visible thing. Understand "pour [something] in/into [something]" or "dump [something] in/into [something]" as pouring it into. Check pouring it into: if the noun is unpourable, say "You can[']t pour that." instead. Check pouring it into: if the noun is pourable and the second noun is not a container, say "You can[']t pour [the noun] into that." instead. Check pouring it into: if the noun is pourable and the second noun is a closed container, say "[The second noun] is closed." instead. Check pouring something pourable into a jar: if the second noun contains the noun, try inserting the noun into the second noun. Check pouring some tea-leaves into a jar: if the second noun is not the associated-jar of the noun, say "It would be best not to mix up the different kinds of tea." instead. Check pouring something pourable into a jar: if the noun is not some tea-leaves, say "That would spoil the excellent tea leaves." instead. Does the player mean closing an open jar: it is very likely. Does the player mean taking a closed jar: it is very unlikely. Instead of inserting something pourable into a container, try pouring the noun into the second noun. The encloser is a container that varies. Before pouring a pourable thing into something when the noun is in a container (called the vessel): now the encloser is the vessel. Carry out pouring some water into something: say "You pour [if the encloser is the water-pitcher]some of [end if][the noun] from [the encloser] into [the second noun]."; now the noun is in the second noun. Carry out pouring some tea-leaves into something: say "You shake [if the encloser is a jar]some of [end if]the [noun] from [the encloser] into [the second noun]."; now the noun is in the second noun. After pouring some water into the teacup, say "Delpha looks quizzically at you, but says nothing, hiding a smile behind her hand." After pouring some water into the teapot when the teapot does not contain some tea-leaves, say "Delpha suppresses a giggle." Instead of pouring some water into the teapot when the heat of the water is less than 58 and the teapot does not contain a drinkable-tea and the teapot contains some tea-leaves, say "[quotation mark][if the heat of the water is less than 35]The water takes a little while to heat up properly,[quotation mark] hints Delpha, looking patronizing[otherwise if the heat of the water is greater than 34 and the heat of the water is less than 58]Just a little longer, and the water will be hot enough,[quotation mark] says Delpha[end if]." Instead of pouring some water into the teapot when the teapot contains a drinkable-tea, say "[quotation mark]There[s] already some tea in the pot.[quotation mark]". Instead of pouring some tea-leaves into the teacup when the teacup contains some water, say "Delpha shakes her head. [quotation mark]Try again, Sister dear.[quotation mark]". Instead of pouring some water into the teacup when the teacup contains some tea-leaves, say "[quotation mark]The cup is for the tea [italic type]after[roman type] it[']s been made,[quotation mark] says Delpha. [quotation mark]The teapot is where we make the tea.[quotation mark]". After pouring some water into the teacup when the encloser is the teapot, say "[quotation mark]Aren[']t you forgetting something, dear?[quotation mark][line break]". Instead of pouring some tea-leaves into the water-pitcher, say "Delpha sighs. [quotation mark]The tea-leaves wouldn[']t be of much use to us after that, would they, silly Sister?[quotation mark][line break]". Instead of pouring a drinkable-tea into the water-pitcher, say "[quotation mark]The teacup, the teacup,[quotation mark] urges Delpha." Instead of pouring some tea-leaves into the teapot when the teapot contains some water, say "[quotation mark]Tea leaves, [italic type]then[roman type] the water,[quotation mark] Delpha says in a loud whisper." The chosen-tea is some tea-leaves that vary. After pouring some tea-leaves (called the choice) into the teapot: now the choice is the chosen-tea; say "Delpha nods approvingly." Instead of pouring a jar into something when the noun contains some visible tea-leaves (called the contents), try pouring the contents into the second noun. Instead of pouring some tea-leaves into the teapot when the teapot contains some tea-leaves that are not the noun, say "[quotation mark]Mixing those teas would not produce a very palatable result,[quotation mark] Delpha says; [quotation mark]perhaps it[']s best to just stick with your first choice, hmm?[quotation mark][line break]". Instead of pouring some tea-leaves into a container that is not the teapot when the second noun contains some tea-leaves that are not the noun, say "[quotation mark]Don[']t mix the tea leaves, there[']s a dear,[quotation mark] chides Delpha." Instead of pouring something pourable into a container when the noun is in the second noun, say "That[']s already in [the second noun]." Instead of pouring the player into something, say "You recall that one of the Old Earth playwrights once wrote something about a person[']s flesh melting from anguish, but you don[']t feel quite so distressed as that." Part 7 - Actually Making Tea Stuff There are some used tea-leaves. Some used tea-leaves are tea-leaves. The used tea-leaves are undescribed. The used tea-leaves are pourable. Instead of taking some used tea-leaves, say "There's no need for that." A tea-leaf can be wet or dry. A tea-leaf is usually dry. Some used tea-leaves are wet. Instead of pouring something into the teapot when the teapot contains some used tea-leaves, say "[quotation mark]The remains of your previous attempt still sully that poor teapot,[quotation mark] says Delpha without sympathy." A drinkable-tea is a kind of thing. A drinkable-tea is pourable. The cresai-tea, the yllwm-tea, the ereem-tea, and the oolong-tea are drinkable-teas. The indefinite article of a drinkable-tea is "some". Understand "tea" and "cresai tea" as the cresai-tea. Understand "tea" and "yllwm tea" as the yllwm-tea. Understand "tea" and "ereem tea" as the ereem-tea. Understand "tea" and "oolong tea" as the oolong-tea. The description of the cresai-tea is "A vivid tea, bright like pineapple flesh.[if the cresai-tea is in the teapot] It[']s steeping in the teapot and seems to be [otherwise if the cresai-tea is in the teacup] As you peer at it in the teacup it seems to be [end if][if the strength of the cresai-tea is less than 4]pretty weak[otherwise if the strength of the cresai-tea is greater than 3 and the strength of the cresai-tea is less than 8]of average strength[otherwise if the strength of the cresai-tea is greater than 7]quite strong[end if]." The description of the yllwm-tea is "Cloudy, forest-green tea with a strange inner glow.[if the yllwm-tea is in the teapot] It[']s steeping in the teapot and seems to be [otherwise if the yllwm-tea is in the teacup] As you peer at it in the teacup it seems to be [end if][if the strength of the yllwm-tea is less than 4]pretty weak[otherwise if the strength of the yllwm-tea is greater than 3 and the strength of the yllwm-tea is less than 8]of average strength[otherwise if the strength of the yllwm-tea is greater than 7]quite strong[end if]." The description of the ereem-tea is "Greyish-brown tea the color of pecan shells.[if the ereem-tea is in the teapot] It[']s steeping in the teapot and seems to be [otherwise if the ereem-tea is in the teacup] As you peer at it in the teacup it seems to be [end if][if the strength of the ereem-tea is less than 4]pretty weak[otherwise if the strength of the ereem-tea is greater than 3 and the strength of the ereem-tea is less than 8]of average strength[otherwise if the strength of the ereem-tea is greater than 7]quite strong[end if]." The description of the oolong-tea is "Deep red-orange tea, at once smoky and bright.[if the oolong-tea is in the teapot] It[']s steeping in the teapot and seems to be [otherwise if the oolong-tea is in the teacup] As you peer at it in the teacup it seems to be [end if][if the strength of the oolong-tea is less than 4]pretty weak[otherwise if the strength of the oolong-tea is greater than 3 and the strength of the oolong-tea is less than 8]of average strength[otherwise if the strength of the oolong-tea is greater than 7]quite strong[end if]." Instead of smelling a drinkable-tea, say "It smells [one of]delicious[or]heavenly[or]delightful[or]exquisite[at random]." Does the player mean doing something to a drinkable-tea: it is very likely. Instead of taking a drinkable-tea when the noun is in a container (called the holder), try taking the holder. A drinkable-tea has a number called strength. The strength of a drinkable-tea is usually 0. Every turn when a drinkable-tea (called the beverage) is in the teapot and some used tea-leaves are in the teapot, increase the strength of the beverage by 1. The printed name of the cresai-tea is "[if the strength of the cresai-tea is less than 4]weak [otherwise if the strength of the cresai-tea is greater than 7]strong [end if]cresai tea". The printed name of the yllwm-tea is "[if the strength of the yllwm-tea is less than 4]weak [otherwise if the strength of the yllwm-tea is greater than 7]strong [end if]yllwm tea". The printed name of the ereem-tea is "[if the strength of the ereem-tea is less than 4]weak [otherwise if the strength of the ereem-tea is greater than 7]strong [end if]ereem tea". The printed name of the oolong-tea is "[if the strength of the oolong-tea is less than 4]weak [otherwise if the strength of the oolong-tea is greater than 7]strong [end if]oolong tea". Does the player mean pouring a drinkable-tea into something: it is very likely. Does the player mean pouring some used tea-leaves into something: it is very unlikely. Instead of drinking a drinkable-tea, say "[quotation mark]The tea is for the Mother Superior, not you,[quotation mark] says Delpha, one eyebrow raised in warning." Some tea-leaves have a drinkable-tea called associated-tea. The associated-tea of some cresai-leaves is the cresai-tea. The associated-tea of some yllwm-leaves is the yllwm-tea. The associated-tea of some ereem-leaves is the ereem-tea. The associated-tea of some oolong-leaves is the oolong-tea. Instead of pouring something into the teapot when the teapot contains a drinkable-tea, say "[quotation mark]You've already succeeded in making some tea,[quotation mark] says Delpha. [quotation mark]If you want to start over you'll have to dump that out and begin again with fresh leaves.[quotation mark]". Instead of pouring some water into the teapot when the teapot contains some tea-leaves (called the leaves): now the leaves are in the associated-jar of the leaves; now the water is in the water-pitcher; now the used tea-leaves are in the teapot; now the associated-tea of the leaves is in the teapot; say "You pour some [water] from the pitcher of water into the teapot.[paragraph break]Delpha nods again. [quotation mark]You learn quickly,[quotation mark] she says with a smile. You can[']t decide if this particular smile is mocking or encouraging." Instead of pouring something that is not a drinkable-tea into the teacup when the teacup contains a drinkable-tea, say "Delpha gasps slightly. [quotation mark]Don't spoil the tea like that![quotation mark] she says." Every turn: let H be the heat of the water; if the cresai-tea is off-stage: now the heat of the cresai-tea is H; if the yllwm-tea is off-stage: now the heat of the yllwm-tea is H; if the ereem-tea is off-stage: now the heat of the ereem-tea is H; if the oolong-tea is off-stage: now the heat of the oolong-tea is H. Every turn when a drinkable-tea is in a room, decrease the heat of the noun by 2. Every turn when a drinkable-tea is in a room and the heat of the noun is greater than 38 and the heat of the noun is less than 41, say "[quotation mark]Better hurry up with that tea before it gets too cold.[quotation mark]". Every turn when a drinkable-tea is in a room and the heat of the noun is greater than 28 and the heat of the noun is less than 31, say "Delpha coughs. [quotation mark]I think that tea is a bit too cold for the Mother Superior's preference. Or anybody's preference, for that matter. Better try again.[quotation mark]". Instead of pouring a drinkable-tea into a container when the second noun is not the drawer and the second noun is not the teacup, say "[quotation mark]The tea belongs in the teacup,[quotation mark] says Delpha. [quotation mark]Which belongs in the Mother Superior's hands,[quotation mark] she adds, glancing meaningfully toward the curtained archway to the east." Instead of pouring a drinkable-tea into the teacup when the teacup contains something that is not a drinkable-tea, say "[quotation mark]Better check that cup to make sure it's clean, Sister,[quotation mark] says Delpha drily." Instead of pouring a drinkable-tea into the teacup when the strength of the noun is less than 4, say "[quotation mark]It's best to let the tea steep for a little while so it's not too weak,[quotation mark] advises Delpha." Carry out pouring a drinkable-tea into the teacup: now the noun is in the second noun; say "You carefully pour [the noun] into the teacup." After pouring a drinkable-tea into the teacup: now the used tea-leaves are described; say "Delpha breathes a sigh of relief. [quotation mark]Well done, little Sister! Now, the Mother Superior is waiting in that little room over there. Take the tea to her.[quotation mark] She smiles in encouragement, pointing to the curtained archway to the east." Instead of pouring something into the teapot when the teacup contains a drinkable-tea, say "[quotation mark]You've already got some tea in the teacup, dear,[quotation mark] prods Delpha; [quotation mark]no sense in making any more. Unless you're going to start over.[quotation mark]" Does the player mean giving a drinkable-tea to a person: it is very unlikely. Does the player mean putting the teacup on something: it is very likely. Does the player mean putting a drinkable-tea on something: it is very unlikely. Part 8 - Dumping Stuff A thing can be dumpable or nondumpable. A thing is usually nondumpable. The water is dumpable. A drinkable-tea is dumpable. Some used tea-leaves are dumpable. Instead of inserting something that is nondumpable into the drawer, say "[quotation mark]Not there, Sister mine,[quotation mark] says Delpha." Instead of pouring a drinkable-tea into the drawer: now the water is in the water-pitcher; now the used tea-leaves are off-stage; now all drinkable-teas are off-stage; say "You pour [the noun] into the sink. It flows away with a gurgle." Instead of pouring some water into the drawer: now the water is in the water-pitcher; say "You pour [the noun] into the sink. It flows away with a gurgle." Instead of pouring some used tea-leaves into the drawer: say "You dump the used tea-leaves into the sink. They slide away slimily."; now the used tea-leaves are off-stage; now the used tea-leaves are undescribed. Instead of pouring a tea-leaf that is not the used tea-leaves into the drawer, say "[quotation mark]That would be such a waste,[quotation mark] says Delpha with a slight frown." Part 9 - Delpha Stuff Delpha is a woman in Ceremony Chamber. "Delpha stands close at hand, [if the player is in Ceremony Chamber][one of]looking quietly amused[or]looking bored[or]suppressing the urge to tell you what to do[or]watching with interest[at random][otherwise if the player is in Superior][one of]watching with anticipation[or]gazing reverently at the Mother Superior[or]waiting to see what you do with the teacup[at random][end if]." Understand "woman", "girl", "friend", "acolyte", "herself", "priest", and "priestess" as Delpha. Delpha wears a white robe. The description of the white robe is "Plain and functional, the robe of an acolyte." Understand "Delpha's/friend's/priest's/priestess's/acolyte's/woman's/girl's/her robe" as the white robe. Delpha carries a delpha-dagger. The printed name of the delpha-dagger is "Delpha[']s dagger". Understand "Delpha's/friend's/priest's/priestess's/acolyte's/woman's/girl's/her dagger" as the delpha-dagger. Instead of taking the delpha-dagger, say "Delpha swats your hand away." The description of the delpha-dagger is "It looks a lot like yours, but there's a small red tassel on the pommel." The description of Delpha is "Tall and dark-haired, wearing the simple white of her rank. She wears a dagger of her own tucked into her robe." Instead of kissing Delpha, say "That is an idea that has certainly crossed your mind once or twice before." Instead of touching Delpha, say "That is an idea that has certainly crossed your mind once or twice before." Instead of asking Delpha for something: if the second noun is not portable: say "[quotation mark]How am I supposed to give you [the second noun]?[quotation mark] she asks. [quotation mark]That[']s hardly portable.[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the second noun is Delpha: say "[quotation mark]I[']m right here, dear; what would you like to say?[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the second noun is the player: say "[quotation mark]You[']re always self-possessed.[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the player carries the second noun and the second noun is not the dagger: say "[quotation mark]You already have [the second noun],[quotation mark] she says."; else if the player carries the second noun and the second noun is the dagger: say "[quotation mark]Unsheathe [italic type]your[roman type] dagger from your own body? I don[']t even know how many taboos that would break.[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the player wears the second noun: say "[quotation mark]You[']re already wearing it,[quotation mark] she says."; else if the second noun is portable and the player does not carry the second noun and Delpha does not carry the second noun and Delpha does not wear the second noun and the second noun is not the dagger: say "[quotation mark]Look, [the second noun] is right there,[quotation mark] she says, pointing at it; [quotation mark]get it yourself.[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the second noun is portable and the player does not carry the second noun and Delpha does not carry the second noun and Delpha does not wear the second noun and the second noun is the dagger: say "[quotation mark]I can[']t touch your dagger; you know that, little Sister. It[']s right there: get it yourself.[quotation mark] But she adds with a smile: [quotation mark]Ask again when you[']re a full acolyte.[quotation mark][line break]"; else if the second noun is carried by Delpha: say "She shakes her head. [quotation mark]Novices and acolytes don[']t handle each other[']s weapons,[quotation mark] she says; but she looks wistful."; else if the second noun is worn by Delpha: say "[quotation mark]You[']ll get one like it once your Ceremony is done,[quotation mark] she replies." Instead of attacking Delpha, say "With a quick forearm block, Delpha redirects your blow and nearly throws you off balance. [quotation mark]Violence isn[']t the answer to this one,[quotation mark] she says." Instead of giving the teacup to Delpha when the teacup contains a drinkable-tea, say "[if the player is in Ceremony Chamber][quotation mark]That[']s definitely not for me, Sister mine,[quotation mark] she chides; [quotation mark]have you even been paying attention?[quotation mark][line break][otherwise if the player is in Superior]Delpha shakes her head, exasperated." The help is a backdrop. The help is in Ceremony Chamber and Superior. Instead of the player doing something to the help, say "You can't see any such thing." Instead of giving the dagger to Delpha, say "[quotation mark]Giving me your dagger? You[']re just determined to break every rule in the books, aren[']t you?[quotation mark] She shakes her head, hiding a grin." Instead of asking Delpha for the help when the player is in Ceremony Chamber, say "[quotation mark][helpful thing],[quotation mark] she [one of]says[or]replies[or]responds[or]answers[at random] [one of]helpfully[or]after a bit of thought[or]with a smile[or]with a cocked eyebrow[at random]." Instead of asking Delpha for something when the player is in Superior, say "Delpha shushes you, glaring insistently back and forth from the teacup to the Mother Superior." After asking Delpha about a topic listed in the Table of Delpha's Replies: say "[quotation mark][reply entry],[quotation mark] she [one of]says[or]replies[or]responds[or]answers[at random][if a random chance of 1 in 3 succeeds] [one of]helpfully[or]after a bit of thought[or]with a smile[or]with a cocked eyebrow[at random][end if]." Table of Delpha's Replies Topic Reply "tea" "One of the oldest and most venerated drinks in the galaxy. Almost every planetary culture has a rich history involving some form of the drink" "oolong" "One of Old Earth's oldest teas. The best, known as da hong pao, used to fetch enormous prices and was much sought after by the rulers of Earth" "yllwm" "A tea grown in deep mountain caves. The glowing streams at once provide light and water to the plants" "ereem" "A tea that is roasted slowly over the period of a whole year, then seasoned with the sweet seeds of a Taghili flower" "cresai" "That tea grows very quickly, spreading over the surface of Ejelon's moons like a wash of liquid color. The color is so striking and the growth so rapid that it can be watched from the surface of Ejelon itself" "[teacup]" "That's to put tea in" "[teapot]" "We make tea in that" "burner" "That's to heat the water" "[water-pitcher]" "That's for heating water in" "mother/superior" "She's the Mother Superior. What else is there to say? You know her as well as I. And right now, she's waiting for a cup of tea" "mother superior" "She's the Mother Superior. What else is there to say? You know her as well as I. And right now, she's waiting for a cup of tea" "[delpha]" "Just me. Nothing so special" "self/myself/yourself/player" "I think you're wonderful. But you're also getting distracted from your task" "[ullian abbey]" "It's been my home for the last four years. I love it" "Ceremony" "You[']re doing just fine. The Ceremony is yours to complete, not mine" "star/stars" "They're what give us our power. You know that" "dagger" "A rather nice dagger. Take good care of it" "[black robe]" "You look lovely. Don't worry" "[white robe]" "Just my old robe. Nothing so special" "help" "[helpful thing]" "[delpha-dagger]" "Much the same as yours" to say helpful thing: say "[if a drinkable-tea is not in Ceremony Chamber and the water-pitcher is not supported by a flaming burner]You might want to heat the water first[otherwise if the teapot does not contain a drinkable-tea and the teacup does not contain a drinkable-tea and the water-pitcher is supported by a flaming burner]Be sure the water is hot enough[otherwise if a drinkable-tea is not in the teapot and the teapot contains some dry tea-leaves]Those tea-leaves are looking awfully dry[otherwise if a drinkable-tea is not in the teacup and a drinkable-tea is in the teapot]Take a look at that empty teacup! I wonder what could go in there[otherwise]I've told you enough for now[end if]" Part 10 - Going to Third Room Stuff A thing can be tacky or proper. A thing is usually tacky. The teacup, the serving tray, and the dagger are proper. Definition: a person is unsuitable if it is carrying a tacky thing. Definition: a person is suitable if it is carrying the serving tray and the teacup contains a drinkable-tea and the teacup is supported by the serving tray. Instead of going to Superior when a drinkable-tea (called the thingy) is in Ceremony Chamber and the heat of the thingy is less than 31, say "Delpha coughs. [quotation mark]I think that tea is a bit too cold for the Mother Superior's preference. Or anybody's preference, for that matter. Better try again.[quotation mark]". Check going to Superior: if four drinkable-teas are off-stage, say "[quotation mark]Hold on there, Sister. You haven't even made the tea yet![quotation mark][line break]" instead. Check going to Superior when 3 drinkable-teas are off-stage: if a drinkable-tea is in a container (called the dish) and the player does not carry the dish and the dish is not supported by a carried supporter, say "[quotation mark]Aren't you forgetting something very important?[quotation mark] says Delpha, putting out her tongue in a very undignified way." instead. Check going to Superior when a drinkable-tea is in a container (called the dish) and the player carries the dish: if the dish is not the teacup, say "[quotation mark]You're not going to take the tea to the Mother Superior in [italic type]that[roman type], are you?[quotation mark] Delpha says, pointing at [the dish]." instead. Check going to Superior when a drinkable-tea is in a container (called the dish) and the player carries the dish and the dish is the teacup: if the player does not carry the serving tray, say "[quotation mark]All the proper forms must be followed, Sister mine,[quotation mark] says Delpha, pushing you back toward the table. [quotation mark]You'll find a handy serving tray here. Use it.[quotation mark][line break]" instead. Check going to Superior when a drinkable-tea is in a container (called the dish) and the player carries the dish and the dish is the teacup and the player carries the serving tray: if the teacup is not supported by the serving tray, say "[quotation mark]This is meant to go under the teacup,[quotation mark] Delpha says, pointing to the serving tray in your other hand." instead. Check going to Superior when the player is suitable: if the player is unsuitable, say "Delpha grabs you by the elbow. [quotation mark]Where have your manners gone?[quotation mark] she says. [quotation mark]Surely it wouldn[']t be very dignified to go in to the Mother Superior lugging [the list of tacky things carried by the player] with you?[quotation mark][line break]" instead. Check going to Superior when the player is suitable and the player is not unsuitable: if the player is armed, say "[quotation mark]What's this, then?[quotation mark] Delpha points to the hilt of the dagger protruding from your robe. [quotation mark]You know perfectly well we're not allowed to enter the Mother Superior's presence while armed.[quotation mark][line break]" instead. Carry out going to Superior when the player is suitable and the player is not unsuitable and the player is not armed: now Delpha is in Superior. Report going to Superior when the player is suitable and the player is not unsuitable and the player is not armed: say "Delpha sets her own dagger down beside yours. She nods to you. You push through the wafting curtains..." Instead of going to Ceremony Chamber when Superior is visited, say "You instantly quash all thoughts of retreat." Part 11 - Finishing Stuff Superior is a room with printed name "Mother Superior[']s Room". "... and into a small incense-suffused chamber paneled in rich wood. On the far wall, shelves of old manuscripts; somewhere, the musical sound of running water." Superior is east of Ceremony Chamber. The shelf is scenery in Superior. Understand "shelves/manuscript/manuscripts" as the shelf. The description of the shelf is "There must be the collected wisdom of two or three millennia here." Instead of doing something other than examining to the shelf, say "Perhaps best to leave these ancient manuscripts alone." The curtain is a backdrop. The curtain is in Ceremony Chamber and Superior. Understand "arch" and "archway" and "curtain" as the curtain. The description of the curtain is "A diaphanous curtain edged with beads and layered in shades of ochre, saffron, and henna." The Mother Superior is a woman in superior. "The Mother Superior is sitting here on a cushion, seemingly absorbed in reading a scroll." Understand "mother" and "superior" and "mother superior" as the Mother Superior. The description of the Mother Superior is "Her hair is long and snow-white, but her face is preternaturally ageless. The rumor amongst the novices states that she is at least two centuries old (some accounts credit her with three), though her demonstrations in the training arena show that neither her strength nor her agility have diminished with time, whatever her age may be." The Mother Superior carries a scroll. The description of the scroll is "Esoteric and ancient. Far beyond your comprehension, in fact." The Mother Superior carries a cushion. The description of the cushion is "A brown cushion embroidered with silver and gold thread." Instead of asking the Mother Superior about something, say "She keeps right on with her reading." Instead of asking the Mother Superior for something, try asking the noun about it. Instead of asking the Mother Superior for help, say "She keeps right on with her reading." Instead of giving the teacup to the Mother Superior: silently try taking the teacup; follow the winning rule. Instead of giving a drinkable-tea to the Mother Superior: silently try taking the teacup; follow the winning rule. Instead of giving the serving tray to the Mother Superior when the teacup is on the serving tray: try silently taking the teacup; follow the winning rule. This is the winning rule: move the teacup to the Mother Superior; say "The Mother Superior looks up from her reading with a benign smile. [quotation mark]Ah, you've brought me a cup of tea, have you, my Daughter? How thoughtful![quotation mark] She takes the cup from your hand and sips the tea. [quotation mark]Ah... [if the teacup contains the cresai-tea]cresai. Delicious[otherwise if the teacup contains the yllwm-tea]yllwm. Exquisite[otherwise if the teacup contains the ereem-tea]ereem. Wonderful[otherwise if the teacup contains the oolong-tea]oolong. My special favorite[end if]! Thank you.[quotation mark][paragraph break]You wait silently as the Mother Superior continues drinking the tea. At length she peers up at you over the rim of the teacup. [quotation mark]I suppose you're curious about the Ceremony, eh?[quotation mark] she says, her eyes twinkling. [quotation mark]Why you were asked to complete such a seemingly trivial task instead of proving your worth with a blade?[quotation mark][paragraph break][quotation mark]Yes, Mother,[quotation mark] you admit readily, your curiosity mounting..."; pause the game; say "The Mother Superior drains the last sip from the cup. [quotation mark]It was indeed a serious test,[quotation mark] she goes on, [quotation mark]and one that does indeed test your worth. For the worth of an Ulliani is not counted only in the speed of her blades or the smoothness of her words or the quickness of her reflexes: it is not only in the aggressive or the violent. It is also in her willingness to serve others.[quotation mark] She sets the teacup down in front of her and smiles. [quotation mark]It is a simple lesson, and must be taught simply. Now, go, my Daughter; you have completed the Ceremony: you are an Ulliani, qualified to fight[unicode 8212]and to serve[unicode 8212]in our name, wheresoever you go. Peace be with you![quotation mark][line break]"; pause the game; say "Delpha slips an arm through yours as you exit the Mother Superior's chamber. [quotation mark]That certainly was easier than fighting a battle to the death, eh, little Sister of mine?[quotation mark] she says.[paragraph break]You nod, shuddering slightly. [quotation mark]For a second I was terrified that I would have to kill you. The tea was much simpler. And the bit of tea-related knowledge at no extra cost was rather nice, as well,[quotation mark] you add, looking up at her.[paragraph break]Delpha laughs. [quotation mark]There are a whole multitude of teas out there beyond the hull of the Abbey.[quotation mark] She waves an arm generally out toward the stars. [quotation mark]And this place won't be able to contain you for much longer. I foresee the discovery of many new and delicious teas in your future![quotation mark][paragraph break][quotation mark]Out there,[quotation mark] you murmur..."; end the story finally saying "CEREMONY".