Sounds of Change (Amarillo's Songbook)

[Amarillo]

SHOW ME THE WAY

Each brightening I pray aloud, hoping to find Your Plane
Each brightening I’m more confused – gods-fearing becoming godless
All the heroes and legends of my youth have become mere idols of clay
This empty place inside me aches – I fear I’ve lost my faith

Show me the way
Wrap me in your Strength and Honor
Wash all illusion away
Show me the way…

Each eventide as sleep approaches there is a moment where dreams are sacred
I close my eyes, knowing there is peace in world bent on war and hatred
Only to wake in dawn’s light, seeing reality and knowing we have yet so far to go
I pray, Torek, for a sign … I am afraid I just won’t know

Show me the way
Take me upon your shoulders
Wash my confusion away…

And if I feel that warmth, should I believe?
Tell me – how will I know?

Show me the way
Wrap me in your Strength and Honor
Wash my illusions away
Show me the way
Give me guidance and the courage
To believe I’ll get there some day
Please show me the way…

: ~ : ~
This is a psalm to honor Torek, the God of Honor, that I came up with near the middle of Melora back in Era XV (post fractum). It was an otherwise quiet brightening at ZinnSunn's Temple; nothing much had yet occurred due to the earliness of the hour. Of course, we all know how THAT turned out ...

[Amarillo]

~ this composition contains lyrics for the Healer's Hymn ~

HYMN FOR THE GRACELANDS

‘Tis from Lauryl’s hills that there cometh salvation
There is strength in their quiet roll
When I am feeling troubled I look to those hills
And the quiet green quiets my soul

Carmelya created my hills of salvation
You never will get me to roam
For all the silver and gold that Telath can hold
Is nothing compared to a home

Oh there's some that say take all you can from this world
It's man against orc from the start
But what good is your finery if in your last days
You cannot find peace in your heart

Carmelya created my hills of salvation
No you never will get me to roam
For all the silver and gold that Telath can hold
Is nothing compared to a home

Oh there's power that comes from both gold and fear
Or what mankind can do
But the power that rests in The Gracelands' green hills
Is the power I know to be true

Carmelya created my hills of salvation
With her help I draw from their soil
To help heal a wound – be it body or soul
It is in Her name I toil


(if necessary, repeat the last four lines more than once ~ each repetition should be slightly softer and slower than the one that precedes it)

: ~ : ~
During my training at the Ivory Tower here in ZinnSunn, I found I was required to come up with some lyrics for the various Songs we bards use when applying our arcane skills for the betterment of those around us. Although my personal connection is with Prensia, most connect the name of Carmelya with healing, hearth, and home. I’ve watched others enough to realize that most people simply want the security of a place they can call their own when illness or injury occurs - hence the imagery of the Lauryllian Gracelands associated with this hymn. This particular piece is sung with a very quiet and reverential air - until lines 17 through 20 ("Oh there's power ... know to be true"). There, raise both tone and volume as if in defiance - the intent is to combat illness, after all. Note that this version actually works best when performed 'a cappella' ... which is somewhat contrary to the common notation in the Primer to Arcana that is on file at the Bibliotheka!

[Amarillo]

NEVER BEEN TO TRELORE

I’ve never been to Trelore yet I feel I’ve known it well
I’ve heard the pain and laughter when under elven stories’ spell
And though I have no blood that calls me from Edainmemen or Duinostar
Still, in thinking of that magic land, I ofttimes wish that I was there.

Like when I hear the songs that kept them going while tossed by wind and wave
Songs of hopes and dreams, laughing streams, bright knight, and dashing knave
Songs of leaving dear old Ma a-cryin’ on the stair
I’ve never been to Trelore, but I sometimes wish I’m there.

I’ve never been to Trelore’s Isle – it must be quite the place
For we who’ve been left behind to toil and grind all long to see her face
‘Tis the hint of elvish lilt come from those rough-edged and gilt saying “our stories we will share”
Nay, I’ve never been to Trelore but I do wish I was there.

Like when the harps and lyres sound, playing jigs and reels
And your feet drag you out on the floor
And you dance ‘til you drink and you drink ‘til you sing
And you sing ‘til you can’t sing no more
And you raise up a toast to the ones you’ve loved most
- Treat every man-jack as your brother
Far away from the smoke and the wars and the blood
And the reasons they kill one another

But when I hear the gentle longing in some ancient Elvish aire
I know I’ve never been to Trelore – but I still wish I was there.

Nay, I’ve never been to Trelore … though I ofttimes wish that I am there.

: ~ : ~
Every student, upon successfully registering for training in the Sphere of Song, is required by their instructor to present a short composition to “prove” they have what it takes to pursue the way of the Bards. My turn came with my first introduction to the bonedrummer Luminous Darnai, the Master who was to become my mentor. Listening to his music and understanding perhaps a portion of the elemental force he exhibited as he passed through the world of Telath sparked a yearning for distant places, unfathomable peoples, and different cultures. The only mundane individuals that had – at that point in my life - even come close to matching his performances were all elvenfolk from the mystic Isle of Trelore. Needless to say, that backdrop proved the perfect inspiration for my opening effort, up there in Azure Room of the Zinn’s Ivory Tower. The result of that attempt is penned above for your continued enjoyment.

[Amarillo]

CALLIN’ ALL YOU ELFKIN

Callin’ all you elfkin - these ‘rosians want to dance
They’re kickin’ off the dust of trails amid this green expanse
Don’t want no city dwellers in their tunics, robes, and pants
Callin’ all you elfkin - these esh’ want to dance!

They rise up every brightenin’ – at their tasks ‘fore suns’ in skies
They work their fingers to the bone, up ‘til Telath’s moons arise
When the darkenin’ rolls around, they’re out among the groves
Want to dance their blues away with Mr One-She-Loves!

So now they’re callin’ to you elfkin - these ‘stychi want to dance
They want to Paxia Promenade until they’re in a trance
Don’t want no Ancient Aether under any circumstance
Callin’ all you elfkin, these ladies want to dance!

You know some like to wear their finer things – jeweled suits and magickal things
Though deep inside their loyalty lies with their jerkins, bare feet, and elvish eyes
So come on folk, don’t hesitate – seems these Elfhame girls just cannot wait
Their feet are flyin’, right on the beat – the dance card’s open … leave your seat!

Callin’ all you elfkin - these ‘rosians want to dance
They’re kickin’ off the dust of trails amid this green expanse
Don’t want no city dwellers in their tunics, robes, and pants
Callin’ all you elfkin - these esh’ want to dance!
They’re callin’ to you elfkin - these ‘stychi want to dance
They want to Paxia Promenade until they’re in a trance
Don’t want no Ancient Aether under any circumstance
Callin’ all you elfkin, these ladies want to dance!

Callin’ all Aelyrians - these ladies want to dance!

: ~ : ~
There came a time when I traveled from Zinn to the southern reaches, nigh on Enamoria’s capital of Medonia. I was following a promise I’d made a few moons before, heeding the call of an elvish lass. Aye, when has it ever been but the call of a sweet thing to lure a man away to danger and destruction? If I’d known then what I know now regarding the outcome of that journey … well, I’d still have gone. Or so I tell myself, in the depths of the darkening as I lie awake and stare at the walls around me as if they were portals to something worse than any imaginings …

[Amarillo]

Nasiarla iake anchae g’lavod
Cashe hitote tan ae batqi
Inchat oban om’illa rekchan
N’aslet om’tao im’spinak
Ayiit hil’nt ve’dar wovel
Taseh, aldainte t’tiba
Pon halchis shapa
Aoigt g’hajart hanori ro’trosef
Quiman aoight malyu’ve ae
Ae aslet illa berid for-ay
Dantint ko’ae, berid ae, debod
Bronga regin akirit asan
Ieno ve’cha, ve’aldain, ve’haja
Ullat ko’adsa tona ve’iconal

Beautiful spear jeweled and bright
Here held before my eyes
Know the power in your heart
As yet unused in peace or war
Hear the call of warriors past
Heroic, honored to the last
Beneath heavy duty
Hear and defend them on their journey
Heed me now, for with this Song
I will use you for no evil
Work with me, for me, on this day
That between us we’ll master the battle.
Spirit of strength, of honor, of attack
Glitter with the fire of all that's Good.

: ~ : ~
The first fourteen lines are the original Kemite lyrics composed on the spot in the Ivory Tower during my Initiate training. The second set comprises the ‘common tongue’ translation of the Song. There’s a little poetic license involved; the ‘spear’ is actually one of the instructor’s spare drumsticks. Just as easily, the term ‘iake’ can be changed to ‘yunich’ (blade), or any other sort of weaponry. I’ve never tried it with evil or ill intent, so I’m not sure just what color the implement will acquire; for the forces of Good, the color is the rich red of blood … hence the name ‘Vermilion’s Kiss’.

[Amarillo]

Hark, the brightening’s failing
And lo the pipes are wailing
Loudly and proudly hailing
Across the windblown grass
There where the hills doze lightly
Now feel the blood stir spritely
Adamant as the spirits
Of the Dragon class.

Chorus:
_Towering, thy gallant frame
_Looms above my prairie hame
_Wide may your proud wings span
_And gloriously wave!
_Epitomize my high endeavor
_Soar beyond the shining river
_Ruler of my heart forever
_Dragon the brave!

High o’er the dewy woodlands
Out by the arid desert sands
Brave are the hearts that beat
Beneath the Dragon’s breast
Wild are the winds beneath you
Staunch are the friends that greet you
Deep as the mountains’ shadow
That protects your rest.

Chorus

In far off Aelyrian places
Sad are the Kemite faces
Yearning to feel the touch
Of sweet Dragon’s breath.
‘Mid tropic isles a-gleaming,
Love sets the heart to dreaming,
Longing and scheming
for Lauryl’s lushness again.

Chorus

: ~ : ~
My instructor at the Ivory Tower imparted the score for the music to me, and yet the lyrics come from my own background as a both an Empire citizen and as one of the Kemite people. At the time of this writing, to be a member of the Dragon Clan meant that one was in the very stratosphere of Kemish society. Such a position had its duties, however; to look after those less fortunate was one such. Therefore it became necessary for the strong warriors (those associated with the Dragon) to care for and defend the weak and helpless, just as it became the tasks of other clans to look after other aspects. The words fit the Chant’s tune unequivocally – hence the secondary title as the "Hymn of The Dragon".

[Amarillo]

(This starts out with a simple 4 beat pattern on mid-tom drum or equivalent, interspersed with the syllables “hooh” and “haah”)

(hooh! haah!) (hooh! haah!)
(hooh! haah!) (hooh! haah!)

Well, don't you know
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka-aa-aa
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka

All bright’ning they're singin'
(hooh! haah!) (hooh! haah!)
(hooh! haah!) (hooh! haah!)

Well, don't you know
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka-aa-aa
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka

All bright’ning they pray so hard
Till the suns’ going down
Practicing all forms of fighting
Standing, dodging, and leaping around
You hear them prayin’ in the Monastery
Then you hear somebody sa-ay

That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka-aa-aa
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka

Can't you hear them prayin'
If I’m good, I’ll be home one of these days
I'm goin' up see the god Torek
Whom I love so dear
But meanwhile I got to work right he-ere

Well, don't you know
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka-aa-aa
That's the sound of Sunn monks practicing their Zinn-ka


All day long they're prayin', mm
My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my, my work is so hard
Give me water, I'm thirsty

… My work is so hard

: ~ : ~
Master Darnai (Zinn’s bonedrummer and Song tutor) imparted this score music to me at the same time as the previous ‘Chant’. The inspiration for the lyrics came from a visit to the Monastery grounds, and observing the monks as they trained with weapons and hand-to-hand. Both the image and the melody meshed to provide the perfect backdrop for a Kemite’s version of the ‘Anthem’ – one reflecting the indomitable will of the City of Song.

[Amarillo]

Let’s all ride at Kirinn’s side
She’s in fine form with golden horn
My sweet ... kirr ... inn

Well I’ve traveled east and I’ve traveled west
(giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn)
Sometimes I think I need a rest
(giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn)
Then I’m off again – another quest
(sweet kirinn, white kirinn)
Giddy up giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn
Time to prance dearest kirinn
Elusive … magickal …
Giddy up sweet kirr - ...

Nothing can catch her
Nothing can touch my sweet kirinn
White Kirinn ooooo
(giddy up giddy up oooo)
(giddy up giddy up oooo)
(giddy up giddy up oooo)
(giddy up giddy up)

When I have her along we travel quick
(giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn)
We’ll always turn in the fastest trips
(giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn)
My four-footed, golden-horned, ox-tailed, white kirinn

Giddy up giddy up giddy up sweet kirinn
Giddy up giddy up white kirinn
Giddy up sweet kirr - ...

Nothing can catch us
Nothing can touch us
(sweet kirinn, white kirinn)
Giddy up sweet kirinn


: ~ : ~
As one of the last tunes I was taught at the Tower, this one is one of my favorites because of the simple joy in the swift-moving beat. If you listen closely, you can hear the prancing steps of the elusive mythical kirinn beside you, keeping time with the fluid melody. The images and lightness of the tune buoy the spirit, making the time spent traveling appear shorter. I’ve never actually measured the time taken to cover a specific distance, but it’s supposed to make the singer and his party travel more quickly than would otherwise be normal. Come with me sometime - the lyrics are easy enough to remember, and we’ll try it out …

[Amarillo]

Legends speak of battle, sword and sorcery
Kith and kin at arms – blood flows too easily
Slipping ‘neath Kalendryas’ sand
Answers seem never to hand
Too late! A prophet’s cry
Wears she white, a blackness of sky

Fighting erupts, each stone o’erturn
Each race, it seemed, so easy to spurn
Alas – how the wounds run deep
Yet still these ruins call out in their sleep
My friends, there’s nothing to fear
Listen! The Khadrans lie near

These stones tell me that it’s hard to grow
Well I know, I know, I know
And there’s room between where cold winds blow
Well I know, I know, I know

Can you hear what I’m saying
Can you see the parts that I’m playing
Holy man, music man, come on dreamer,
Joker man, writer man, brown-eyed schemer
Have you found a solution?
What was Arconis’ last contribution?
Live it up, tear it up – things seem hazy
Give it out, dish it out, fresh as a daisy
Yeah!

~ * ~ *
It’s one of those things, you know? Somewhere, sometime, the surroundings just have a story of their own to tell. Here I was, minding my own business, hiking to where Arconis is presently. And there, just before the gates of today lies the ruins of an even greater history, humbly set against the massifs of the Khadrans. What else could I do? The juxtaposition of ancient splendor now rendered naught but erratic compilations of incomplete architecture with the natural magnificence of Arium’s might and the man-made majesty of the new city’s walls … ah, well. When you hear the song, you might understand – and if you don’t, then perhaps you should take a journey there yourself and see the ruins of Second Arconis … and meet that rascal Yurf, if the dwarf is still manning the gates of Arconis III!