Once Upon a Time ...

Turn-based storytelling is a very old convention, but it has resulted in some of the most interesting creative innovations in narrative development. 

It's absolutely fascinating to observe the warp and weft of an idea as it grows from different perspectives; you cast out a line anticipating one result, and what you get is so far from where you thought it was going that the story takes on a completely new character, and that, in turn, spurs you on with new ideas.

Here, a story is told one sentence at a time.  The only rules are:

1. One sentence per post.

2. At least one other person must post between your last post and your next post.

3.  Keep it going!

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Here is your first sentence.  Pick up where it leaves off ...

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Once upon a time ... shadows spoke in the language of man -- or perhaps it was that man still understood the language of shadows--, and no earthly force could contain them.



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Which was a very queer situation for all involved.

But regardless of why one could understand the other, a great evil was on the rise - with the intention of severing the connection forevermore.