Week 7 Story: Vyasa's Scribe
Vyasa's Scribe
Vyasa looked over at Aarav. He was furiously writing on his tablet, sweat clearly visible on his brow. Vyasa had just finished relaying the story of the birth of his mother and uncle, and how his grandfather's semen fell into a river to be swallowed up by a fish. Months later, two children were found in the fish by a fisherman.
Upon reaching this point in the story, Aarav grew wide eyed, and immediately stopped scribing. Vyasa had to hold in a chuckle. Young humans were always so easily shocked, and his scribe was no different. Aarav's hesitation caused him to fall behind on his writing, so he had quickly picked up the pen and scribbled away as Vyasa continued to speak.
Aarav had been a scribe for about a week now, and he already showed much promise. He could write quickly and accurately, and he had a knack for remembering what was said if he were to get behind. He remained quiet unless spoken to, and would make interesting conversation if you were to ask him questions. However, he rarely ever spoke about his home life. If you were to ask him about his family or where he came from, he would give a vague answer about a village a few towns over and then continue to write.
Despite his mystery, Vyasa took an immediate interest in him when he spotted Aarav walking through the marketplace in the center of the village. He could tell by the young boy's posture and demeanor that he was a hardworking and honest soul, and approached the boy. He told him he was in need of a scribe for his epic stories, and that he would pay the boy in food and a place to stay during his time working. Aarav didn't even hesitate before responding with a "yes", and off they went to Vyasa's humble home.
Vyasa stopped speaking at the end of the tale of Draupadi. He waited until Aarav stopped writing and looked up at him before speaking again.
"Aarav, it is getting late. I thank you for your time today. You've done well, and I would like you to take tomorrow off."
Aarav only nodded, but he smiled as well. He stacked the papers in his hands carefully onto the table and then headed down the hallway to his room.
As Vyasa watched him go, he smiled as well. He was growing quite fond of the boy, and thought about what kind of stories the boy may write for himself one day.
Author's Note: In the beginning, the storyteller Vyasa states that there is no mortal worthy of scribing the Mahabharata, and thus passes it to his advisor, who passes it to the gods to scribe. He then begins to tell the story. I changed the initial story to where Vyasa is allowing a mortal to scribe the story, but this means he must follow him around and write VERY quickly, which makes for an interesting time. The basic story of the Mahabharata itself hasn't changed, I just provided a quick glimpse into the life of the scribe. I usually do funny stories, but I decided to change it up a bit and make this story a bit more serious.
Bibliography: "The Mahabharata" by Vyasa. Source: Mahabharata (Guide A)
Takagi Akito from Bakuman by Tsugumi Ohba. Source: GeekOutSW
Vyasa looked over at Aarav. He was furiously writing on his tablet, sweat clearly visible on his brow. Vyasa had just finished relaying the story of the birth of his mother and uncle, and how his grandfather's semen fell into a river to be swallowed up by a fish. Months later, two children were found in the fish by a fisherman.
Upon reaching this point in the story, Aarav grew wide eyed, and immediately stopped scribing. Vyasa had to hold in a chuckle. Young humans were always so easily shocked, and his scribe was no different. Aarav's hesitation caused him to fall behind on his writing, so he had quickly picked up the pen and scribbled away as Vyasa continued to speak.
Aarav had been a scribe for about a week now, and he already showed much promise. He could write quickly and accurately, and he had a knack for remembering what was said if he were to get behind. He remained quiet unless spoken to, and would make interesting conversation if you were to ask him questions. However, he rarely ever spoke about his home life. If you were to ask him about his family or where he came from, he would give a vague answer about a village a few towns over and then continue to write.
Despite his mystery, Vyasa took an immediate interest in him when he spotted Aarav walking through the marketplace in the center of the village. He could tell by the young boy's posture and demeanor that he was a hardworking and honest soul, and approached the boy. He told him he was in need of a scribe for his epic stories, and that he would pay the boy in food and a place to stay during his time working. Aarav didn't even hesitate before responding with a "yes", and off they went to Vyasa's humble home.
Vyasa stopped speaking at the end of the tale of Draupadi. He waited until Aarav stopped writing and looked up at him before speaking again.
"Aarav, it is getting late. I thank you for your time today. You've done well, and I would like you to take tomorrow off."
Aarav only nodded, but he smiled as well. He stacked the papers in his hands carefully onto the table and then headed down the hallway to his room.
As Vyasa watched him go, he smiled as well. He was growing quite fond of the boy, and thought about what kind of stories the boy may write for himself one day.
Author's Note: In the beginning, the storyteller Vyasa states that there is no mortal worthy of scribing the Mahabharata, and thus passes it to his advisor, who passes it to the gods to scribe. He then begins to tell the story. I changed the initial story to where Vyasa is allowing a mortal to scribe the story, but this means he must follow him around and write VERY quickly, which makes for an interesting time. The basic story of the Mahabharata itself hasn't changed, I just provided a quick glimpse into the life of the scribe. I usually do funny stories, but I decided to change it up a bit and make this story a bit more serious.
Bibliography: "The Mahabharata" by Vyasa. Source: Mahabharata (Guide A)
Takagi Akito from Bakuman by Tsugumi Ohba. Source: GeekOutSW
Haley, I really enjoyed your version of the story. It kind of reminded me of The Originals, the show, and I had just done a rewrite of a story with that series which is funny. I love how you ended it, I felt like it was serious, yet it was a nice kind of serious and not so gruesome. After reading your author's note and seeing that you usually write with humor makes me want to read your others stories. Can't beat funny and playful stories! Great work!
ReplyDeleteHey Haley,
ReplyDeleteI like how you added a scribe to the story. It was defiantly interesting the way Vyasa found a boy in the marketplace, who took the offer in no time. This makes me curious to see what the life of the young boy was before he accepted the offer. I did feel some seriousness in the story with also a smooth calm tone. I enjoyed reading it and hope to keep reading more from you. Good Job!
Haley,
ReplyDeleteThis was another really good story. I like when people use stories in a scribe or a diary type theme. It really helps you get a good look at the character and how the writer wants him or her to be perceived by the reader. The tone throughout the story was very serious and maybe a little stressed. I could be wrong on this intention, but this is the vibe I got while reading. Overall, this was a very good story and a good read. I look forward to reading more of yours in the future.
Brooks