1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:16,400 In the heart of a wood which lost its name long ago, is a place where a seeker of stories 2 00:00:16,400 --> 00:00:17,400 may go. 3 00:00:17,400 --> 00:00:25,480 If you've arrived in a story's your desire, come, take a seat, for what you require is 4 00:00:25,480 --> 00:00:55,400 a tale from the second storyteller. 5 00:00:55,400 --> 00:00:57,000 Hello and welcome. 6 00:00:57,000 --> 00:00:59,560 I am the second storyteller. 7 00:00:59,560 --> 00:01:02,240 These libraries are really something else, aren't they? 8 00:01:02,240 --> 00:01:05,760 That isn't bragging, because I didn't build these libraries. 9 00:01:05,760 --> 00:01:07,760 Or this tower for that matter. 10 00:01:07,760 --> 00:01:13,520 I am simply doing my best to preserve this amazing collection, and also share its wealth 11 00:01:13,520 --> 00:01:16,160 with anyone who might benefit. 12 00:01:16,160 --> 00:01:21,440 I am, in a way, more assured of these stories than a collector. 13 00:01:21,440 --> 00:01:24,440 What's that? 14 00:01:24,440 --> 00:01:27,680 Oh, oh, it was only a crow at the window. 15 00:01:27,680 --> 00:01:29,680 I wonder what it was. 16 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:32,280 Ah, wonderful. 17 00:01:32,280 --> 00:01:35,080 It's brought us a story and its beak, how thoughtful. 18 00:01:35,080 --> 00:01:40,200 You know, the forests surrounding this tower hosts many interesting and varied species 19 00:01:40,200 --> 00:01:41,280 of bird. 20 00:01:41,280 --> 00:01:45,000 I sometimes try entertaining myself with a bit of bird watching. 21 00:01:45,000 --> 00:01:48,720 The tower does have a few books on the subject. 22 00:01:48,720 --> 00:01:50,760 No I am not a bird pervert. 23 00:01:50,760 --> 00:01:55,360 You take that back. 24 00:01:55,360 --> 00:01:57,040 No need for that sort of language now. 25 00:01:57,040 --> 00:01:59,360 We have guests here. 26 00:01:59,360 --> 00:02:00,360 Well I never. 27 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:03,440 My mother has nothing to do with this. 28 00:02:03,440 --> 00:02:07,440 No, you're the one who's crazy for talking to birds. 29 00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:09,040 Fuh, seriously. 30 00:02:09,040 --> 00:02:11,040 The nerve. 31 00:02:11,040 --> 00:02:12,040 Mm. 32 00:02:12,040 --> 00:02:18,400 Regardless though, it did bring us a nice story, so why don't we just forget that whole 33 00:02:18,400 --> 00:02:25,400 escapade and enjoy today's story, Blue. 34 00:02:25,400 --> 00:02:30,600 Blue. 35 00:02:30,600 --> 00:02:35,360 A small white duck lived quietly with a flock of other ducks. 36 00:02:35,360 --> 00:02:40,400 This particular duck stood out from their flock because of a long blue feather on their 37 00:02:40,400 --> 00:02:42,360 face. 38 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:47,120 One morning the other ducks approached, muttering awkwardly to each other. 39 00:02:47,120 --> 00:02:52,840 Their leader explained, I know this might be difficult for you, my dear. 40 00:02:52,840 --> 00:02:55,840 But the truth is that you are not a duck as we are. 41 00:02:55,840 --> 00:02:57,800 You swim a bit differently from us. 42 00:02:57,800 --> 00:03:01,800 You fly differently, and of course you have that blue feather. 43 00:03:01,800 --> 00:03:05,760 We only wish for you to find happiness with your own kind. 44 00:03:05,760 --> 00:03:08,960 The duck with the blue feather was stunned. 45 00:03:08,960 --> 00:03:11,760 But I'm certain that I am a duck. 46 00:03:11,760 --> 00:03:14,440 Isn't there some way that I can prove it? 47 00:03:14,440 --> 00:03:18,320 The other ducks huddled together with rumbling quacks. 48 00:03:18,320 --> 00:03:22,000 When they broke apart, their leader had an answer. 49 00:03:22,000 --> 00:03:24,320 We have decided on a test. 50 00:03:24,320 --> 00:03:28,440 Every duck can hold their breath underwater for at least one minute. 51 00:03:28,440 --> 00:03:33,320 Prove to us that you can do this, and we will accept that you are a duck. 52 00:03:33,320 --> 00:03:37,560 The duck with the blue feather flapped their wings excitedly, and then plunged under the 53 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:38,600 water. 54 00:03:38,600 --> 00:03:40,640 They began counting the seconds. 55 00:03:40,640 --> 00:03:45,520 They knew that if they really tried, they could hold their breath for two whole minutes. 56 00:03:45,520 --> 00:03:50,320 The duck with the blue feather couldn't wait to see how amazed the other ducks would be. 57 00:03:50,320 --> 00:03:54,520 The duck with the blue feather burst up from the water spluttering, just at the two minute 58 00:03:54,520 --> 00:03:59,560 mark, and turned towards their flock to find that only their leader remained. 59 00:03:59,560 --> 00:04:05,080 I—I think that was two minutes, the duck with the blue feather—announced. 60 00:04:05,080 --> 00:04:08,920 The flock leader drifted in close, nodding her head politely. 61 00:04:08,920 --> 00:04:11,520 Yes, very impressive. 62 00:04:11,520 --> 00:04:17,360 I knew this test would be an excellent idea, because now I understand the problem perfectly. 63 00:04:17,360 --> 00:04:20,680 Oh, said the duck with the blue feather. 64 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:21,920 Yes. 65 00:04:21,920 --> 00:04:25,000 Of course you can stay underwater for so long. 66 00:04:25,000 --> 00:04:29,280 That blue feather of yours—why, that is no feather at all. 67 00:04:29,280 --> 00:04:31,920 That is obviously a scale. 68 00:04:31,920 --> 00:04:34,880 No wonder we have all been confused. 69 00:04:34,880 --> 00:04:38,040 You have been a fish this entire time. 70 00:04:38,040 --> 00:04:41,320 I have, asked the fish with the blue scale. 71 00:04:41,320 --> 00:04:47,080 Yes, and you are a very nice fish, but there is probably a school very close by missing 72 00:04:47,080 --> 00:04:48,560 you dearly. 73 00:04:48,560 --> 00:04:53,040 Go to them and be happy, the leader quacked, and flew off to reunite with the rest of her 74 00:04:53,040 --> 00:04:55,280 flock. 75 00:04:55,280 --> 00:04:58,720 The fish with the blue scale was totally bewildered. 76 00:04:58,720 --> 00:05:03,080 Unsure of what else to do, they began diving under the water, searching for fish with blue 77 00:05:03,080 --> 00:05:04,400 scales. 78 00:05:04,400 --> 00:05:09,960 Eventually, the fish with the blue scale discovered a school of tiny blue fish, drifting together 79 00:05:09,960 --> 00:05:11,640 in beautiful harmony. 80 00:05:11,640 --> 00:05:14,680 Hello, said the fish with the blue scale. 81 00:05:14,680 --> 00:05:17,040 I think I am supposed to be in this school. 82 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:20,160 I thought I was a duck, but actually I am a fish. 83 00:05:20,160 --> 00:05:22,560 Is it okay if I rejoin you? 84 00:05:22,560 --> 00:05:26,600 You are clearly not a fish, said one tiny fish from the school. 85 00:05:26,600 --> 00:05:30,680 And you are not from this school at all, declared another. 86 00:05:30,680 --> 00:05:32,960 Can I prove that I am a fish? 87 00:05:32,960 --> 00:05:35,120 Yes, the fish with the blue scale. 88 00:05:35,120 --> 00:05:38,040 Certainly exclaimed a fish from the school. 89 00:05:38,040 --> 00:05:40,680 One blue fish separated from the group. 90 00:05:40,680 --> 00:05:42,520 Fish are expert swimmers. 91 00:05:42,520 --> 00:05:46,800 If you can beat me to that snail shell right there, it will prove that you are a fish and 92 00:05:46,800 --> 00:05:49,480 we will accept you into the school. 93 00:05:49,480 --> 00:05:52,280 The fish with the blue scale readied themselves. 94 00:05:52,280 --> 00:05:57,560 When the school of fish shouted, go, in unison, the race was on. 95 00:05:57,560 --> 00:06:02,360 Their speeds weren't evenly matched, and the fish with the blue scale nearly fell behind, 96 00:06:02,360 --> 00:06:07,480 but at the last moment they reached out their one long blue scale and managed to touch the 97 00:06:07,480 --> 00:06:11,160 shell just before the other fish raced past. 98 00:06:11,160 --> 00:06:16,680 The tiny fish returned to their school, and the fish with the blue scale approached. 99 00:06:16,680 --> 00:06:17,680 Did you see? 100 00:06:17,680 --> 00:06:19,760 I touched the snail shell with my scale. 101 00:06:19,760 --> 00:06:22,640 That proves I am a fish from your school. 102 00:06:22,640 --> 00:06:24,280 Cheater! 103 00:06:24,280 --> 00:06:27,080 The school of fish scolded together. 104 00:06:27,080 --> 00:06:28,640 How did I cheat? 105 00:06:28,640 --> 00:06:30,480 Asked the fish with the blue scale. 106 00:06:30,480 --> 00:06:33,000 That is no scale. 107 00:06:33,000 --> 00:06:37,320 That is a whisker because you are a sea lion, the school declared. 108 00:06:37,320 --> 00:06:38,320 I am? 109 00:06:38,320 --> 00:06:40,920 Gasped the sea lion with the blue whisker. 110 00:06:40,920 --> 00:06:44,360 Yes, and we're leaving now before you eat us. 111 00:06:44,360 --> 00:06:48,040 The school darted away at full speed. 112 00:06:48,040 --> 00:06:50,560 The sea lion with the blue whisker shook their head. 113 00:06:50,560 --> 00:06:54,720 They felt foolish for scaring the fish, and popped up above the water to search for other 114 00:06:54,720 --> 00:06:56,720 sea lions. 115 00:06:56,720 --> 00:07:00,640 It took the better part of the afternoon, but the sea lion with the blue whisker eventually 116 00:07:00,640 --> 00:07:05,080 found a colony of sea lions lazily enjoying life on a beach. 117 00:07:05,080 --> 00:07:10,840 Fellow sea lions, I've been away from you for so long, but I have finally returned, 118 00:07:10,840 --> 00:07:14,000 said the sea lion with the blue whisker. 119 00:07:14,000 --> 00:07:20,080 One of the sea lions gave a great sleepy yawn and replied, Oh, I don't recognize you, kiddo. 120 00:07:20,080 --> 00:07:22,600 But if you say so, welcome back. 121 00:07:22,600 --> 00:07:24,760 Come have lunch with us. 122 00:07:24,760 --> 00:07:29,160 The sea lion with the blue whisker was delighted and joined the sea lions as they enjoyed their 123 00:07:29,160 --> 00:07:32,520 meal of sun-baked squid. 124 00:07:32,520 --> 00:07:34,800 The sea lions were fun and friendly. 125 00:07:34,800 --> 00:07:39,360 They told outlandish stories and jokes and barked when they laughed. 126 00:07:39,360 --> 00:07:43,560 The sea lion with the blue whisker was happy in their company. 127 00:07:43,560 --> 00:07:47,480 After lunch, one of the sea lions flopped its way over to the sea lion with the blue 128 00:07:47,480 --> 00:07:50,400 whisker, his face scrunched in contemplation. 129 00:07:50,400 --> 00:07:56,760 You know, I've been thinking, said the scrunched face sea lion. 130 00:07:56,760 --> 00:08:00,960 Something about you is just off. 131 00:08:00,960 --> 00:08:04,120 It is, asked the sea lion with the blue whisker. 132 00:08:04,120 --> 00:08:07,080 Yeah, I mean, you're fun, kiddo. 133 00:08:07,080 --> 00:08:09,320 You're welcome to lunch whenever you like. 134 00:08:09,320 --> 00:08:13,280 I don't know how to tell you this, but you're a cat. 135 00:08:13,280 --> 00:08:14,280 I am? 136 00:08:14,280 --> 00:08:16,960 Yeah, said the sea lion. 137 00:08:16,960 --> 00:08:20,320 You don't really bark, but you got that whisker and all. 138 00:08:20,320 --> 00:08:26,240 I'm sorry, said the cat with the blue whisker, although they weren't altogether sure why 139 00:08:26,240 --> 00:08:27,720 they were apologizing. 140 00:08:27,720 --> 00:08:29,760 Oh, not at all, friend. 141 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:30,760 Cats are terrific. 142 00:08:30,760 --> 00:08:33,760 Bet there's lots of cats in town for you to buddy up with. 143 00:08:33,760 --> 00:08:35,120 Or find yourself a human. 144 00:08:35,120 --> 00:08:37,520 They love cats, the sea lion offered. 145 00:08:37,520 --> 00:08:38,520 Thank you. 146 00:08:38,520 --> 00:08:43,080 I'll go look, said the cat with the blue whisker. 147 00:08:43,080 --> 00:08:47,440 The sun began to set as the cat with the blue whisker wandered through a small seaside 148 00:08:47,440 --> 00:08:48,440 town. 149 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:51,400 They stopped by a fence to think. 150 00:08:51,400 --> 00:08:53,120 Of course I am a cat. 151 00:08:53,120 --> 00:08:54,800 How could I not see that? 152 00:08:54,800 --> 00:08:59,240 Those sea lions were so kind, and I stupidly told them that I was one of them. 153 00:08:59,240 --> 00:09:02,720 Well, I'm going to be the best cat. 154 00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:07,640 The cat with the blue whisker heard a soft chuckle and looked up to see a black cat leering 155 00:09:07,640 --> 00:09:10,680 down with bright green eyes. 156 00:09:10,680 --> 00:09:13,600 The black cat licked her paw. 157 00:09:13,600 --> 00:09:15,960 The best cat, you say. 158 00:09:15,960 --> 00:09:19,480 What exactly does that mean, challenged the black cat? 159 00:09:19,480 --> 00:09:23,320 Well, I won't ever bark, just like the sea lion said. 160 00:09:23,320 --> 00:09:27,720 And I have this wonderful blue whisker, the cat with the blue whisker, explained. 161 00:09:27,720 --> 00:09:33,560 True, true, the black cat granted as she leapt from the fence and landed in front of the 162 00:09:33,560 --> 00:09:35,920 cat with the blue whisker. 163 00:09:35,920 --> 00:09:41,120 The black cat curled her tail around the face of the cat with the blue whisker. 164 00:09:41,120 --> 00:09:45,920 But even I can see that blue thing is no whisker at all. 165 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:47,360 It isn't. 166 00:09:47,360 --> 00:09:50,440 The cat with the blue whisker couldn't believe their ears. 167 00:09:50,440 --> 00:09:53,520 Well, clearly it is a tail. 168 00:09:53,520 --> 00:09:58,280 A very silly blue tail, because you are a very silly fox. 169 00:09:58,280 --> 00:10:03,160 I mean, I personally have no problem with foxes, you understand. 170 00:10:03,160 --> 00:10:08,160 But living in the woods and being a dirty little dog rat isn't my lifestyle. 171 00:10:08,160 --> 00:10:12,760 The sun is going down, and I have a lovely house waiting for me, but you'd better start 172 00:10:12,760 --> 00:10:15,240 digging a den for yourself quickly. 173 00:10:15,240 --> 00:10:18,760 The large predators will be waking up soon. 174 00:10:18,760 --> 00:10:25,200 And the black cat vanished through slats in the fence with a laugh. 175 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:29,000 The fox with the blue tail raced towards the woods in a panic. 176 00:10:29,000 --> 00:10:34,920 As night fell and a bright moon illuminated the forest, the sounds of nocturnal life became 177 00:10:34,920 --> 00:10:37,280 a thunderous fog. 178 00:10:37,280 --> 00:10:42,120 The fox with the blue tail could not be sure which sounds were hunting them, which sounds 179 00:10:42,120 --> 00:10:46,640 were mocking them, or which sounds might be searching desperately for them. 180 00:10:46,640 --> 00:10:51,040 Suddenly, the fox with the blue tail crashed into something and stopped. 181 00:10:51,040 --> 00:10:53,480 I'm sorry, they spluttered. 182 00:10:53,480 --> 00:10:55,480 I don't know how to be a fox. 183 00:10:55,480 --> 00:10:57,280 I don't know how to dig a den. 184 00:10:57,280 --> 00:11:02,280 I don't want to be eaten, and I'm sorry I crashed into you. 185 00:11:02,280 --> 00:11:07,320 The fox with the blue tail backed off to survey who they had crashed into. 186 00:11:07,320 --> 00:11:12,920 The fox with the blue tail found themselves looking at a small white feathery creature 187 00:11:12,920 --> 00:11:16,160 with a long blue feather on their face. 188 00:11:16,160 --> 00:11:21,920 The creature shook as they recovered, then turned to the fox with the blue tail and said, 189 00:11:21,920 --> 00:11:24,200 I'm a duck. 190 00:11:24,200 --> 00:11:26,520 What are you? 191 00:11:26,520 --> 00:11:29,920 The fox with the blue tail closed their eyes. 192 00:11:29,920 --> 00:11:36,520 They ignored the storm of unfamiliar forest noise and thought for a very long time. 193 00:11:36,520 --> 00:11:44,440 They drew in a long, slow breath before replying, I am. 194 00:11:44,440 --> 00:11:56,240 Two friends flew away into the night. 195 00:11:56,240 --> 00:12:02,160 I hope you enjoyed today's story, and I apologize for that very rude bird earlier. 196 00:12:02,160 --> 00:12:04,600 I hope it didn't alarm you at all. 197 00:12:04,600 --> 00:12:07,120 Ah, you're still here? 198 00:12:07,120 --> 00:12:10,320 Shoot. 199 00:12:10,320 --> 00:12:13,280 I really wish I had a better mail system. 200 00:12:13,280 --> 00:12:14,760 Undo. 201 00:12:14,760 --> 00:12:16,080 Break. 202 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:23,280 Oh, uh, hmm, must be that darn crow again, or maybe the plants. 203 00:12:23,280 --> 00:12:24,520 They want me to feed them again. 204 00:12:24,520 --> 00:12:26,680 You know how it is. 205 00:12:26,680 --> 00:12:27,680 Escape. 206 00:12:27,680 --> 00:12:33,600 Well, I should be going, but as always, be well and escape. 207 00:12:33,600 --> 00:12:36,600 And carry today's story in your heart. 208 00:13:04,600 --> 00:13:13,600 Today's tale has ended, but return once again to this place where you are considered a friend. 209 00:13:13,600 --> 00:13:26,600 Return to this tower in its mysterious dweller for more from the library of The Second Storyteller. 210 00:13:26,600 --> 00:13:30,040 Thank you for listening to The Second Storyteller. 211 00:13:30,040 --> 00:13:37,040 If you have a prompt for a story, please send it to thesecondstoryteller at gmail.com. 212 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:42,720 If your prompt is selected, your name will be credited at the end of the episode. 213 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:47,880 Today's prompt was an identity story from Kay. 214 00:13:47,880 --> 00:13:52,440 If you would like to help support the future of this podcast, please consider becoming 215 00:13:52,440 --> 00:13:59,120 a patron by going to patreon.com slash the second storyteller. 216 00:13:59,120 --> 00:14:04,640 A donation as small as a dollar is greatly appreciated and helps keep us going. 217 00:14:04,640 --> 00:14:10,120 A donation of just $10 a month puts you on the list of current library card holders, 218 00:14:10,120 --> 00:14:12,880 and your name will be read at the end of the episode. 219 00:14:12,880 --> 00:14:18,080 The Second Storyteller podcast and the featured stories were written and created by Katie 220 00:14:18,080 --> 00:14:19,160 Chacon. 221 00:14:19,160 --> 00:14:22,360 The role of the second storyteller is played by Charles Scott. 222 00:14:22,360 --> 00:14:27,120 Today's voice of the story was provided by Katie Chacon. 223 00:14:27,120 --> 00:14:32,040 The voice of the intro and outro is Chris Camp, and you can find the fantastic games 224 00:14:32,040 --> 00:14:36,360 he's worked on at rix.itch.io. 225 00:14:36,360 --> 00:14:40,640 That's riks.itch.io. 226 00:14:40,640 --> 00:14:48,120 The music was written by Fintan, who can be found at garbagebag, all one word,.itch.io. 227 00:14:48,120 --> 00:14:54,480 The Second Storyteller will return next month with more magic, fun, and of course, a story 228 00:14:54,480 --> 00:14:57,320 to tell.