(The moon shines brightly overhead. Crickets chirp around you. A figure dressed in a ten-gallon hat, flannel shirt, and denim jeans approaches. Their face is obscured in shadows.)
*: Hey there, partner. We don’t get many strangers around here these days.
(Their voice is gravelly.)
*: Perhaps you’d be so kind as to listen to an old cowpoke ramble on for a while.
There’s a certain story I recently heard and it’s quite a good ’un. It’s called Deltarune. It’s a clever title, seeing as how it’s what folks call an “anagram.”
(The cowpoke smiles.)
*: And what’s the anagram for, you ask? Well, you’ll have to do some of the mental work for yourself.
(The cowpoke nods, satisfied.)
*: It does put things into perspective.
(The cowpoke raises a leg and rests it on the sun-bleached skull of an animal at your feet. The cowpoke leans closer. You can feel their breath on your face.)
*: So what’s the story about? I don’t want to give too much away. After all, it’s something that – with not much effort – you can live for yourself.
There are already two chapters to enjoy. That’s a mighty fine bargain for the low cost of nothing.
Now there’s an important question that you might need to consider before diving in: are you okay with the thought that what you read now might be the only conclusion that you get?
(From somewhere distant, you can hear the howl of a coyote. The cowpoke pauses, and smiles.)
*: Now I’m not terribly familiar with it myself, but I’ve heard there are many folks out there who are eagerly anticipating the conclusion to a story involving all sorts of intrigue and witchcraft. What was it called again? Something like, A Musical Adventure About Wind and Rain?
Hmm... That’s not quite it. Oh well.
Regardless, these eager readers are maybe a little too eager, if you know what I mean. After all, how many stories in life ever have clear-cut conclusions?
Does a writer (or a story-weaver, as I like to call ’em) owe their devoted patrons an ending? I don’t mean to over-simplify things, but in this cowpoke’s opinion, folks need to relax a little.
If you’re the kind of person that needs an ending right away, maybe it’s best to wait ’till the story-weaver has woven all they intended to.
(The cowpoke crosses their arms.)
*: Which brings us back to our topic at hand. Even if Deltarune never sees another chapter, well partner, we can still enjoy what we have already.
You might as well celebrate the good things in life.
(The cowpoke sits down on a large rock and motions for you to do the same.)
*: I can see the question all over your face. You’re simply wondering, “What’s so great about this story, anyway?” Like a lot of tales, it’s not necessarily the nuts and bolts but more how it’s told.
Depending on your sensibilities, you might find this whole thing charming and witty. I laughed, chuckled, and cackled at many of the fine japes and jokes.
Did I mention that there’s accompanying music? Oh, those tunes are memorable, I tell you.
And we haven’t even touched on how the story is told. Like many good tales, you’re not just a passive reader – no, indeed, you have your work cut out for you. I’ve heard some folks refer to it as “gameplay,” and goodness gracious there’s a variety of it here.
Folks might be intimidated. After all, this story-weaver’s previous epic was quite a challenge. Worry not, partner. This one seems to have struck a fine balance between so tough it’s worse than hardtack and too easy that it’s putting you to sleep.
(The cowpoke stretches their long limbs.)
*: Well, that’s about all I’ve got to say on the matter. I don’t want to give too much away, at least not now and not here. You’ll have to decide for yourself if it sounds like something you’d be interested in.
Let me know if you check it out. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts about it all.
(The cowpoke touches the brim of their hat and recedes into the moonlit night. A cold wind blows, ruffling your clothes. You feel a strong sense of anticipation.)