Woke this morning to a low rumble in the distance.  The signs of the first bout of bad weather since I arrived here over 2 months ago.  I could feel the air starting to change as the storm approached.  The surrounding wildlife seemed to vanish, and the wind picked up.  Such a marvelous event as it approaches... but what of the Synthitone?

I immediately bolted out of my slumber, and ran for the Shell.  It started to rain hard as I approached the instruments, and fear grew inside me that everything would be ruined.  As I approached the shell, amidst all of the dark sky surrounding me, I saw a brilliant glow coming from where the shell is.  I thought the worst.  Perhaps the dampness caused the electrical system to blow and everything is on fire.  I quickened my pace, raced up the entrance stairs and stopped in awe at the top.

What I saw was the most amazing sight.  I gazed upon the shell, fearing the worst, only to find that it was lit up and completely protected from the storm.  I went closer to find a strange energy field had enveloped the entire Shell.  How did this activate?  Who activated it?  Could it be that the instruments themselves activated this protective layer?

I was relieved to see that everything was protected from this violent storm, but how was I to get inside?  I thought that I may have to wait out the storm.  Upon closer inspection I found this barrier to be a sort of energy field, not solid looking, rather more malleable.  So how was this withstanding the storm around me, and how was I to get in?

At first, I thought that I could just push my way through and perhaps it would heal itself after I came through.  I tried this, but it did not give way.  I tried again in several places, but still could not push through.  At this point I began to feel frustration.  Then, as though the Synthitone felt my emotion, I heard a faint mellow music from within the Shell.  It was music that I had not heard before – mellow, but full of soothing melody.  I started to hear accompanying notes in my head;  something that I have been able to develop since being here in Ambientia.  The music continued, and I kept creating more rich tones to accompany it, in my head.  I became so caught up in this creation that I did not realize that the storm around me had stopped, and yet I could see the fierce wind and rain.  I was somehow transported into the Shell.

I am discovering that things on Ambientia work with music.  This is the most powerful demonstration of this yet.  I wonder if it works with anyone who can accompany the music in their head.  It’s like a key.  What you create in your mind completes the puzzle;  unlocks the door;  allows passage.

The Synthitone was perfectly intact and in perfect working order.  I sat down in front of all that I had assembled and started to play the tune that allowed me shelter out of the storm.  The complex layers of melody and the soft carrying of the drone notes went on through the night and into the morning.  I completed the song, and realized that, for the first time, I had created a masterpiece out of these instruments.  The first key in the puzzle to this strange land has been unlocked.

- The Traveller