tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17399581166729367492024-03-13T08:35:49.207-07:00A Minstrel's Tale'For them who takes the bard by word, an' don't take it wi' laughter... I wish they's eyes was up they's arse an' t'finger follow after...'
*The often nonsensical ramblings of a drunken, flea-bitten scrag of a minstrel, currently abiding in the stables in the realm of Erebos.*Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-50145051659369346832010-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:002010-06-12T14:39:36.121-07:00The tale takes a curious twist...<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt">Yer know, that weren’t the end o’ that story… now I’ve ‘ad a few rums and naps for the best part of a week or so, I’ll tell the rest… Now where was I…?</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt">Oh aye… so I floated by the shores of Erebos in this barrel (that was rapidly becomin’ more like pieces o’ barrel) when I ‘eard a voice shoutin’ me name. Assumed it were lost spirits at sea, callin’ me to me death, but it weren’t… it were miss Linwe. She soon ‘ad me dragged out onto dry land again.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-tab-count:1"> </span>So, havin’ been salted an’ battered and suff’rin’ some strange affliction o’ the gut (o’ which I’ll avoid the detail), I spent a few days recoverin’ on me back in’t stables an’ tryin’ ta get back ta me songs. Or I would ‘ave done, except me mind kept getting’ distracted by these whisperin’s on the wind. Not ta mention the wind me belly were producin’… But I nah likes ta complain, an’ struggled on wi’ me hard work, singin’ songs an’ stuff.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt">All were relatively normal, until I performed at a storytellin’ to an audience o’ dragons, elves an’ faefolk. Well… suddenly, half way through me song, folk started shoutin’ an’ jumpin’, like they was sat on nettles or somethin’. ‘Ow rude, thought I, interruptin’ me song like that. Completely put me off where I was in me tale. I carried on, regardless, professional as I am, an’ then me audience ‘ad the cheek ta start pointin’ at me an’ sayin’ me lute was hurtin’ ‘em. Well, I ne’er heard anythin’ like it… me poor ol’ lute, who’s been me friend fer donkey’s years, bein’ accused o’… witchcraft or summert? Pfft… it be jus’ a lute. But, worse than that, were the fact that the dragons ‘ad gotten riled, havin’ been hurt by what they assumed were me lute, an’ they started threatin’ me. Well, I was a little drunk… so I stood there an’ huffed, an’ called everybody daft. EVERYBODY, mind… An’ guess what? The dragons took it right personally. They weren’t so ‘appy about all the wind from me gut, neither, but that weren’t my fault. * rolls eyes * So I’s in a spot o’ trouble now wi’ them, but that be another story.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt">Anyway, the whole affair left me more than a little perturbed … but stranger than that, were the fact I kept driftin’ off into these daydreams an’ findin’ meself in unusual places, feelin’ all ‘appily giddy an’ tingly… a fact I kept ignorin’, until I found meself in the ‘aunted woods makin’… well… daisy chains. That nah be normal for me, yer knows. But things got worse than that even… yer remember how the folks at the storytellin’ were all getting’ hurt an’ blamin’ it on me lute? Well after a while, I could nah come up wi’ anymore excuses. I ‘ad to accept the fact that, apparently, I was afflicted wi’ magicks… an’ furthermore, magicks I ‘ad nah control over. I was firin’ them off all over the place, every time I played me lute… every time I got angry… every time I farted… * coughs *</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:36.0pt">Needless ta say, I were in a sorry state... but I's due down the tavern, so I'll finish this tale another time...</p>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-71652868368321612312010-06-02T16:58:00.000-07:002010-06-02T16:59:14.281-07:00A sea voyage...<p class="MsoNormal">Be a lot ta tell since spring broke one o’ the coldest winters I’s ever known. I’ll start at the beginnin’, I s’pose, then see if I can be bothered tellin’ the rest sometime. An eventful time, nowt but trouble since Miss Justine’s twins were born… meant ta be some symbols o’ the land’s fertility or some such (them druids don’t ‘alf do some strange things). Yer can wager everybody flocked ta see the new babes… an’ o’ course the lightest o’ feet belonged to the darkest o’ souls. Was nah a month afore them babes were taken – kidnapped – an’ suspicions loomed until an almighty battle raged across the land against these mercenary folk who ‘eld the twins.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Meanwhile, yer old friend Swith ‘ere was getting’… well… more than a little nervous about impendin’ war, an’ on the mornin’ o’ battle, I pulled a little raft I been workin’ on from under the wharf where I’d been hidin’ it and sailed off before first light. Me plan were quite simple… find a passin’ trade boat or somethin’, talk me way on, an’ ‘ead south ta spend a few days on a beach wi’ some rum. Give it a week or so, then ‘ead back to Erebos ta see ‘ow things looked.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, all were goin’ exactly ta plan… were the same afternoon when I were caught up by a small boat, an’ before it got close, I pretended ta fall over in a faint like some damsel in distress, an’ then cooked up some story about bein’ a lord’s minstrel who’d been stolen an’ abandoned by pirates. So they took me on board an’ give me some ‘ard-tack an’ grog, build up me strength a bit, an’ I were all thankful o’ course. I were jus’ settlin’ in an’ getting’ ta know the lads over a couple o’ sea shanties an’ whatnot, when a mighty storm came sudden out o’ nowhere, pushin’ back toward the north an’ near breakin’ the little boat in two.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Them superstitious scurvy sea-dogs… they blamed it on me! Said I were cursed ta bring down boats wi’ bad weather, put me in a barrel an’ shoved me overboard ta fend fer meself. Well… as yer can imagine, I thought me days were numbered. So tossed an’ battered were I by the storm, I thought I would die right there, in the middle o’ the sea, wi’ nowt but fishes an’ strange things. I don’ know how long I were driftin’… a day, maybe more… but jus’ as I feared ne’er seein’ land again, I raised me ‘ead an’ saw a mountain loomin’ before me. Oh, what ironic sight…. I were headin’ back to Erebos…</p>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-69915145213690297302010-04-11T13:25:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:34:11.717-07:00Bloody Great Red Thing With Wings<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well... a stranger thing I ne'er did see wi' me own eyes. An' I only wandered in the tavern fer a drop o' rum afore sleepin'. I s'pose it started when this undead fellow by name o' Dark got 'imself finished off by miss Linwe an' Lore 'cause 'e were a nasty type, an' 'ad been causin' trouble fer a while. They skewered 'im through an' sliced off 'is 'ead - as most folks know, if yer cuts of the undead's 'ead, it'll die fer sure... nah comin' back from that... seems, 'owever, that yer CAN come back from that, if the abyss decides ta spit yer back out fer a joke...<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>An' then there were this big... um... thing wi' wings, an' 'e... well... tell yer want, I'll reach inta me memory an' tell it from the beginnin', just as it 'appened...</div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal">[7:35]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's wings snap the air as he hovers over the building</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:35]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sips at a rum she just helped herself to.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:36]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's tongue flicks out tasting the air as he stares in a second floor window</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:36]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing hisses with fury seeing no one there</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:36]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) examines a bit of left over cheese, smells it, then pops it in her mouth.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:36]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing flies round the tavern and seeing his own skull screams with rage</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:37]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's tail lashes out knocking the pike over</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:37]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) jumps, looking over her shoulder as she hears a scream and some clattering, chewing cheese slowly.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:37]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing drops to the ground talons raking deep into the earth</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:37]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) tentatively goes to a window to peer out.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:38]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing raises his scaly head glowing eyes meeting swiths</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:38]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) blinks, swallowing the cheese.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:38]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's upper lip slowly curls showing his fangs steam curling from his nostrils 'where arrre they?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:38]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) 's eyes widen a little and she vanishes to one side of the window frame.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:39]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs and inquires, with a half-chuckle: Umm... who?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:39]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing gives a howl of rage and torment shoving the doors open 'wherrre are they?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:39]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) backs off into a corner, scratching in her hair: Umm..... where's who? Wha'?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:40]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing drops to all fours claws scratching the floor as he moves his head tongue flicking out</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:40]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing snarls 'lorrre, linweeee'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:40]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing: 'they did thisss to me!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:40]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) watches the thing, blinking. She frowns: Umm... don' know what yer talkin' about there... must 'ave the wrong realm, I reckons...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:40]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's scaly lips draw back in a snarl as he storms round the tavern.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:41]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) watches, slowly remembering something Linwe said about the abyss.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:41]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's tail lashes the air as his nostrils flare 'they werre alwaysss here!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:42]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs a bit and swallows again: Umm.. well, looks like they's gone away fer a bit or somethin'... I nah seen 'em.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:42]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing screams with rage</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:42]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing: 'you liiiiie!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:42]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'Don' s'pose yer'd be.... well.... formerly an undead named Dark...?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:42]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing hisses 'yess' creeps closer</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:43]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) nods, slowly, keeping her eyes on the thing: Righ'.... well I'd nah lie ta yer sir...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:43]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's maddened eyes roll round his head 'they did thissss to me!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:43]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing: 'they musssst pay!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:43]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) nods: Aye... um... yer nah like bein' like that? Yer looks pretty strong an' all...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:44]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing growls 'paaaain'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:44]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing turns away and creeps up the stairs</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:44]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) arcs a brow: Paaaaain...?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:45]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) frowns and tentatively weaves her way forward a little to try to see where it went.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:45]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing slams one of the doors open</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:45]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing suddenly leaps down in front of swith screeching</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:45]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) lingers at the bottom of the stairs.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:46]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) squeals and backs off, then forces a chuckle.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:46]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing moves to the fireplace 'they arrre gone!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:46]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'Umm... don' worry sir... I's sure yer'll sort the whole thing out...'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:46]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler walks up outside, humming quietly to himself</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's head swivels round eyes narrowing 'I hearrr one'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing: 'they hid!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) arcs a brow again and blinks, uncertain of what to do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing moves back upstairs to look again, snarling</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler stops to examine his shoe</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:47]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) decides to go behind a post and see if the thing goes away.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler shakes his head then slips into the tavern</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) hears the door and looks at Lore, blinking: Sir.... get out of 'ere!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler smiles slightly, seeing Swith: "Ave"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler frowns: "What is wrong?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing knocks over a table</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48] <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) points to the ceiling: There's a... thing upstairs - lookin' for yer... what used ta be Dark...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:48]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler freezes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'An' 'e seems a bit.,.... angry...'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) hisses: Yer ought ta run now, while yer still can...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler mutters in Latin, then answers, "Not unless you come also"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler: You are in danger here!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) nods, glancing at the ceiling: I bloody will, nah worries about that...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler doesn't add that he thinks she's just drunk</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:49]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing screeches</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler almost jumps out of his skin: "Good Heavens!"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) winces at the screech and motions toward the door: Come on sir... let's get out of 'ere!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing: 'WHERRE ISSS HEEEE!!!!!!'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler nods and dashes to the door</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'Where's good ta hide? Stables?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler stares at teh stables: "No"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:50]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler: the*</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) glances back toward the tavern: Well we needs somewhere...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing shatters a window as he throws an ink bottle out</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler suddenly has an idea: "A ship!"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) ducks involuntarily behind a tree.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler: We can hide in a ship!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler flinches at the sound of glass</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) nods: Aye sir... come on then...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:51]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) runs for the docks.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:52]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Object: Loralleti Dexler is at the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:52]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler lifts the latch: "Quick!"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:52]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) swings herself down into the belly of the boat.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:53]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) presses her back to the timber and sits, twitching a little.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:53]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler jumps in and slams the door shut</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:53]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'D'yer think it'll jus' get bored an' go away?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:53]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler leans against a post, crimson eyes wide in the darkness</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:53]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler answers, soft voice even quieter than usual, "I know not"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:54]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs a little in the darkness, more sober than she was earlier.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:54]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler is silent</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:54]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'What the heck is 'e now? Some sort o' demon?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:55]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler answers, voice cracking a little, "I know not"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:55]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) scratches in her clothes: Bloody ugly thing if yer ask me... rude too...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:55]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler: I...I thought...I...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:56]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing screams as he soars in the night sky like a bird of prey</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:56]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler clutches at the pole at the scream: "Are you certain that is Dark?"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:56]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) hears the scream and quivers a little.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:57]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'Um... Linwe told me what 'ad 'appened... I asked if 'e was an' 'e said 'aye'...'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:57]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing drops to the boat on all fours claws scraping the deck</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:57]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler cringes at the sound</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:57]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) freezes, blinking in the darkness at the ceiling.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:57]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's nostrils quiver as he sniffs the deck steam curling from his mouth and nose</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:58]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) tiwtches a little, fearfully, glancing at Lore.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:58]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler stares at Swith through the darkness, expression frozen</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:58]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) puts a finger to her lips.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:58]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing growls in his hellish voice 'huuumannn.....'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:58]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's wings snap open and he flies up again</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:59]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) 's eyes widen a little and she mouths at Lore: What do we do...?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:59]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler feels around the inside of the boat</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[7:59]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler whispers back, voice shaking, "I...I know not...I cannot think..."</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:00]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) stops still again, listening hard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:00]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) whispers: If we stay quiet, maybe t'will bugger off...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:00]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing comes back quietly hooking his claws on the side of the boat</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:00]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing clings there pressing his ear against the side listening for signs of life</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:01]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler nods slowly in agreement</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:01]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) swallows in the darkness, trying to listen for signs of it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:01]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) whispers: Just sit down an' stay quiet...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:01]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing's lip curls as he hears a whisper</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler slowly lowers himself, crossing his legs and obviously terrified...more than anyone has ever seen before</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) eyes the interior of the boat again, scratching unconsciously at a flea.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing huddles against the side waiting patiently</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) whispers, quietly to Lore: I can' 'ear anythin' out there... maybe it sodded off...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:03]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler nods again, unable to speak</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:03]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) whispers: Le's stay down 'ere a while before we 'as a look, eh...?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler swallows and murmurs, "Good idea..."</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing hears lore and slowly grins</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing climbs quietly up the side of the ship and onto the deck</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs lightly, staring at the inside of the belly of the ship.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing works his talons under the lid and pries it up sticking his head upside down into the belly of the ship</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing gives a rasping chuckle 'lorrre'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) squeals slightly and scrambles into the corner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler makes a noise somewhere between a cry and a sob</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) crouches down behind a stairway, blinking.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing ignores swith and leaps at lore</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler grabs his dagger, pulling it out: "Stay back!"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler: Leave Swith and me be!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) stays quiet, watching.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing ignores the dagger just grabs the front of lores shirt 'miiine'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler jabs at Dark's hand</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) musters up courage to speak: Eh... leave 'im alone, eh? I's sure 'e didn' means ta cause yer pain...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing howls in pain and rage and drags lore with him</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing hisses at swith eyes glowing</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) stays put in the corner.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler tries to pry Dark's fingers loose: "Leave her be!"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing pulls lore up onto the deck</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) follows at a distance to peer through the hatch.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>First mate: Dark Moonwing is at the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Object: Dark Moonwing is at the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing tugs lore up and grabs him with his hind talons</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler yelps with pain</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Object: Cyneswith Luik is at the door.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Dark Moonwing grabs lore and laughing wildly flies off</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) blinks, watching.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[8:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Loralleti Dexler shouts in LAtin as he's carried away</p></div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-74269887111997324212010-04-11T13:15:00.000-07:002010-04-11T13:24:25.209-07:00Easter Song (with an impending battle twist)<p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal">[16:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) turns to Swith</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) says 'Did ye no ahve summat for us too?'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:02]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) nods, and hiccups.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:03]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) puts the bottle away and finds her lute in her tattered sack.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:03]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont smiles anticpating a song worthy of the great bard that Swith is</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:03]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) tunes up a while: Aye... well I thought among the misery o' what's been goin' on around 'ere I'd sing a diversion about the season...</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) says 'So it be... yer know. About spring an' all that..'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) nods</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) begins a tune, thinking of the words.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:04]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont nods in agreement: a spring song will be pleasant ot hear</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">[16:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs a bit and starts up: ♫ So ‘ere ‘tis Spring, tha’ time o’ year</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When all the birds start singin’. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ (First thing in’t morn, after a beer,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">It leaves yer ears a-ringin’..) ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Now: each folk ‘olds their favourite myths,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">‘Bout what goes on in Spring, ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ But this one be me favourite one,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So shuddup an’ I’ll sing… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:05]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) coughs again and sings: ♫ The goddess walked upon the grass,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A-breathin’ breath o’ life… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ An’ each thing woke as she did pass:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Each ‘edgehog, and ‘is wife… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ As she were singin’ ta the trees,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">She ‘eard a little…. “cheep!” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) smiles widely</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ She bent ta rifle through some leaves</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ lyin’ in a heap - ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ There were a tremblin’ little bird –</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Pathetic lookin’ thing. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:06]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ She looked – an’ then exclaimed: “My word…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">What ‘appened ta yer wing?” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The bird looked up wi’ quiverin’ beak</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ showed a wing all bent. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont lets out her breath: oooo</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ In little voice, it ‘gan ta speak:</p> <p class="MsoNormal">“I’s all injured an’ spent!” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont says: poor birdie</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “Please kindly goddess – ‘ave an ‘eart…</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’s stuck an’ can nah fly.” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “It’s cold beneath this shrubbery</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ I shall surely die!” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:07]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) hiccups and sings: ♫ The goddess she did roll ‘er eyes</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ bent closer ta say: ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “I’d usually shout ‘that’s yer lot’</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But I’s in good cheer today…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) listens intently at this most uunusal offering from Swith</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ An’ so she knelt an’ rubbed ‘er ‘ands,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ laid ‘em on the bird. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ She shut ‘er eyes an’ uttered quiet</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Some ancient magic word. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The bird began ta twitch an’ flop</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ made a funny sound… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:08]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ It suddenly began ta change</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Its beak became more round… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Where once were feathers, fur did sprout</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ whiskers ta the north… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The wings shrunk back ta little arms</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ great hind legs came forth… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Then on its head, where was a crest</p> <p class="MsoNormal">O’ feathers standin’ proud ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Came two long ears – the bird took breath</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ yelled: “Fer cryin’ out loud…!” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “Yer’s turned me to a bloody hare!”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The goddess she guffaws, ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:09]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont smiles</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Ta see the hare a-boxin’ air</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Ta test its new-found paws. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) laughs</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ancient One (2ks Gears) smiles showing his teeth</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “Methinks as such yer’ll better fare,”</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The gigglin’ goddess said. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>saia Tigerpaw snuggles intot h warth of er mates wing</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ She ‘gan ta speak, the happy hare,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But stopped, stock-still instead… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mandi Tiponi giggles, setling bak</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Her long ears pinned back like a dog’s</p> <p class="MsoNormal">That's caught wi’ someone's lunch. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Mandi Tiponi: *back</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:10]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ She peered round fearfully at ‘er rump</p> <p class="MsoNormal">‘Er back arched in a hunch… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Then suddenly, out plopped an egg,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">But nah a normal hue… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ What lay beneath the great hind leg</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Was pink, an’ green, an’ blue… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) arcs a brow</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The hare blinked up quite quizzically.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The goddess took the egg, ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Which caught the sun all colourfully.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">The hare began ta beg: ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Vasil Danick smirks</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:11]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “Kind miss… what do yer mean by this?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">A birdy, egg-layin’ hare…?” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont giggles</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The goddess gave the hare a kiss</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ chuckled: “You are rare…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “For the gift o’ life I gave</p> <p class="MsoNormal">You must do this for me…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “Lay these eggs to mark the spring</p> <p class="MsoNormal">So mortal folk may see…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “’ow blessed they be for fertile land</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ thawin’ o’ the ice…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:12]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ “For if it weren’t fer MY fair ‘and,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Things would nah be so nice…” ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ So to this day, th’reluctant hare</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Comes round ta lay ‘er gifts. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ancient One (2ks Gears) enjoys the muisc</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ Remindin’ us ta get ta work</p> <p class="MsoNormal">As the veil o’ winter lifts… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) pauses and grins, then continues: ♫ Yer see, in truth, we’s stronger</p> <p class="MsoNormal">When the land be on our side… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ So if needs be ta raise our arms</p> <p class="MsoNormal">An’ inta battle stride… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) grins widely</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont: /mr claps her hand: that is a wonderful tale Swith</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:13]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ In bold defence o’ friends an’ land,</p> <p class="MsoNormal">That every man ‘ere shares… ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) sings: ♫ The enemies shall crumble and</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We’ll take back what’s nah theirs. ♫</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) grins and finishes her tune with a flourish.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Linwe (Linwe Zifanwe) says 'I ash always said she be more elven than some elvfs'</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont syas: Yes! I want ot help get the twins back to the land</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) blinks at Linwe: Eh...?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Ancient One (2ks Gears) flaps his wings " well done swith , very nice"</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:14]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Justine Moyet claps with a smile</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:15]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>saia Tigerpaw: bravo</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:15]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Emyly Beaumont grins widely: a wonderful tale</p> <p class="MsoNormal">[16:15]<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Swith the Scop (Cyneswith Luik) tips her head, finding her bottle in her boot again: Glad yer all likes it...</p>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-76433333044278328822010-02-04T12:02:00.000-08:002010-02-04T13:01:13.101-08:00The slow crawl from hibernation...<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It 'as been a long 'ibernation, long and drunken, the little 'eart kept beatin' by the warmth o' the rum flowin'. Nah good conditions fer a minstrel... nah good fer most folk. But now, the wheel, she turns again, an' as the grass grows an' the springtime starts comin' along, tha' little bit o' warmth on the breeze 'elps me mind wake up (and the bloody fleas). Things are ne'er so bleak tha' can't turn round.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But anyways... wha's been 'appenin'... I forgets most. Mainly due to a yuletide gift off me good friend miss Linwe - a nice bottle o' blue.. sourberry.. somethin' wine. I forgets what she calls it. But can blow yer 'ead off, that stuff an' open up yer eyes to all sorts o' strange sights. On the negative side, it can also make yer lose a couple o' months.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I remember, through a dull haze o' blurry mist, lots o' strange 'appenin's. Linwe even died at one point, which were guttin'... but then she came back again, which were good... A couple o' times, I'd be walkin', an' I'd see a man crawlin' across the walls o' the ruins. Vertically, like a spider or somethin'. I knows 'im... the undead fellow, Lore. And I knows I's seen it right... it's nah a vision o' drunkenness. I don' trust 'im. I'll take 'is coin, but I keeps 'im at arm's length. Don't matter anyway... 'e gone off travellin' now or somethin'.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The elvenfolk are still as barmy as a collection of nutcases baked into a fruitcake an' rolled down a hill, but tha's a status that 'as taken 'em centuries ta perfect. Last I 'eard, one o' them, miss Alo, 'ad burnt down the Elven Hall... they don' do themselves any favours, these elven. Under some sort o' magicky strangeness o' the matron o' the drow they reckons. An' 'er man Markus is quite the mystery an' all.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>She's a funny one too, the matron. Only seen 'er once or twice, but they reckons she be experimentin' on folk or somethin' now, as she gone an' put vampire blood in miss Justine (who be also pregnant wi' the Solstice twins). Wha' good that'll do fer anyone, I don' know. Vampires an' them things undead make me skin crawl though. I's got enough bloodsuckers of me own livin' in me hair.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Meh... there'll be nah experimentin' on this minstrel though, tha's fer sure. A good dose o' rum'll keep the blood clean...</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As fer me purpose now, I's back to entertainin'. I's 'ad a long 'ard think about me situation while I was in 'ibernation. So I'll leave on a song...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">♫ Now lately facts 'ave come ta light</div><div style="text-align: center;">Tha' I can't disregard...</div><div style="text-align: center;">The very question o' me fame</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' standin' as a bard...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It seems I's gathered some repute -</div><div style="text-align: center;">I knows wha' yer all think.</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' I's nah goin' to refute -</div><div style="text-align: center;">I likes a little drink... <hic></hic></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But then... skilled drunk or gift o' song?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Which says me name the most?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Be Swith the Smashed or Swith the Scop</div><div style="text-align: center;">When I's nah but a ghost?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I say we let these two ghosts fight</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' put me skills on trial.</div><div style="text-align: center;">First - the minstrel, quick o' wit,</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' cheerily in style.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I's nah bad wi' a lute yer know</div><div style="text-align: center;">(An' music be love's food)</div><div style="text-align: center;">I raises chuckles oft, although</div><div style="text-align: center;">The songs can oft be rude...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But tha's jus' from me early work</div><div style="text-align: center;">O' singin' pirate shanties...</div><div style="text-align: center;">They likes ta 'ear, them burly lads,</div><div style="text-align: center;">O' ladies wi' nah panties...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now to the drunk - be nah a pain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">But more... proficient sot.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In truth, I likes ta entertain</div><div style="text-align: center;">Wi' fallin' down a lot.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I's nah great cause o' lots o' strife.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I nah takes off me clothes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I's ne'er awoken as a wife</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ta someone I nah knows...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But when it comes ta drinkin' rum,</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's well clear that I'm able</div><div style="text-align: center;">To drink most folk onto their bum,</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' righ' under the table...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So now dilemma, she unfolds:</div><div style="text-align: center;">Two talents, both o' worth...</div><div style="text-align: center;">But then a sayin' sprang ta mind,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Me memory did unearth:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Oh Rum - yer makes me lips go numb,</div><div style="text-align: center;">An' makes me tongue be limber...</div><div style="text-align: center;">But mind that I don' find mesel'</div><div style="text-align: center;">A-hangin' from some timber..."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So as a wise an' studied bard,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I took the words as spoke.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The obvious conclusion be</div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't fix what is nah broke...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Good bedfellows are song an' rum</div><div style="text-align: center;">A limber tongue is luck...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Most vital is rum - it rhymes wi' 'bum'</div><div style="text-align: center;">(An' the other line rhymes wi' f-<hic>)</hic></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">An' as a wise an' studied drunk,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I keeps control enough,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ta run from them who takes offence,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When they's angry, big an' gruff. ♫</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div></div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-43963032711765812742009-11-07T06:23:00.000-08:002009-11-07T06:31:27.907-08:00Lo'Muu..Turns out I got commissioned ta sing a song fer the drow matron, who keeps givin' me these lovely pearls... Good thing I was rollin' drunk when she asked me ta sing it in the tavern in front of other folks.<div><br /></div><div>♫There be a name tha' whispers o'er the rock...</div><div>Hush'd, but insistant to entice the ear...♫</div><div>♫ Commandin' ev'ry wanderer ta flock,</div><div>An' listen closely, lest they chance ta 'ear..♫</div><div><br /></div><div>♫ Lo'Muu... tha' low murmur eminates..</div><div>No fleetin' roar or finite cry o' kings..♫</div><div>♫But rather constancy, weaved throughout fates,</div><div>To touch the mountains an' the smallest things..♫</div><div><br /></div><div>♫What eye does nah acknowledge an offense</div><div>From mighty storms an' fiery wrath o' wars?♫</div><div>♫But tha' same eye would miss the bold events,</div><div>O' lappin' water shapin' all the shores.♫</div><div><br /></div><div>♫An' so - Lo'Muu - the name resounds so deep,</div><div>As deadly in sweet patience as the breeze..♫</div><div>♫Refreshin' as yer drift off inta sleep..</div><div>But deadly: when, by night, yer soul doth freeze..♫</div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-4012175454834377022009-10-18T06:03:00.000-07:002009-10-18T14:45:24.398-07:00The Smell o' Stew<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I’ll tell yer all a tale o’ folk</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I ‘eard some time ago…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The kind o’ tale tha’s like a joke,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wi’ a lesson in the flow…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫A-wand’rin’ through a town was I,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Wi’ nah a penny earned,♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫When smells o’ dinner wafted by,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ I stopped an’ sniffed an’ turned..♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫T’was comin’ from a tavern ‘ouse.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The smell were beckonin’ me…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫So I crept in, quiet as a mouse</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(Wi’ a rumblin’ stomach) can be…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫As it were early in the day,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">There were nah people yet.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫So round the back I made me way,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Ta see what I could get…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫An’ there before me very eyes,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The source o’ nose-delight…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫A great big bubblin’ pot I spies –</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh, what a welcome sight…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I limped across to where it stood</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(I only ‘ad one shoe).♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ The bubb’lin’ pot hissed: ‘I tastes good…</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yer knows what yer must do…’♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ (Aye, true – so ‘ungry was I then,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I thought the pot, she spoke…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫In truth, I were near faintin’ down,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me ‘unger were nah joke…)♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I finds a rag an’ lifts the lid,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ peers inside the pot.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The cook ‘ad sure ‘imself outdid:</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">A beef stew wi’ shallot.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I stopped an’ savoured ev’ry whiff,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I shut me eyes an’ smiled,♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫But at a sound, I straightened stiff –</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cook stood, looking riled…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫From the door ‘e came at me,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I dropped the lid wi’ a clatter,♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫‘E grabbed me wrist most cruelly,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘is fist prepared ta batter.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ ‘You’ll pay fer tha’ yer dirty scrag!’</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘E shouts, wi’ reddened hue.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ I protested: ‘I did nah take!</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I only smelt the stew!♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ ‘It matters not, I will still charge</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Jus’ fer the smell of it…’♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I paused – then took me chance to barge</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ squirm from out ‘is grip.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫I ran fer’t door an’ open air -</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘E chased me wi’ a cleaver.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫Built like a castle gate ‘e were.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">(No doubt wi’ a tiny lever..)♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫An’ as me little legs ran fast,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I ran straight into a priest,♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫Who ‘appened ta be strollin’ past.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I glanced back at the beast…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫Then pleaded to the holy man,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘Please sir… I’s bein’ chased…♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫This cook wants pennies for a stew</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I smelt but did nah taste!’♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫By this time cook ‘ad caught us up,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All red an’ sweaty an’ wheezin’.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ ‘Is cleaver raised ready ta chop -</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Me legs nah moved fer freezin’.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The priest ‘e sudden raised a hand,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ stopped ‘im on the swing.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ ‘E asked: ‘Am I to understand,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Yer chargin’ this young thing,♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ For merely a faint whiff o’ stew?</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The cook ‘e nods ‘is ‘ead.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The priest, ‘e frowned between us two,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">But then ‘e shrugged an’ said:♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ ‘No matter then, yer’ll get yer pay.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">I’ll see to it meself.’♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘E took a purse o’ leather grey,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Not laden wi’ much wealth.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The cook ‘e grinned, that slimy leech,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">As th’ kindly priest complied.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ But ‘e dangled that purse out o’ reach</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ rattled the coins inside.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫The priest ‘e said: ‘Be satisfied,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If she did scent purloin.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫For the smell o’ stew I do provide</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The sound o’ jinglin’ coin.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ The cook, well, ‘e ‘ad nah reply -</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">‘E’d made ‘im feel a sinner.♫</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">♫ I grinned an’ thanked th’ kindly priest,</span></span></p> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">An’ went ‘round ‘is fer dinner.♫</span></span>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-41278883090412809452009-10-18T04:48:00.000-07:002009-10-18T05:58:29.333-07:00Bad to worse...Aye, so I was just mindin' me own business in't village early in the day, when I saw some figures approachin' from behind the fletcher's. I'd jus' woke up, an' took a while ta focus, but then realised it were tha' bloody wild elf wi' the axe, draggin' Hawk the drow behind 'er, all unconscious on a rope!<div>Well, I were deeply confused, as yer can imagine, especially when she 'anded me the end o' the rope an' garbled somethin' in their strange language. I stood there, nah knowin' what ta do, when all sudden-like, some drow appeared, an' a dragon. As yer can expect, I dropped the rope an' tried ta sneak off, but then the dragon came up an' said she was goin' ta get me. I did nah stop ta listen - I jus' ran.</div><div>Out o' the village an' across the battlefield I went, as fast as me little legs could carry me, an' I thought ta 'ead fer the 'aunted woods, see if it would slow 'er down. But it did nah - she were in a smaller form an' 'ad mightier legs than me. She started clawin' at me round tree trunks, deep gougin' wounds they was, an' righ' painful. I kept divin' around ta try ta evade 'er, all the while shoutin' tha' I was jus' a bystander an' did nah attack Hawk, but she didn' believe me. I rolled under a bush as I weakened from the clawin', feelin' all torn an' woozy an' ta be honest, fairly freightened. As a last resort, I told 'er a secret tha' migh' 'ave saved me from death, but she insisted she wanted me unconscious an' then she'd confirm the truth o' what I spoke. So I gave in an' played dead.</div><div>I don't remember much o' what 'appened next - jus' remember a feelin' like I was flyin' through't air... very strange. When I wakes up, I finds mesel' dumped in front o' the drowfolk, tha' matron-woman an' Hawk, an' wi' them some sort o' blue woman too. The dragon asked Hawk if I was 'is attacker, an' sensin' me life were danglin' on a thread by now, I looked up at 'im an' pleaded tha' 'e tell 'er I were a good 'un. An' Hawk... well, 'e came through fer me. 'E 'ad a chat wi' 'is matron an' got me cut free. I did nah know really wha' were goin' on: by now, I 'ad lost a fair amount o' blood, an' they was all chattin' away in their language. But then, the blue woman came over an' kneeled down, an' starts patchin' up the claw wounds fer me. Most kind of 'er, it was, an' she were most soothin' too, in 'er nature.</div><div>She was 'alf way through sortin' me out, when Urumi the elf turns up, so I made out like they was botherin' me an' snuck off to the stables. An' tha's where I 'id 'til Linwe found me later on.</div><div>Bloody elven healer... She wanted ta use magics on me, but yer knows, I's nah so keen on magics. 'Ave yer turned into a newt if they puts a word out of order or whatever. So she sewed up me wounds, an' then she'd nah stop... starts rubbin' stuff on me fer me fleas an' lice, an' insistin' on bathin' me an' stuff like tha'. She even... *coughs*... well, between ye an' me, she starts goin' on about if I's seen rice in me... yer know... doin's. Before I knows it, she's makin' me swallow this an' tha', ta get rid o'... well, worms. An' she would nah shut up about it neither. Whole bloody village'll probably 'ear o' tha' one - she bloody went an' told Elestria! Gah... this minstrel is goin' ta lie low fer a while...</div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-48218230154142530492009-10-08T07:42:00.000-07:002009-10-08T07:47:47.453-07:00Swith's tale at the festival bonfire<p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">I’s goin’ ta weave a tale for yer,</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Was goin’ ta sing a song…</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But as some o’ yer migh’ well know</span></span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Me lute - she feels quite wrong…</span></span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">(Some rude an’ moody drowfolk went</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">An’ cut me strings right through…</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">But matters not, me mind be bent</span></span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';">Upon a song for THEM I’ll do…)</span></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'times new roman';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But now I gi’s a diff’rent tale,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tha’ maybe drow of old,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When still cultured ta know the arts, </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Might liked to ‘ave ‘eard well told.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Now, some o’ yer may know me mind,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">When’t comes ta matters o’ the heart:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That grandest trick - the eyes do blind</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Wi’ Love… that laughs, then turns to fart.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But p’raps this tale befits me well,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This tale o’ trickster Love at play,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So might yer see as I shall tell</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ course of fates do weave their way…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In Millenot, the royal hall,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O’ Caleb, aging King o’ t’North,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">There was prepared a stately ball,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ nobles were invited forth.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(An’ I were there meself o’ course,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Providin’ music fer the dance)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The King’s real wish, to put slight force</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Behind a push to a romance</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Of ‘is sweet daughter Isabelle,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So fair, so elegant an’ tall…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">This was, so far as we could tell,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The third – no - fourth or fifth such ball,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In vain attempt to fan a flame</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Within the heart o’ that fair thing.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To such an end, three lords o’ fame</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Did come at biddin’ o’ the King.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(‘Twas said the princess, by desire,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Was trussed up in a special belt – </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So man’s ardour would have to fire</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To nah just heart, but metal melt…)</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">But I digress – these nobles three</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O’ certain grace an’ honour’d breed,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Did all arrive most punctually,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Each one upon a worthy steed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lord Duncan, finest warrior known,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘is reputation through the door</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Before ‘is feet - but just to beat</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘is ego draggin’ ‘cross the floor. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then came the young Prince Gregory:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A brattish, slightly spoiled lad,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘is natural, but translucent charm</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A brief distraction from the cad.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lord Hubert, sickly rich in dress,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The elder, economic vote,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So burdened he wi’ weight o’ coin,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ castle wi’ a double moat.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They all sat down for th’openin’ feast,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">From t’corner, playin’ me lute I saw</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Such things as swans an’ sweets an’ geese,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A honeyed, succulent roasted boar…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ feast they did on such sweet meats,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lords Hubert, Duncan, Gregory.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The latter, ‘e kept swappin’ seats</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ta sit wi’ all the maids, yer see…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Then Isabella’s cousin, Grace,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A plain but feisty girl o’ wit,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Spotted the Prince approach ‘er place:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Invited ‘im to come an’ sit.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She ‘ad been eatin’ from a plate</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">O’ local shellfish from the town.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She whisper’d that potential mate</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Should take one up an’ eat it down.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“For truth”, said she into ‘is ear,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“These little creatures o’ the sea,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Can bring the flames of passion near –</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ Isabella may choose thee…”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Impress’d, the young prince took ‘is chance</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ soon, the feast drew to a close.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">We struck up chords inspirin’ dance,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">To rouse the guests upon their toes.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ as the evenin’ rolled along,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Wi’ farandoles an’ sarabandes,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The three men danced amid the throng.</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Seekin’ Isabella’s hands…</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Upon a gigue, Prince Gregory</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Did sudden stop to softly frown.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The ‘earty sense o’ revelry</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Became a feelin’ further down…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Yer see, the Prince, so delicate,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ne’er before ‘ad ate those fish.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ since ‘e took from Grace’s plate,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘E were suff’rin’ from that local dish…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘e sat awhile, not far from me -</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">I watched ‘im as I played me lute –</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘is poor stomach played ‘armony,</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">A rumbled discord wi’ no mute.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘E sat an’ shifted as ‘e spied</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Lord Hubert an’ Lord Duncan brought</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">In turn ta meet the promised bride.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ soon King Caleb’s eye ‘ad caught</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Prince Gregory’s. An’ ‘e did nod</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ motion forward ‘is daughter fair</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Ta meet the worsenin’ poorly sod.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The lad uttered a silent prayer…</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Approach’d he, wi’ a curious gait,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ strange expression on ‘is face.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He breathed, then paused – An’ she did wait –</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘Til cried he: ‘I must quit this place!’</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ set off out the hall at pace.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Princess stood an’ gaped a while.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The crowd’s eyes fell upon ‘er face</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Until ‘er lips began ta smile…</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“What an enigma,” she did sigh,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“What handsome mystery abound…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Go – seek ‘im out and, by and by,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">‘E may become an ‘usband found…”</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The King’s men rushed ta find the lad -</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ three days later brought ‘im back.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">(For that young Prince ‘ad felt so bad</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For shame e’d hidden in a sack…)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">An’ soon they were most truly wed…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Although ‘ad she that truth well known,</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps the fire that graced their bed</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Would ‘ave a pail o’ water thrown.</span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So now yer knows why I proclaim</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That Love be jus’ a trickster foul…</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For that grand feelin’ o’ love’s flame,</span></p> <span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Was nah in’t heart – ‘twas in the bowel.</span></span><p></p><p></p></span></div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-65667650507025935962009-10-08T07:09:00.000-07:002009-10-08T07:38:54.950-07:00Bloody ol' baker...<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"I's made up me mind... despite all't bloody drowfolk, big purple monsters tha' trample th' tavern, wild elves an' orcs an' all, when yer can 'ave tha' much fun in one festival weekend, it makes up fer it.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I's nah one fer tournaments wi' blades an' bows (would more likely 'ave me own eye out than someone else's), but we 'ad some daft games goin' fer t'ordinary citizens ta join in wi'. I wandered out o' the tavern late, 'avin' slept long in front the fire an' then 'ad a few meads ta get mesel' goin'. Bumped inta ol' Rikryn the baker on't way ta the village an' got chattin', an' we was talkin' 'bout some o' the comin' games. I starts teasin' 'im, all in jest like, about 'is age an' 'im bein' too slow ta compete wi' the youngsters o' the realm, an' o' course, what wi' 'im bein' 'alf-drow an' all, sometimes 'e don't appreciate me testin' 'im. Then suddenly, before I knows what I's agreein' ta, 'e gone an' challenged me to a pie bakin' contest, in which we gots ta run an' find th'ingredients an' get back ta the ovens.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>*rolls eyes* Well... I's nah much fer bakin', but I's fast on me feet, so we starts off, fightin' over the wheat at first, but then I loses 'im in the woods lookin' fer firewood. I starts ta regret it when I began to sober up a bit, windin' the well fast as I could an' runnin' back ta town. An' I gets there...an' who'd 'ave thought it - I were first back to the bakery, wi' the ol' baker nowhere in sight. *grins*</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So I starts tryin' ta make pastry fer the pie, scratchin' me 'ead... s'been a while since I's done bakin' like tha', an' ta be honest, I 'ad nah clue wha' I was doin' fer a while. Some folk 'ad gathered ta watch, an' started shoutin' out advice an' that. But while I was stood figurin' it out, I could see Rikryn 'imsel', off at a distance, makin' 'is way steadily toward the village, wi' 'is ol' bones creakin'. I frowns an' starts panickin' a bit, droppin' bits o' dough on't floor an' pickin' 'em up again, watchin' 'im out the corner o' me eye as 'e begins kneedin' dough like a bloody expert. So I rushes me pie base ta the oven....an' wha' do yer think? I's nah enough bastard cherries! I 'as ta run off ta the bloody tree an' shake it an' shake it 'til more fall down. 'Alf o' them ended up in't river, but I finally manages ta get enough fer me pie.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I runs back only ta find tha' 'e gone an' got 'is stupid pie in th'oven already, an' 'e standin' there wi' a big smirk on 'is face, like a puppy that gone an' shat in me shoe. So I ignores 'im, an' carries on, an' finally gets me effort in me oven. I could see from't look on 'is face tha' 'e knew 'e bloody won. While they's bakin', I tried me best ta scupper 'is pie, short o' standin' there dismantlin' 'is oven brick by brick. Even tried ta throw a bucket o' water o'er 'is fire (but managed ta soak 'im instead).</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But it were nah use... 'is pie came out th'oven lookin an smellin' perfect. Mine looked an' smelled like it'd already been ate an' passed.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Gah... tha' bloody ol' baker. I'll ne'er 'ear th'end o' that. 'Patience,' said 'e... 'There be a difference between patience an' haste.' Pfft. I'll get 'im back soon enough. An' I did too... I beat 'im at both arm an' mud wrestlin' later on tha' very day. *grins*</div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-45736568574833250032009-10-08T06:45:00.000-07:002009-10-08T08:02:01.858-07:00Bloody drowfolk...<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"Pfft... yer knows, I were in't tavern, mindin' me own business an' 'avin' a few drinks t'other week, when these two bloody drowfolk walks in. They sits down, an' all I's doin' is tunin' me poor ol' lute, an' then sudden-like, out o' nowhere, comes this dagger through t'air tha' cuts me lute strings righ' through. Well, as yer can imagine, I was a bit riled by this. Don' mind so much if they wants ta 'ave a go, but when it comes ta me lute... well... tha' jus' rude.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> She walks in like she be queen of everythin' (I were tempted ta make fartin' noises wi' 'er steps, but thought better of it). She were followed by 'er dog, some drow male, who nah doubt 'ad nah much brain fer owt but chuckin' daggers. </span>All high-nosed they was, black an' broodin', wi' nah sense o' humour ta speak o'. I took it well enough, 'cause I knows what they's like... rather likes ta stab wi' blades than wit, 'cause they's nah got the mind for it: subtle as a rock in't face. But then I spots a tin whistle in me sack, so I starts playin' a shrill tune an' shows 'em me arse. Got the male one clawin' at 'is ears... *smirks*</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Thought I'd pushed me luck though... the female comes o'er wi' a look like a cat tha' jus' 'ad its tail stepped on... comes up righ' close... an'... offers me a drink. Well, needless ta say, I were surprised - thought they 'ad nah 'umour. So I laughed it off an' took their offer.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So anyways, coupla me friends come in, Linwe an' Rikryn, an' they's chattin' a while. Then sudden like, I gets a funny feelin' about me, like I's too 'ot, an' me belly don't feel righ'. Tries ta get up an' make fer't door, but I finds me legs won' do what I's askin' 'em. Next thing I knows, I wakes up in't room upstairs in bed, all shiv'rin' an' shakin', wi' Linwe doin' 'ealer stuff to me an' forcin' tha' bloody nasty elven tea down me throat.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Them trickster drowfolk - they'd only gone an' poisoned me! *rolls eyes*</div><div>Well... I gots better anyways, got folk lookin' after me. Like I says ta tha' drowess... yer can't keep a minstrel down fer long...</div><div>An' I'll 'ave me counter strike yet... they best keep their ears open, 'cause I'll be singin' o' them to the citizens... an' epic, I reckons, cuttin' an' sharp off the tongue t'will be... When I's done wi' 'em, th'whole town'll be laughin' at the daft pair..."</div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1739958116672936749.post-87459815679978357662009-10-08T06:34:00.000-07:002009-10-08T06:40:32.967-07:00The Realm of ErebosS'nah so bad, this place I s'pose. Stables are nice an' warm. I misses the sea an' Port Maris, me ol' favourite hangout, but then comes a time when yer gots ta move on... at least I got some friends an' familiar faces around. I must say though, tha' walk up all them steps ta the tavern be a righ' pain in th'arse. Near fainted o' th'altitude t'other day... tho' migh' 'ave been the mead.<div>Same ol' bothers an' gripes. Me fleas be runnin' rife, but it be colder this far north an' they's suff'rin'... heh</div>Swith the Scophttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03885172517501629987noreply@blogger.com0