Play Minstrel Play.........

[Merelan]

We walk, but I am nervous. The very birds seem to understand him, and he they. I dare not ask, yet wonder.
Leading him to my small plot I show my work.

"See, it is just for me, a few vegetables, some flowers. I must have my flowers."

It is a lovely day, the sun is rising and the breeze keeps it's heat off. I must get to town quickly though, to avoid the crowd.

I don't like crowds, they whisper and watch me.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

His hand delves into one of the pouches on his belt and as he walks he begins to hum and then sing quietly, almost to himself as his hand comes out of the pouch and swings through the air as if spreading seed, although you see none in the air.

Moving to the flowery border, "Oh yes. Without the lovely colors of nature's palette to brighten the earth it would be a drab place indeed. Not nearly as lovely as it could be for us to revel in and enjoy."

Again his hand dips into a pouch, a different one this time, and once again he hums and begins to sing quietly as he moves this time dropping seeds you can see fall to the earth that seem to sink right into it as they land.

"Flowers and the plants all are here to feed us, body and soul, aren't they lovely lady?"

"Ahh, you seem ill at ease? Is it because I've presumed to plant on your land? I assure you I seek nothing for it or from it, other than to please a kind lady," he asks then says with a smile.

 

[Merelan]

"You have fancy words for a wanderer. Flattery and such. I do not mind what you plant, in the land." Watching quietly, unsure of how to answer his compliments but with harshness. leading us to town slowly as he hums and sings, snippets, some half remembered, others unheard before.
But all along the birds join in, as if they know him.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

'I've had occasion to travel far and wide and in those travels have tried to learn a bit from every one I've had the good and bad fortune to meet, for not all were good people such as yourself my lady.
"I just tell things as I see them, sadly some don't always appreciate such forthright honesty, but I can't change myself to fit what others wish or I'd have to change me as often as I change my clothes, and that I won't do.
"So I show all the same face, the only one I have, and they can take it to leave it, and me along with it," he ends with a warm smile before resuming his humming, whistling and snatches of song as he walks along with you.

 

[Merelan]

We enter the small town, it is market day, so bustling and busy. Passing the schoolroom brings me a shiver. I want to talk to him, to know him. But he seems so shy, and reserved.

Yet he started it. On his books I could scent him, did he know that? Was he watching me now, or was he teaching? More then usual people stared, for I was with a stranger. I did not evcen know his name.

"There are a few things I need. Are you, well. if you want. You can." Shaking my head at my foolishness.

"Oh for crikes sake, if you want you are welcome to stay in the lean to, or not. It leaks and is musty, or else there is a small barn on the back end of my lot. it isn't as small, though it too probably leaks. But, I don't know your name, and i better warn ya. The town folk aren't cozy to strangers, and me either. They think I am a witch. So, maybe ya better find another place to rest. The pub has a room, if you've money, or perhaps the Sheriff knows of a place."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

"How rude of me, I can't believe I haven't introduced myself. My name if Francis and I'm just what you've said, a wanderer. In fact I've even had many call me just that "The Wanderer".
"As for you being a witch," he chuckles, "I've been called that and worse, but I just judge the ignorant as just what they are, ignorant.
"I'll be more than happy to occupy the lean-to and will solve the leaking problems I assure you.
"I hope you won't have a problem with creatures coming to the farm. I seem to attract them and if any are injured they come to me for healing," he says smiling at you.

"Now dear lady, lets do your shopping and I do insist that you allow me to pay for the foodstuffs you choose to buy since I'll be eating there too and, if you want good cooking," he chuckles, "you'll have to be the cook for us both."

A mongrel dog comes running out from between two building barking and growling.

Francis stops and turns toward the dog and crouches. He extends a hand and begins murmuring to the dog in a soft and gentle voice.

The mutt slows and stops. He whines a bit and the ruff of fur that had been standing up on his back flattens out and his tail begins to wag hesitantly, then eagerly as he comes up to Francis and licks his hand as he's petted then given a morsel from one of Francis's many pouches.

Francis stands again and asks, "Well where should we go first dear lady?" As you start to walk, Francis beside you, the mutt falls in and walks at Francis' side tail wagging happily.

 

[patrick1]

the old librarian

The library is closed. He has taught the Return and Learn class up at the schoolhouse the rudiments of job applications. What does he know of job applications? Ah well, those who can, do; those who can't...

Announce yourself clearly in the first paragraph, he tells them. Turn things you believe are weaknessess into strengths. Five years trapped at home isn't five years trapped at home, it's leanring multiple skills and always being on call and doing the most important thing humanity has to do. That's right, be positive. Even a year in jail is...

Switch off. He switches off, he doesn't have to be positive any more, he can stroll down the street and nod to Mrs Thingummy and smile at Miss Whatsername and the bar is only thirty yards away, twenty, ten...

There she is. Across the road, with a man and a mongrel dog. He begins to raise his hand in greeting. She isn't looking. Oh well. Five yards, four, three, two...

'Usual?'

'And a bourbon to chase it home.'

 

[Merelan]

"Francis, what a nice name. fitting somehow. Francis. Wasn't he a saint though? Oh." Stopping in my tracks, "The Saint of animals or such, wasn't he? In the old church."

Watching the people around me, their stares at me, and him, then back at me. And realizing what they thought.

"Francis, they think. Think you and I. Well, I hope you don't mind." Blushing hard.

"How about a drink? Or is too early?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"So I've been told," he says with a little smile and a bit of a far away look in his eyes for a moment or two.

"Mind?" he laughs. "By the Gods I'm honored, even if they, sadly, are wrong."

"Mmm, a mug of good beer or ale, some excellent mead or wine would hit the spot and perhaps we could also lunch at the same time.
"Would it be better to shop first before everything is picked over? You'd certainly know better that I about that."

OOC: RT just grabbed me and I have to leave for New Orleans later tonight. Will be back the first of the week. Look for you then. Hope you have a great weekend. *S

 

[Merelan]

OOC I sign for my house today and will be moving the next few days, so lets let this take a little time off. Think on this....

got any ideas where we are headed? Know anyone who might like to join????

See you all in a few days.....

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

GBS* Congradulations new home owner. I hope all goes smoothly and well for you.

See you when you return and we can discuss it in PM if you'd like so we don't spoil any 'surprises' for the readers. *G

 

[Connavar]

OOC:

Would anyone object if I joined?

Jarrad Raidon.

A wounded soldier travelling through on return to his city of birth, his tour of duty was ended when his regiment was surrounded by cavalry. One of few survivors, he was left to his own devices to return home. He has wounds across his back from sabre cuts.

He is a little unsettled as his best friend from his youth was killed in front of him.

IC:

The dusty trail extended behind him, his footslog long and tiring, he was weary and desperate for an ale to cool his parched throat. His back burned like fire, and he felt every step jar the muscles in his back.

Wincing, he entered the town and looked for a tavern.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

OOC: I think Merelan will be pleased to have you join the story. *s
Waiting for her return from dealing with rt.

 

[Merelan]

OOC Welcome!!! Hmmm... lovely. Three men and I am the only "lady"...... my idea of fun, and a challenge.



IC
We enter, ducking at the low door, my eyes unable to adjust quickly. Slipping up to the bar and nodding at Narcy, the maid here. She had come to me a couple times for advice on herb lore. There was a gift there, waiting to be opened. Watching as she eyed Francis, almost licking her lips.

There at the end, by himself, was my librarian friend. Would I have the nerve to speak to him. tossing my head back I pretended not to see him. He was so kind, so quiet. Why did he lend me books, and correct my words? Narcy openly flirting now with Francis and leaning over. Her ample breasts almost spilling out of her bodice.
With a sigh I stepped back and folded my arms over me. I was thin and litle compared to a woman like her. Maybe I was the one who needed the lessons.

I had drifted in my thoughts and not heard his words.

"What was that? I'm sorry, I was distracted."

 

[Connavar]

OOC: Hey Merelan! Perhaps we can invite some more lassies to the merry tale. LOL, I'm a possesive man, I don't like to share.

Jarrod walked into the settlement (OOC: Town, village?) and left his broadsword in it's sheath, tied to his back. He had no option but to carry his pack over the top and at every loping stride it rubbed wickedly over the still sore cuts. Luckily, they were just sore. Any deeper and he would've been looking up as the daisies grew above him.

He stopped and looked for a nearby sign, anything to give away a place where he could stay and get some food. He saw a dusty and uncleaned sign of a Harp (OOC: Sorry, I hope no one minds me giving me the alehouse this name, it seemed approapriate) and nearly salivated at the thought of that cool, crisp drink passing his lips.

Spurred on by the thought, he strode quickly to the door and opened it, ducking underneath the lintel. He shrugged off his pack and called out to a maid.

"An ale, please, for the love of all that is good, an ale!" He saw a table and chair and nearly collapsed as the heat and pain finally caught up with him.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

I stood watching as you conversed with the bar maid and smiled at her blatant flirting and the display of her ample charms.

When she took a breath, a deep breath indeed, I ask, "Why don't you order a meal for us and drinks for I'll wager you know the bill of fare and what's the betters meals, most certainly far better than I do."

When you ask me to repeat what I've just said I do so as I look at the soldier who's just dropped into a seat at one of the vacant tables. The fatigue, the discomfort probably caused by injuries or wounds are clear to see on his face and in his eyes.

My fingers begin to move slightly as I start to mutter under my breath, after all man is one of the Gods creatures too and unless he becomes hostile there's no need for him to suffer needlessly.

As the bar maid passes carrying an ale his way my hand passes over the top of the mug as I drop a copper piece into her free hand, "For the tired traveler's ale." I say quietly, but don't tell him who bought it for him.

"Shall we sit and wait for our meal and drink fair lady?" he asks as he gently takes your arm and leads you to a table along the wall and sits with his back to it facing the taproom and doorway you at his side.

 

[Connavar]

The barmaid approaches and I take my moneypouch off my belt, opening the drawstrings, I look at her face and she shakes her head. "Someones paid that for you sir." She smiles and sets the tankard down.

Jarrod looks shocked at first, and then smiles. "Who bought it? Ask if I can return the favour..."

He looks at the frosty ale and licks his lips. He raises it to his mouth and smells the gorgeous aroma. He raises it and takes a gulp from the ale, drinking past the froth and getting to the liquid, the gulp turns to a drain and he swallows half the tankard quickly. The froth stays on his top lip and he wipes away the traces of the white foam. He smacks his lips and smiles, he was away from the damn war, and away from death, For a while at least. He thought. He motioned to the barkeep for a platter of cold food, he nods and asks the kitchen staff to bring him out the days platter.

A wooden plate laden with fruits, cheese and cold meats. He slowly begins to eat into the food, savouring the taste of something other than campfood.

The pain began to receed in his back, and finally, some comfort came to him.

 

[Merelan]

Lyra

We sit at a table near the fire and wait, I watch as Narcy flirts and jokes her way to the kitchen and back. How well she did it. Her eyes snapping and bright. Her body lush and firm. her heart empty and lonely. Did the men here not even see that?
They hungered for her body, which she did not give, but they would have tipped her plenty before they learned it. And she had ways of keeping them from taking her.

Not a typical barmaid, but what was typical these days?

Pecking at the food she placed before me I turned to Francis.
"So, what brings a nice guy like you to a place like this?" Smiling at the old cliche.

 

[Merelan]

Narcy

It was always the same, flirt and joke, giggle and tease. It was a living, but a hell of a way to earn it.

But today was different, and Lyra was here with a stranger. Who?
Feeling out to touch his mind, but he had it closed. Tight, not even a chink to sneak in. Now worried more then ever. Lyra was sweet and helpful, but had never been further then the next town. Who was this guy? And what about the other who wandered in this morning?
Bringing them their food and half listening to the words. Flirting even harder, leaning my breasts against him, but not only did he not notice, he shifted away.

Curiouser and curiouser............

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

He groans with a grin at your question then replies to it, "Well it's between there and some place else of course. What else?
"Well what else until we met that is Lyra. Now, with your consent, I'll pause for awhile on my travels. This seems to be a place that may benefit from my time and having such a lovely woman giving me a place to stay just adds to the attraction."

Having felt the probing of his mind and noting with satisfaction that his defensive barrier had held he watched the serving wench as she swayed between the tables back toward the bar.

"That young woman is one full of surprises isn't she Lyra. She's not at all what she seems to be," he comments in an off hand manner as he takes a bite and washes it down the a sip from his tankard of ale.

 

[Merelan]

"Narcy?" Watching her go.

"Sure she is, why would you ask? She's smarter then they think about here, but it doesn't hurt her job. Nice figure, smile."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Yes, I bet that she's much smarter than most realize," I said with a smile.

"Oh indeed she has a nice figure, but then again so do you if you don't mind my saying to Lyra. Lithe, well put together, firm yes you have a very nice figure indeed."

 

[Connavar]

The barmaid brought him another a drink, she set the drink down, but before she turned away, he caught her hand.

"Excuse me, but I need some help, I'm travelling on my way back home, but I need some work to earn some travel funds. Everywhere I've stopped at up to now has given me nothing, is there any caravan escort or guard jobs anywhere? I'd guard barrels of flour if it paid me enough..." He grinned widely and let go of her hand.

 

[Merelan]

Lyra

I felt my face blushed and I turned away, trying to pretend I hadn't heard. But my eyes caught those of my librarian friend and I saw the twinkle in his yes.
Had he heard francis? Jerking back around I knocked over my glass and spilled it across the table.

I felt foolish and awkward as Narcy came bustling over and wiped it clean. Winking as she turned away again.

 

[Merelan]

Narcy

i yanked my hand back and stepped back, sizing him up.

"Bold one aren't ya?" But at that I saw Lyra spill her drink. Why was she all flushed and red, and who was that with her. Handsome in a way, thought tired and worn out looking. "Give me a few minutes to think on it."

Wiping it clean and bringing her another I winked. Making her blush even deeper.

Well, I would have to visit her soon, something was going on I had missed. Once in the kitchens I hustled around, short handed. The wars had taken most the men, and younger women were hard to come by. There were better ways of making money then cookign and scrubbing dishes.

I took him another ale and smiled.

"Do ya care if your hands get dirty? I need some help in the kitchens. It pays food and board, here on a table, or in front of the fire. It also means ya have to stay sober and help out here when we get busy. I know it isn't guard work, but hey. Think on it."

Then slipped away, market day was always a bit busier, which was nice, though tips these day were nonexistant.