of cynicism in her voice. “Looking for some stories? I don’t have any today. I’m just here to do some boring business, diplomatic crap. Nothing special. Hell, you hang out with one, barely. Besides, I thought bards got their stories from each other, after making them up.”
“That is so not true,” Alister, feeling slighted by her barb, missing the ‘barely’ crack about Obidaan, “we do not make up stories; we embellish them. As you said yourself, the truth is boring, and doesn’t get tips. A well—embellished story keeps people interested, gives tips, and improves my reputation. That and I know one little fact about paladins, you can’t start a fight without good reason, even those working on the side of evil. If you could, it would promote common thuggery. You have to remain above such things.”
“You’re quite the smart ass, and you’re correct. However, since I don’t have the same threshold as your brother—in—law, yes I know who you are and your relation to Obidaan, I can set it. So, unless you have something interesting to say, I will break you in half.”
“The reports are true; you get better looking when you’re angry. Anyway, my whole reason for being here is to ask a favor. As you’ve noticed, people have been whispering and staring at you, at least as long as I’ve been here. Probably since you walked in.”
“I’m used to it.”
“I’m sure you are. Still, since you have honored my town with your presence, I’d like to tell your story onstage. So the people can get to know you better.”
“What if I don’t want them to?”
“Then I won’t tell it, while you’re here. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear it, make sure I embellish it correctly? Besides, they’re already making up rumors, let me nip it.”
“Hmm. A day without a bard telling a story is like a day without the sun rising; can’t happen. I have to admit, I’m starting to like you.” Under the table, she rubbed her foot along his calf. Alister’s eyes grew wide. “Tell you what, I’ll let you do it, but it better be good, otherwise you will see how low my threshold can go.”
“Thank you very much.” He stood up and offered her his hand. She reached out and as they shook, as he bent down, he kissed her on the cheek. Before she could react, he was on stage.
“Bards, I should know better.” She whispered under her breath as she wiped her cheek.
“May I have your attention please?” Alister did not have to yell, the stage had a spell allowing those on stage to be heard by everyone in the room. One of the finer touched in an upscale pub. Alister reached for a chair and a table. Sitting, he had his food brought up on stage. “Many of you know me, I am Alister and I’m a bard. This afternoon, I have a story to tell you. The story of Lucinda, often called the Paladin of Death. I think you will find it quite fascinating, especially since it involves Obidaan, paladin of the Seers. However, I must be fair. If you are not interested in hearing this fascinating story, full of intrigue, deceit, bloodshed, love and courage, let me know, and I shall walk off this stage. Due to its nature, it must be unanimous. If anyone objects, I will leave the stage.” Not a peep was heard.
About a minute passed, while slowly Alister ate his stew and took a few sips of beer. He could see and feel the anticipations on everyone’s face. He laughed inside as he saw someone about to object and his buddy quickly slapped his hand down. He had them and he knew it! “No one?” his mouth was still full. Showtime! He swallowed and took a swig, “Very well, we will begin.”
He pulled his lute and strummed a few bars. Kicking back and putting his feet on the table, he began, “A while back, a beautiful baby was born to an elf male and human female. That baby’s name was Lucinda. She was gorgeous in every way, but her eyes were black. It was the rare condition that only appeared in half—elves. No one knows what causes it. They
“That is so not true,” Alister, feeling slighted by her barb, missing the ‘barely’ crack about Obidaan, “we do not make up stories; we embellish them. As you said yourself, the truth is boring, and doesn’t get tips. A well—embellished story keeps people interested, gives tips, and improves my reputation. That and I know one little fact about paladins, you can’t start a fight without good reason, even those working on the side of evil. If you could, it would promote common thuggery. You have to remain above such things.”
“You’re quite the smart ass, and you’re correct. However, since I don’t have the same threshold as your brother—in—law, yes I know who you are and your relation to Obidaan, I can set it. So, unless you have something interesting to say, I will break you in half.”
“The reports are true; you get better looking when you’re angry. Anyway, my whole reason for being here is to ask a favor. As you’ve noticed, people have been whispering and staring at you, at least as long as I’ve been here. Probably since you walked in.”
“I’m used to it.”
“I’m sure you are. Still, since you have honored my town with your presence, I’d like to tell your story onstage. So the people can get to know you better.”
“What if I don’t want them to?”
“Then I won’t tell it, while you’re here. Wouldn’t it be nice to hear it, make sure I embellish it correctly? Besides, they’re already making up rumors, let me nip it.”
“Hmm. A day without a bard telling a story is like a day without the sun rising; can’t happen. I have to admit, I’m starting to like you.” Under the table, she rubbed her foot along his calf. Alister’s eyes grew wide. “Tell you what, I’ll let you do it, but it better be good, otherwise you will see how low my threshold can go.”
“Thank you very much.” He stood up and offered her his hand. She reached out and as they shook, as he bent down, he kissed her on the cheek. Before she could react, he was on stage.
“Bards, I should know better.” She whispered under her breath as she wiped her cheek.
“May I have your attention please?” Alister did not have to yell, the stage had a spell allowing those on stage to be heard by everyone in the room. One of the finer touched in an upscale pub. Alister reached for a chair and a table. Sitting, he had his food brought up on stage. “Many of you know me, I am Alister and I’m a bard. This afternoon, I have a story to tell you. The story of Lucinda, often called the Paladin of Death. I think you will find it quite fascinating, especially since it involves Obidaan, paladin of the Seers. However, I must be fair. If you are not interested in hearing this fascinating story, full of intrigue, deceit, bloodshed, love and courage, let me know, and I shall walk off this stage. Due to its nature, it must be unanimous. If anyone objects, I will leave the stage.” Not a peep was heard.
About a minute passed, while slowly Alister ate his stew and took a few sips of beer. He could see and feel the anticipations on everyone’s face. He laughed inside as he saw someone about to object and his buddy quickly slapped his hand down. He had them and he knew it! “No one?” his mouth was still full. Showtime! He swallowed and took a swig, “Very well, we will begin.”
He pulled his lute and strummed a few bars. Kicking back and putting his feet on the table, he began, “A while back, a beautiful baby was born to an elf male and human female. That baby’s name was Lucinda. She was gorgeous in every way, but her eyes were black. It was the rare condition that only appeared in half—elves. No one knows what causes it. They
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