Gibbering Gibbet
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Beyond cloud nine
Posts: 1,844
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A Newcomer
They heard his song through the open windows, long before he appeared in the doorway, beaming with good health and the open miles he had travelled:
Farewell, but whenever you welcome the hour
That awakens the night-song of mirth in your bower,
Then think of the friend who once welcom'd it too,
And forgot his own griefs to be happy with you.
His griefs may return, not a hope may remain,
Of the few that had brighten'd his pathway of pain,
But he ne'er will forget the short vision that threw,
It's enchantment around him, while ling'ring with you.
And still on that evening when pleasure fills up,
To the highest top sparkle each heart and each cup,
Where 'ere my path lies, be it gloomy or bright,
My soul, happy friends, shall be with you that night.
Shall join in your revels, your sports, and your wiles,
And return to me beaming, all o'er with your smiles.
Too, blest if it tells me that 'mid the gay cheer,
Some kind voice had murmer'd, "I wish he were here!"
Let Fate do her worst, there are relics of joy,
Bright dreams of the past, which she cannot destroy,
Which come in the night-time of sorrow and care,
And bring back the features that joy used to wear.
Long, long be my heart with such memories fill'd,
Like the vase in which roses have once been distill'd.
You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang 'round it still.
Upon the last words of the song a tall, blond man, broad shouldered and handsome, entered the Inn, smiling at the many open faces that stared at him in amazement, for as accomplished as the music had been that night his voice was as the sound of clear trumpets, and the effect of it was almost like that of Elvish music. The notes ran and flowed through the night like the living water, leaping down mountainsides, and those who hearkened to it were refreshed. At first, they were amazed to see so young a man enter, but a quick second look revealed upon his face the mark of years. He was yet hale and in the prime of life, but the blush of youth was gone from his cheeks.
He laughed at his own music and spoke loudly to those who had been singing, but not minding if others heard. “I am sorry to have interrupted your music, friends, but I cannot bear to withhold my voice from song when I hear a melody! I have been upon the road from Rohan for many days, and in all that time the only music I’ve heard has been that of birds, and what I could bring with me!” And again he laughed – an infectious sound that ran about the walls of the room. If there had been any doubt before it was now dispelled: he was indeed a man of Rohan.
Ignoring the bar and the counter he strode directly to where the musicians had been playing and stood before them, looming above the heads of the Halflings. He put his hands upon his hips and beamed at them. “I have had naught but dried meat and water for days, and I have had little precious of that! I’ve not slept in a bed for more than a month, my joints ache from long miles in the saddle, and I’m not so sure that at this moment I wouldn’t sell my mother for a cup of ale…but I can wait for all that if you will but let me join you in some music first!”
One of the Halflings, looking at the Man suspiciously, inquired if he were a musician himself. The man threw back his head and roared with laughter. “A musician, my little friend? No, indeed I am not – I am but a simple bard of Rohan. A simple bard, who has come to this land in search of new music and fresh tunes, and I would be obliged if you would teach me some!”
The same suspicious Halfling informed the Man that before they sang with him, they would appreciate knowing his name. Again he smiled and laughed, and seizing the little fellow’s hand he shook it – and the Halfling – vigorously. “My name, little friend, is Hearpwine, Bard of the Golden Hall, and the servant of King Eomer! And who,” he said, letting the halfling’s hand go, “are you all! Whom do I have the pleasure of singing with this night?”
Last edited by Fordim Hedgethistle; 03-29-2005 at 03:00 PM.
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