**Birthday Party in the Barrow** (May, 2005)

[Hookbill the Goomba]

"Hello, fellow flautist!" said Enca to the peanut-munching spirit. "Or do you say flutist? I prefer flautist, quite frankly -- it sounds fancier. Speaking of fancy, would you fancy a duet sometime tonight? Looks like we've got a miniature orchestra assembling," she said, nodding towards the piano and two spirits with a violin and viola.

Enca hoped they were in tune.

"Flautist, flutist, its all the same to me!" Replied Hookbill holding the flute to his mouth and playing a little melody to go along with the other musicians. They were just about in tune. Hookbill tended to go off on tangents during their play, improvising and making amusing noises. Enca was quite taken back by his unusual style as Hookbill did a little dance as he played. After their song, many applauded Enca's performance, but scowled at Hookbill and his unusual Flute playing.

Listening to Wilwa's song, Hookbill began to wish he could sing. It was an unreachable goal unfortunately, as his tong was transparent and his lips were see-though. He made his way over to Wilwa to congratulate her.

"Greetings," he said holding up his bottle, "Would you like some... erm..." he studied the label and thought for a moment, "Would you like some... wine? I know it looks like its been stored in a leaky cellar for fifty years and has had dead things floating in it. But I assure you it is of the finest quality."

He took out his flute and plaid a friendly tune (something along the lines of Boureé by J.S. Bach) before turning around to see people looking displeased with his performance, but all the same, they took his 'wine' and drank it merrily.