"Sharessia. Hm. Lets see what ye have for adventure these days. Bin a long time."

****

"Were it fate or fortune? No sooner had I stepped off th'boat, played me a small tune on the lute than I bumped into another who'd been away fer as long as I had and oddest thing were that it was a knight, in shinin' full plate and from Cormyr. Uncanny that. Odd how fate plays tricks on a girl. If were not fer the golden hair as 'posed to dark. I'd say she was purposely playin' nasty game on me."

"To memories. Aye, to memories, new beginnings, dreams and adventures fulfilled."

"We made a toast, there in the empty room I used to once live in. Back of cupboard was left remnants of a liquor bottle, just enough to share a tot atween in toast. Tears came to me eyes as I looked about tha room. So much shared 'ere. So many faces gone and old ones barely knowin ye anymore. The old key still worked and the place didn look like was in rent. I had a place to bunk at least, for now."

"Thank ye Arcadius. Truly. Fer makin me return easier to handle with a wee bit of company. I told him so as he left to sort his own memories out and catch up with an old comrade who had asked him back...a name I remembered from old with a good memory as opposed to others we'd jested about. I remembered still nay havin' gotten dragon ride from tha Lordy Fal heh and was gonna avoid th'one Fair-meadow we chuckled over. "

"Aye, it was a nice beginnin'. I shut door behind him and started layin' out in the room the few things I'd brought with me"

****

"I took meself off the next day to go 'xplorin, see was new wi the nearby isles, check out new buildins and heh...aye.. I visited a few old haunts where memories were strongest. The grotto was one."

"I found out tha the constructs took to th'underground on Chauntea's Hold an there be easy entrance now below Kortuga streets to dank sewers below. I brought out me rapier an song joinin' with one 'venturer name o Shane in under the Hold. Was glad fer the company at first not knowin wha to expect but wasn as hard as I thought. I just be a bit rusty."

"Best bit were stoppin at new stall in Sharessia just by one them bridges and havin a natter with tha fella Jonathon an bein offered a freebie. I tucked into a free muffin an found out tha 'pparently ye can buy toys there as well. I'll probably just stick wi a bun or a sammich th' next time. I dun know any kiddies to go buyin toys fer."

****

"Met up wi Arc in tha valley o Death roamin about wi orc an yuanti (aye, goin ta be callin him Arc on account o me thinkin him nearest to a friend I got these days in Sharessia). Th'orc wanted Bertie (tha be Bertie mark two on account of Bertie mark one snuffin it on the sea journey o'er 'ere - bloody sailors!) ta eat but soon had th'orc's snout away from me porker. Later we took same boat back and hung about talkin' an catchin up some more."

"An tha were when a wally royal guard came buttin in to try to recruit...Arc more likely tha me on account o his shiney armour....totally ignorin me an our private quiet conversation. Bloody rude...what a wally...Eric somethin or other...mentioned this also to his nobleness Lord Telron later on when I happened ta be singin song...'I'm Eric of the royal guard' aye...an I be the queen o Sembia....I now be thinkin o joinin just to show him up fer the wally he was...pfft...royal guard should ha better manners"

"We retired to more quieter place after tha, tha bein me room. Found out bit more o Arc's intentions on tha knight business which kinda piqued me interest, he said he might ha known me old knight when I told him bit about tha time..but thas old wounds, now healin' no point re openin though does make me get wistful on occasion and have ta say it, seein Arc in shiny plate do bring it back a bit"

"Th'fella has taken blow to head so cant be rememberin' all of his times here other than an old friend, Thell...aye, tha name rung a bell but dun think I ever met the fella...be askin him back from Cormyr. As we nattered o'er some simple fair an food, me havin supplied him wi old clothin rather than have him trundlin in hot plate or starkers in me appartment he brought out key with engravin of some title position. Whe'er it belongs to him, were placed in his things or stolen I ain too sure and nor be he. Best thing is tha he done promised me a wee adventure to go use it an sneak in to a new place to take a look around. I dun ever remember goin in to tha guild hall afore. Could be interestin. We swapped a bit more our tales, he be easy to talk to."

"Also made a deal. He happens to be able to cook, I happen to be able to play better en him. We goin ta trade our skills an help one ta t'other. Offered him room too an we sorted bed positionin'. He looked as lost as me on first arrivin an got me sympathetic. Bump must ha done more to him tha he realised. Be nice ta ha bit o company about th' place an he aint hard on th'eyes to look at. He got a couple o quirks, as all men do, but I think I can deal wi those, I ain quite the shy lass I was three year ago. Told him, no bringin lasses back fer rompin'..I think we understand each other an kin respect things like tha."

"Was only the next morn I realised the troubles aint all o'er an I had to get passage again to sort it an head out ta see if I could learn of more news of 'er too. Left him note and where ta find the key, stocked up on supplies fer a few days. Mebbe he'll stay, mebbe not. Kinda hopin he will."

****

"As I stood on the deck watchin Sharessia port fade ta distance I reflected wi wry grin on the oddities o fate tha brings a girl, in the space o two days, to make acquaintance wi two 'Arcs' and be settin out again on another 'ark', a vessel, leavin them potential friendships both behind soon as made."

"Life takes funny turns at times."

****

"There were just no time left to be joinin tha elf an t'other fella on some mystical ship tour. I was there fer swift drink at the Silver Dagger an ta explore potential work opportunity for the likes o me when I returned. Place were dead an borin', nah music, nah frivolities an entertainment save the tart slave who preened 'ersel front o tha elf, Rufus an his cohort Conn."

"They tried to get me ta join their mystical adventure....heh...adventure tempted but I knew tha Conn from old an two o them wi tha tart, I knew wha 'kind' o adventure they'd end up wi. Nah tha he be rememberin me. 'Did I bed ye?' he asked, I said nay, I ne'er let 'im. No insult ta either on what 'er was 'memorable' or not. He'd ha remembered well enough if t'ad 'appened cos I'd likely ha skewered his sort back en rather than t'other way roun...heh."

"Shared a drink an a natter wi that other 'Arc', nay hearin' of more work then returned ta pack me final bits, leave note fer 'Arc' one, get brief kip then head to ship. "

"Me belly be all a quiver wi nerves at whether I kin finish the last o what's needed...tie up tha last loose end so where'er she be an I, there be no more risk o them followin' an hurtin' us in revenge fer wha we did all them years ago"

****

"Killin' be killin', for what'er th'reason an' whyfers. But I be havin no regrets to be doin' this. The threat has hovered o'er our lives for these past years. I was doin' me last job as 'er protector. Ne'er let it be said I didn keep me promise. "

"I 'eard the last gargle o' breath escapin' from 'is throat an' I 'eld 'im til I felt the body slump in me arms, slid down ta ground an I pulled out tha slim blade from 'is side. Fight were not too fair. The pulse o me song had captured 'is attention, rammed into his soul an distracted, hurt...binded 'im to place so tha me rapier could end the scuffle an his life."

" 'Thas fer 'er ye bastard' I whispered after and prayed it were the last one 'o his group, tha this was th'end fer real. Were time to move on, in more ways than one"

"I heard rumour of where she'd headed but I didn follow, not three year ago and not now. Not this time. She were stronger now, had ta stand on 'er own two feet. No longer slave ta any an now, no longer to a past. "

"As where tha left me, I wasn too sure. I'd always been 'er protector, friend, aye...lover once an all. I 'ave to admit, tha left a bit o a gap in meself. One had need o' me still, made me feel o' use....would go back an see how his bump faired, if his memory was sorted then figure out where me life was gonna head then. I had time, lots o' it. Places I still 'ad ta see, plenty o adventures still left in me six-and-twenty year yet."

"I cleaned up me blade, checked o'er the area and skidaddled. No point in gettin' caught fer this crime. They'd ne'er got caught fer theirs. I made it back to the horse I'd tied up on the outskirts without any alarm raised and wi a wry grin to me face, hoisted meself up ta saddle, turned the dark mare's neck an picked up an easy canter away."

"Time to find me passage to Sharessia again."

****

" 'So Bertie...' I asked th'porker as he trotted alongside wi me on the hired mare '..ye willin to risk a bit o adventure wi me, turn yer tusks ta somethin' interestin' in that port town I showed ye?' I was rewarded wi a snort and swirl o 'is tail. Sounded like an 'aye' ta me or mebbe I was jes 'opin' it were an 'aye'"

" 'What ye reckon to me attemptin' to join tha bard guild as tha knight o Cormyr Arc suggested?' all I got tha time was another grunt. Couldn't tell if were another 'aye' or no, kinda reflected me own thinkin'. See, before I'd left some days past now, one o them thayan lasses, one o the dark skin elf persuasion when in 'er own form but also one wi a tendancy to like to change into a big bear, had offered me interestin scrolls to buy, scrolls and song magic tha I once thought many years ago I could only get from tha bard guild. 'pparently not so."

"I wasn' so much inta mass public spectacle fer me music these days as I were three year ago so tha part o joinin' bard guild wasn persuadin' me either. Guess I'd have ta see how land lay when I got back. Was also wonderin' bout tha fighters guild tha I was plannin' on sneakin' inta with Arc on me return, find out jes where tha key got us into. I mean, I was a fighter too right? Just I 'appened to whistle, hum and sing abit along side a swish o me rapier. Pretty good un an all."

"Lots to be thinkin' about as I plodded along atop tha mare at a leisurely walk, porker to me side fer bit o intelligent company an headin' for the port town where I could secure passage back."

****

Boss Marie,

Just sendin' ye this short note ta give me thanks fer the opportunity to ye and yer fella Kyle and his mates fer hearin me song out fer tha interview. I read them rules now 'pon the board an will be preparin' a few ditties an entertainments, startin' off small mind til I find me feet. Hopefully, will be suitin' yer needs and draw in some customers.

Ursa Ranor
Bard and Adventurer

"This were what I wrote to tha Marie Colt, boss lady of tha Silver Dagger Inn."

****

"Well..'ad ta 'appen sooner or later didn it? Finally crossed paths wi tha Fairmeadow..didn recognise 'im at first on account of 'im wearin' 'elm, got crushed to cold plated embrace like three year 'adn 'appened. Still, bygones be bygones right? Greg Fairfield (do reckon 'ee should change name to Fairmeadow ye know? New name might hinspire things fer 'im again, who's ta say?)...'ow could I be fergettin' tha fella who snuck me cherry all them year ago? The bugger heh. 'Ee ain changed much but 'ee still knows how to hum nicely. Caught up on a bit o 'is business and gave wee bit of me own back, jes a wee bit...I asked 'im if 'eed seen Arc or Lam about at all...but 'ee 'adn..we parted then as I 'ad ta get off to Kortuga...which he dun warn me 'bout as if I was gonna be locked in collar soon as I stepped foot to board walk there...heh...like I cant take cares o mesel."

"Caught boat o'er the sea an got to the Silver Dagger en as after agreein' to their exclusivity 'rrangement I didn want ta be spendin' too long in th'Tappers an I really needed to suss out tha patronage o tha Kortuga Inn, get feel fer its kind sose to know the kinda ditties an entertainments tha might go down well...'opin' they dun jes want baudy material."

"Was in the Dagger I saw a few drunken sorts heh, tha Rufus elf an his friends Kara an Eevee...now Eevee did ting a bell fer me...I still 'ad me pink 'at somewheres from when we once tried ta set up group in th'Squid wi a wee funny gnome name o Kolby. 'pparently, Eevee still 'as 'er pink 'at in storage an all. But...she work now fer tha March an...I now fer th'Dagger soooo....will see."

"Them three buggered off to go hunt a bunny o doom an left me with th'other quieter fella at the bar name o Karner an I 'ad me a nice chat wi 'im. Found out 'ee was a teacher an researcher, which was kinda odd, seein' as 'ee was one o them muscley types. Usually thems be more fittin' to be bouncer or body guard or warriorin'. Were a pleasant conversation ne'ertheless an' gave to 'im also a wee bit of me own tale, if only ta tempt him back to th'Silver Dagger fer more company an ta hear more o me tale again another time...purely fer business an th'interests o the Inn o course!."

"Things bin a bit on quiet side as I bin sortin' some material out, bumblin' 'ere an there wi no real drive."

"Only thing of note were one time in th'Silver Dagger. It were a quiet Inn, I was as usual strummin' and practisin' by the fire when somethin 'appened that needed me ta stand up fer one o the girls when a patron got rude wi 'er treatin' 'er like whore, nah, worse an whore. She be slave thats workin' fer the boss lady Marie but tha dun mean to say she needs to take tha rudeness..that goes wi 'er... erhm...job. If he'd wanted tha suckin' he could have asked 'er more politely an be better mannered 'bout it."

"So I stood up fer er and got feisty with tha tiefer to feck off an' go an pay an play at the Forced March if he took tha kinda attitude wi the girls 'ere. Tis a decent place this...an' I'll help keep it tha way."

"Seems me services at times in the Inn might not be jes required fer bard but fer bouncer as well."

"Were a more eventful day on many accounts...aye an I got me a bit o adventure more en I or them others wi me could 'andle to be honest."

"So what I get up to? I got me a gift off o tha fella Kyle, I bumped into a peculiar relationship that 'ad me fascinated which led to me bein' 'anded o'er a slave boy's chains so I could be takin' up some o his teachin'...oh! an' I fought a dragon. Then ta cap it all, caught sight of an 'andsome face of an Ark again but was me poor fortune not to 'ave more time to do much catchin' up there cos the boat were leavin' back to Sharessia. Next time mebbe."

"So, first off en. I bumped into a lady patron an' tha 'ssistant manager Kyle in the Dagger, tha woman were tanked up on brandy and 'ad odd accent to 'er common but were friendly enough, Kyle spoke of 'er as one o the Dagger's 'favoured customers' so I took careful note an' made to be nice like. I'd seen 'er 'bout the place afore but hadn' 'ppreciated 'er name. Kyle did th'honours o introducin' me to the woman, Szlera. Then a lad joined an' promptly came in, knelt an' kissed 'er boot! Natural assumption be tha 'ee was 'er slave lad an' I wasn proved wrong. Couldn' keep me eyes off. Were curious relationship tha one...so aye, I watched their doin's. She pattin' 'is 'ead, he oft times blushin' an lettin' 'er put 'er boot to his face in strange caress. Mos peculiar. I ain seen many a male slave afore an not this subservient. But I could see she were tough bitch-type, though 'ee didn seem in poor health or nuthin', jus always blushin'...young I guess. Got me a thinkin' though the more I watched them together."

"Anyways...I was sortin' through me piles o scrolls o magic an bard music an' durin' this, Kyle were kind ta give me gift o more. Were pleasin' to get but me bags be in bit o a mess that the gift jus added to the problems. Fer three years now I've 'ad ta oranise meself wi'out Lam to help an' bugger it if I still aint any better at it. When Kyle talked too o his poor skill in kitchen an cookin', that the Dagger ferbids 'im ta do it in kitchens an' o 'is old mercenary nickname o 'one-pot'....I kinda sympathised, cos I were no better. Still, were a right genrous gift all the same an' as luck would ha had it, Saj came runnin' into Inn then, out o breath an' puffin' like chimney talkin' o a dragon up in the Valley...per'aps I'd get to apply some o them scrolls there an then on a wee adventure!."

"An feck me! It were more adventure than the group o us could 'andle thas fer sure. Bloody massive it were. We armoured up, Szlera loosened tha slave-lad's chains to strap on his gear an all, an the five o us raced up the hill to enter the valley proper. HUGE bugger of an adamantine royal dragon faced us (I'd brought Bertie in an all, walloppin' his butt to keep up, he gets lazy if I dun get him out an about)...Szlera an' me to front chimin' an singin', the lads to back shootin' off bows, e'en tha slave boy (found out he 'did' 'ave name but tha Szlera had plum fergot it - 'Dax') did 'is bit. "

"Well, we did what we could ta keep it at bay but I got squished under foot, me nose pressed to muddy ground, Bertie squealin' an runnin' off, Szlera were tossed an' torn apart, thrown aside like a wee rag doll in the hands of an angry teenager girl tha has 'er monthly curses. The lads faired no better. How we dragged our sorry asses back out I dun know..but I reckon the celestials 'ad 'and in it, fer I found meself back with em wakin' up 'pon the boardwalks o Kortuga. Kyle spoke o setting up tha Watch to keep the dragon out o the town an were tryin' to delegate then to Saj or San hah!"

"Bruises tended, pride hurt a bit, Kyle and Saj 'eaded off an' thas when Szlera gave me leash o the Dax-slave-lad to do some teachin' as she was gonna retire her head to pillow. We 'ad beginnin's of friendly chat, I foun bit about how 'ee became slave an' I began to work me fingers into 'is cheeks to work them muscles a wee bit. The poor lad don' look like 'ee 'ad much ta grin 'bout an I be figurin' to change tha. I'd asked Szlera if it were allowed tha 'er slave can be grinnin', she said were not in 'is contract but I tole 'er there be no reason why it can't be written in. So me fingers manipulated them young fleshy cheeks, rusty they were an' ne'er used to grin or smile an' tole him to practise a bit, showed him a wide beamin' grin o me own to see what can be like. I'm gonna hunt out afew me mos funniest bawdy ditties to see what might hinspire 'im to a natural grin. S'all very well me proddin' an' pokin' them cheeks o 'is, but 'ee 'as to do it fer himself....want an' do it spontaneously like."

"Slavery. I long since realised tha the likes o me can't be changin' the ways of this hinstitution in Sharessia an' certainly not in Kortuga. Tha be a pipe dream. Taint me place. But...an' here be the thing...there aint no one to say tha I can't 'try' to make the lot o thems I meet and deal wi a happier one right? Mebbe wi permission o their owners ...an' maybe not e'en then heh...if I can do it on the quiet. Meetin' an seein' Dax an' his mistress Szlera got me a thinkin'...I sorely miss the help o another 'bout the place since Lam an' me parted..she helped me so much fer so many year e'er since child'ood but...were necessary, aye...she 'ad to learn to stand on 'er own feet fer one reason,... there were other reasons, deeper ones concernin' me 'eart an emotions.... but tha was an important one...an'....aye..guess I did too. I were so used ta needin' to look after 'er ta give me purpose. I learned to be independent o tha need to protect but...well...I 'ave to admit its hard! Three year on 'one-pot' livin' an messy bags an' gear....well...I 'ad to learn to deal. A clean cut were the only way to sort tha ole mess out back then. I know I did the right thing...I 'ope I did the right thing."

"Per'aps Szlera will let me 'ave the Dax-slave-lad to borrow fer wee bit to work on, bit o 'grin' teachin' in exchange fer wee bit o homely 'elp. Will 'ave to be askin'. Tha will sort the physical out fer a bit, dunno 'bout the emotion-side. Kinda lost hope on tha one, mebbe I be settin' me standards a might too 'igh...again....me own fault fer wishful dreamin' o somethin' lost long ago tha the 'eart still yearns fer. But fer now I just focus on makin' some new friends 'bout the place, focus on me work and music an all....while I'm 'ere."

"Okay, I puts me foot in it. Nah..I puts me boot in it and me cheeks rosed up and I got awkward when I saw the elf slave Ven get all het up 'bout the fact I found an 'air in me ale. I jested t'wer from the 'rat'. He were worried tha he'd not done 'is job proper like. Feck...were me fault fer e'en mentionin' rats, teasin' tha the place be hinfested when t'other elf Saj were still in reverie, got 'is ear licked wet by Ven as tease an' 'pon 'is wakin' I told a porker tha it were rat jumpin' up an lickin' the ear. Were no rats in tha place at all! Were jes a loose 'air in me ale....nowt to go buzzin' an' worryin' about. Shyte...now I feel bad. I didn' want to be causin' tha sweet elf slave Ven any trouble."

"'eard 'ee were gonna be up fer sale an'...ah feck..I e'en considered buyin' the fella...what am I about? A sweet fancy elf fella with pink trews aint really wha I were lookin' fer...must be feelin' desperate. 'Sides, me abode be in Sharessia, an' 'ee be Kortugan property...an' then there be the whole business about slavery which I still ain settled me conscience 'pon. Best not rush into anythin'..'sides...I aint started earnin' yet an' the gold I 'ave is decent but won't last unless I start earnin' an' toppin' it up. Can't be affordin' a slave really. Things will just 'ave to stay messy. Tha Arc I offered to share me place wi didn stick aroun' so tha deal's off...bit sad about that..I mean..'ee were a knight of Cormyr! Fate shytes on me again...ne'er should be trustin'a knight anyway...wha were I thinkin?."

"But that eve, by the Silver Dagger fire, I got to realisin' that there be much I need to get me 'ead aroun'. So many questions as to 'ow things work aroun' the place an' no opportunity yet to ask em but it were not time for a thousan' questions. I sung the start of a wee ditty but saw them fellas wrapped up in their camaraderie an' teasin' all friendly an' knowin' each other ...an'.... I faded the song. Weren't the time to be takin' stage. I listened, learned a bit, enjoyed a bit, joined in a bit and....envied. Would be nice to be one o the 'lads', girl though I be, but...takes time to get close like tha...were nice to see..kinda left me a bit melancholy though I didn show it to em....jes headed back alone to get the boat to Sharessia fer some k

"I dunno who were blushin' more...but at least I got me 'partment cleaned a bit, fresh sheets, kitchenette cleared o dirties an' 'ee is gonna be doin' me laundry."

"Szlera lent me Dax-the-slave-lad services fer couple hours a week, sorely needed. I kin afford tha much."

"As fer rest were inferred an' offered, from 'is mistress no less.....shyte. Caught me on the 'op a bit."

"I told 'im wha I needed. Les jes leave it at tha an' see wha 'appens."

"He's awful young. "

"Here was a day of new adventures an a furtherance of a buddin' friendship. I'm taken ta thinkin' I should jot em down, ones taken an ones to come, ones made and ones owed sose I dun be fergettin' the details nor fergettin' to chivvy others an remind em that they owe me or I they."

Ursa's Book of Adventures Made: -Cave xplorin wi Karner to see an battle a pirate Captain Blackbeard an his cohorts -Played a game o skim-stones wi Xander - I won 7 skims to his paltry 5! -Won a picnic on the Forced March rooftop wi Xander - what a view! an the company were no bad either -Won a favour from Szlera who also bet on me skim-stone game Owed: -Szlera's favour - I asked er to speak to Dax regardin his refusal to sit on furniture -Xander's adventure addendum - to take me on tour of the Forced March buildin - I aint never bin inside

"I be likely in dog 'ouse wi the boss lady Marie on account o whisperin' a personal question to the pair at each side o me as we took shelter from the rain. I'd invited 'er wi pat of me 'and to snake statue ledge to come sit an take respite under the arches o the Forced March buildin' but twer too late..she'd already taken umbrage on excludin' 'er from me soft whisper. T'others said not to be worryin', tha she be like tha. Kinda...tough cow thing, bein boss an all. Jes were not somethin' ye'd be blurtin' out to all in th'street an' 'er ears didn catch it, weren't intended exclusion. oops."

"I'd found pamplett o the March's services tha gave me question as to their 'lighter' offerin's an were told they does e'erythin from relaxin' massage to the kinkiest thing I could be imaginin'...so I guess tha be a toe suck en...or mebbe a wearin' some gaudy itsy bitsy piece o leather wear...I dunno. And why were I askin at all? Me, Ursa-the-Modest who's spurned tha sort a thing three year ago wi'out backward glance askin' o'er the services o a glorified brothel?"

"So I told em o me needs an' me fussiness...an' they didn laugh...too much...fact is, I e'en got offered two fer free cos we was standin' outside the March, tha be outside jurisdiction 'parently so the employees didn 'ave to charge. I actually 'ad 'ad two since returnin' to these lands. Me first one 'ad bin wi'out me say so. Me second one, nice tho it 'ad been, we're o'er before it began, no lingerin'...an' as were only buddin' friendship, weren't time to press fer more."

"I were asked what I were lookin' fer wi me needs so I said tha 'I be preferrin' fella, an not wi bearin' either of three names, tha I gotta half fancy em first...or be on good friendly terms...an trust em enough not to go too far if I dun want to'. The one employee satisfied the first, the other nearly the second...as fer third...well we was in public thoroughfare so.. I weren't too worried about the trust thing. They felt like genuine offers. I tossed coin ta see who would go first. It came up 'eads, so the tailed one were to go second."

"Ooh but I were stiff as a door, despite smellin' the scent o man again to me nostrils, the warm touch o strong 'ands to me back an' the smooth, calmin' words an' voice, teasin' me senses, temptin' me ta relax ta it..ta trust in an angel's defense. Me fists were clenched up near all the way through an' only barely flattened when tha last 'ad me both curious an startled an I thought twere best to stop. I saw no wings an' were told they was hinvisible...no wait..jes tha I couldn see em....hah..biggest porker I 'eard tha day..teasin' me jes as me defenses were comin' down. So aye, I stepped back awkwardly after another moment an ended it."

"I continued tho with tha second, soldierin' on. The feel o colder skin wakened me up a bit from the minor befuddlement of the first, the slighty scaley touch o soft skin an' feel o breasts nudgin' to me own were very different, not tha comfortin' really an' certainly not that cuddly. S'not the sorta thing one can relax to....except...an' here's the thing...tha cold breathy whisper close ta me ear, slitherin' down me neck made me knees go weak. The words mebbe lost somethin in translation but were enough to tease me bard'ood an I whispered back 'Fer a snake lass...ye can be oddly charmin' in yer poetry'"

"I were told from tha second tha the Kingdom be under a curse....one that crawls into yer knickers and leaves a wet stain...an'I dun think she means the monthly one...being snake lass an all...hmm...I dunno 'ow strong me resistances to curses be. What I does know...is tha this little hexperiment gave me lots to mull o'er. Things aint black an white as I first thought. I resolved to hexperiment later wi the slave lad, if 'ee were willin'."

"Seems me accent strikes chord an' familiarity o a far far place to the wingless angel. I 'eard o' that place, but I weren no Cagelin'. I gave 'im bit o' reassurance by tellin' 'im truth tha I were brought up closer to Baldur's Gate en through some portal to tha city where devils an' demons sit at same table drinkin' wi celestials and gods powers be 'xpressly ferbidden by the Lady, or so rumours do say. "

"'Ee seemed satisfied wi tha. I 'eard tell o' 'is lost legacy but didn dwell on tha sadness 'ee mus feel, 'ee didn wan me pity... an seemed ee were contented to make name fer hisself in the Kingdom. As fer meself, 'ow would I want to be remembered? I laughed and told him tha I'd 'ave fer epitaph...

'Ursa, bard extraordinaire: she 'ugged, she loved, she laughed, she 'ad loads o' adventures'"

"It surely puts me own troubles in perspective when I realise tha the situation of the lad be far an' wide alot 'arsher than me own minor 'ankerin's, dreamin's an' woes...an mebbe thas a good thing...it dun pay to wallow."

"I dun think I e'er met a gentler sensitive soul afore an' it did tear somethin' at the 'eart ta feel the wetness to me neck, taste them salty tears 'pon the lad's lips. Twer me then who cradled t'other to comfort, rockin' gently like a mother to 'er child, givin' a hummin' croon...feelin' that protective spirit come to th'fore again."

"No fire's were lit 'ere an' I doubt they e'er would, but aye....somethin' did tug. Pity? Mebbe, but who but the 'ardest 'eart wouldn feel pity fer this wretch. Wi nowt but a stammer an' a plea to 'is eyes, 'ee foun' me softer side."

"The hexperiment were o'er an' it 'elped ta sort me 'ead out a wee bit more when through stumblin' and fumblin' words, I realised 'is needs be more an' me own...alot more...by 'elpin' im...I'd likely as not...be 'elpin meself....thought crossed me mind tha it would be a case o'the blind leadin' the blind."

"Dreams an' curses, dreams an' curses..."

"I dreamt o' a golden knight, powerful an' holy, his hair shinin' gold in the firelight o' tha golden room. He took me to 'is strong arms, rose o'er me on tha bed o' gold, pressin' broad chest to me bosom, legs entwined wi mine an' 'ee made me 'eart an' me body soar...."

"Which were then interrupted by a boogey man, a great 'ulkin' greenskinned figure wi tusks, huge an' I mean HUGE torso an' shoulder who picked me up, dun gave me an 'ug an' in sight of an' 'ooded lady in red, en popped me o'er 'is shoulder like a sack o' spuds. 'Ee laid me down to soft bed and proceeded ta swipe off me breeches, boots an' belt. Me 'and lightly made motion ta bat 'im away, yet me senses were taken wi pair o large golden eyes...golden...an me ears enjoyed the soun' o' deep baritone voice..."

"Dream moved on ta see a thin form, sittin' perched uncomfortable to a chair, 'oldin' an' spoonin' to a bowl o' food, I saw me own arms move to wrap the form, ta bring the skin an' bones o' 'is frame back to an 'ug to me bosom, cradlin' it gently, motherin' it, bowl an' all..an saw golden tears formin' to the wretches eyes. Behind me, an angel stood wi wings outspread standin' next to a large serpent, whose tail slithered an' curled me ankles, both wing and tail seemed 'bout to enfold us both, an' I caught sight o' grey steely calmin' eyes, an' 'eard peculiar soft sssingin'..."

"It ended with tha gold glow, warm and wonderous, feelin' o warmth an' comfort I ne'er did feel in so long, wi a wetness 'tween me legs an' a joyous ache to me limbs..."

"Aye, th' curse 'ad foun' me an' left me wi a furry tongue and thick 'ead."

"I bin walkin' roun in a bit o a daze the mornin' after tha night, glowin' e'en, but mos folks didn see it, which is good...cos I were tryin' ta 'ide it. On bumpin' inta the Lordy Fal in Sharessia fer brief natter on subject o becomin' bouncer at his business...well...'ee picked up on somethin' an' asked if I were in love....heh...'roun' 'ere?' I said, chance be fine thing...I aint seen no golden knights save whas in me own figment o' imagination. But I do love, still love....in other ways. Tha will ne'er change...but to love someone ye also 'ave ta do whas right by em doncha? So I let 'er go. She be as free as I can make it fer 'er now. But it dun stop the worryin' to know if she's safe. I've asked aroun a fair bit...but nothin'..no one's seen 'er in three year either..I wonder if she e'er foun way to get tha soddin' collar off?."

"I need to see tha golden eyed orc again an' thank 'im, properly."

*****

Ursa's Book of Adventures Made: -Szlera's favour - Dax is now sittin' to me furniture, bare bummed it might be but tis progress. -Xander's adventure addendum - I had me tour of the Forced March buildin, an more - a private viewin of his appartment. Tis plush an lush. -Mining with Dax - borrowed one o his pickaxes an had me a go at gettin gem from ore. Found an Amethyst! Owed: - Helpin Dax with his first times. Twill be adventure fer me an all. Ones to come: -Tour of Tombs - some greenhaired sunbathin girl in Sharessia gives tours of tombs fer fair price of 100 crowns, touree to take pickin's of all the chests an stuff, girl would sort all the traps an locks. Sounded interestin. Resolved to find her again sometime an take a trip. -Adventure to hell's darkness. (Can't believe I'm actually listin this down but it stays on fer now) -Szlera's favour - I want to win another. This one's gonna be harder ta get her to agree to. Need to be top of me game ta work this one.

"I probed an' I quizzed, I pushed an' I puzzled...an' I still aint reconciled...on askin' now fer tha second one offered. I vowed ta be askin' the 'wingless 'ells angel' more on th'aspect o' love. Me probin' 'ad him finally askin' back why it mattered ta me...so I told him...truthfully...an 'onesty tha were 'ppreciated jes as much as it were 'ppreciated back, e'en tho I didn like all the answers... I 'eard em an' knew em fer the truth this time...makin' the full connection now 'tween temple an' 'im, e'en tho I barely 'eard o' 'is sposed infamy."

"I challenged, eye ta eye, darin' to find weak spot..tha would settle me wild thoughts...I tested 'im, askin' fer truth on dream an ambition....suggestin' it ta be 'An 'arem full o' submissives an ta be the boss o' the mos glorious brothel in Kingdom'....ta get different answer..."

"'Ee asked me if the old Ursa would ha taken such value in wha was bein' offered as the new one I were now...three year ago I'd ha likely mouthed off at 'im fer 'is beliefs and stomped all o'er 'is job wi curses...now I'd mellowed a bit....I know there be alot I can't change in the lands...an I jes 'ave to do whas right fer me, fer me own needs an them o' me buddin' new friends."

"An' maybe I 'eard slight chink an' crack at end o' our conversation....after I owned up ta a sham o' mine...but maybe I didn...did the honesty sway me to linger nay more at the March? Nah...still 'ad ta shelter from rain on me way ta th'Dagger didn I? I enjoyed our conversation e'en if the likes o 'im will ne'er need the likes o me...s'th' way o' it."

"I left the Kingdom fer many reasons, not likin' the falsity an' complexity o' a love triangle bein' one...only ta find meself now, 'tween a devil, a snake lass an' a slave lad...lucky fer me I'd also found a small haven o' gold ta turn ta too....an' tha were jes the start o' it."

"I saw a lass..ehrm...lad...as I were conversin' wi a friend wi pretty much all bare on display, there...in street..nothin tha unusual mebbe. But it be a first, if tha not be quite th'adventure I would like ta 'ave while sharin' pleasant thoughts sat ta bench, mullin' o'er a few things when...swish, slap, flop...a willy wi a pair o' bosoms ta top were right afore me. Dun know wha ta call a lass wi willy....an it weren't a falsie like Lam once showed ta me an' magicked 'pon me by surprise either."

"Wha were unusual, was tha... on feelin' me eyes 'pon 'er..or is it...'im.?.., tho they didn linger too much when rose swooped me cheeks an' me breath instant turned ta sayin' 'put it away' ...she went pouff ta shadows...an 'er voice speakin' o 'er path ta enlightenment by the exposin' ta see 'ow world related to 'er an 'er to it....souns right daft ta me."

"Question fer me be...if I 'ad slipped to shadow an all...would I still ha seen 'er? One more puzzle ta be mullin o'er...I be no hexpert in shadow shiftin'...jes made first bond afore arrivin' back...still gettin' used ta it...but can ye share the same shadow? Mebbe only if were wished an wanted..allowin yer bond an pact ta mingle...needless ta say...didn want ta see the bollocked lass again so exposed either in daylight or shadow."

"An tha brings me on ta seein' Dax workin' in the nuddy in them mines...but thas fer another time ta ponder on."

"Some people think they kin take liberties wi'out askin'. Jes cos one lass dun mind a cuddle dun mean tha next will. I'm talkin' 'bout tha ass'ole Conn, mad mage wearin' wha looked like purple an' green silk jammies, prancin' around ta cuddle tha lady Kara then turnin' ta me as if 'ee 'ad any right. 'Feck off!' I says, an 'ee proceeds ta tickle me chin which I batted away. We ain ne'er 'ad relations, I told 'im, lyin' sod, suggestin' otherwise ta group outside th'March. I dun 'ave birthmark where he said."

"Some wizard prank were bein' played an' the boardwalk started sproutin' growths. While wee Ven were screamin' o' Shar, Kara jes dealt wi it easily by settin' some song magic to it....it worked. I 'elped ta remove them growths wi me own cacaphony."

"Earlier Ven 'ad taken me ta a few 'idey spots around Kortuga, two paths I'd ne'er seen nor walked...tha were fun. Seems Ven also likes ta get away quiet on occasion. But one spot were too cramped fer me tallness tho Ven's small size fit nicely. I foun out somethin' peculiar 'bout 'im. Tis the complete opposite an yet the same as tha girl I saw t'other day wi bumps an danglies, jes Ven were wi'out both yet ...same in nature..s'wats called an 'erm, 'parently. Least I got name ta be callin' it now. Can't get me 'ead roun it...whe'er I should call 'im..er..'er...lad or lassie...best jes say 'Ven' I reckon."

"There were afew came up as I were standin' under the March statue bumps, shelterin' sortin' their memberships out wi Kara, one bein' Philip, boss o'' the bard guild in Sharessia. Pleasant fella fer a drow (but then wee Ven is sweet too) an I tooks opportunity ta bellow a ditty out in 'is presence....ne'er know when a bit o' showin' off o' me talent might come in 'andy. Ne'er joined up last time I were in the Kingdom...think it went down well, mos o' them laughed at th'amusin' song....save Szlera, she dun show much laughin' emotion, but then she were on duty."

"I got ta ask 'er fer drink...suggested another game fer favour...heh...she were more cautious this time on knowin' stakes afore playin'...she be wisin' up...asked me if I were gonna be askin' fer freein' 'er lad from collar, I could think again...but I aint tha dumb. I'm gonna sort out if the Silver Dagger got some interestin' brew or spirit fer special customers tha I kin get me 'and on...will check with tha boss lady or Kyle mebbe...see if I can tempt tha snakegirl ta things...she likes 'er drink."

"On the quiet an' on me own, I wandered streets o' Kortuga and stopped inta a couple o places outta curiosity....one bein' the slave pens, t'other tha temple. I paused in both....didn see neither o' them in either o' them. I peered at tha racks an 'angin' post, the 'undreds o' 'beds'...an I say tha term lightly...an' in temple...I stared at tha altar...an pondered on things...me 'eart 'eavy in both places."

Ursa's Book of Poetry There once were a tailed lass bearin' scale Whose cold 'earted breath did prevail Ta tease down me neck Me mind sayin' 'feck' An' tha were only beginnin' o' th'tale. Tha bare bottomed slave lad named Dax Took it 'pon meself ta get 'im ta relax Ta sit to a chair, Owners permission be there, Progress by small steps an' wee cracks. An angel's defense from an 'ug, Were given an left me agog, Ta return wantin' more Devil knows whas in store Ta persue tha 'venture I know I be 'mug'. A night spent in glorious drunk passion, Not knight but twer gold after fashion, Left me wi curse But could ha bin worse I 'ope I now dun 'ave ta ration.

"I got paid a pouch o' crowns fer me trouble. Dun it fer me amusement really, ta impress tha bard boss...not fer coin...an'...I 'esitated ta take it at beginnin'...cos it were bein' paid by a March employee on duty when I wasn e'en singin' on Dagger soil. Be tha contrary to me hexclusivity 'rrangment? Either ways, I told the lot 'o em ta keep their lips tight on subject an I swiped tha pouch...tha coin will 'elp me keep strings to me lute, food to me table an' an 'elper 'roun me place."

"I must try ta stroll on further and 'ang outside tha Inn more...or inside, cos tha fire place is cosy....mebbe try ta catch tha long 'aired Ark again fer 'nother drink an natter in them armchairs. T'other night I foun that one room up top e'en had a wee one an all....not as big as tha grand one in Xander's place...but better an jes me wee stove in me 'partment...there be someat 'bout a nice open fire tha draws."

"A knight...a paladin knight...o' the mornin' lord too...sittin' there....afore me...tho nay from Cormyr....but still....durin' the initial conversation...I felt tha the shinin' gold 'alo one expects from such...'ad somewhat lost its lustre...a little too easy ta thinkin' I be more than bard ta an Inn, but another kind o' entertainer mebbe altogether..a friendly elbow nudge, led ta returned tickle ta belly, there were also a suggestive offer ta sit ta lap...an I thought tha 'alo well an' truly tarnished..."

"Yet...I pursued...remained...an' talked...ta see 'im finally rally again....enough ta agree to keep eye out fer Lamna, ask around...so I picked 'is 'alo up off the floor...an' gave it back to 'im wi one o' me most genuine smiles. "

"I guess I can't blame the fella from mistaking me interest fer a come on..when I go about beltin' out bawdy ditties about girls preferin' cucumbers ta men..."

"In Sharessia earlier I bought muffin off tha bun man Johnathon an promoted me songs wi that same ditty, shorter version, an encouraged the crowd ta the Silver Dagger ta 'ear me play more. I met wi a slave lad, Holan an after some small talk...I refused his suggestion fer me ta take 'im as slave...but 'ee agreed ta 'elp me wi findin' out some infermation fer some trainin' I want ta do on the quiet...will see wha 'ee comes up wi. Another girl, wi long red 'air asked if I would give private show...but I think she jes wanted in me knickers."

"On bright side o' the day, I got paid. The boss lady Marie gave me pouch o' gold fer me efforts so far. Nah event yet, but I be workin' up ta it an' she said she'd 'elp me wi advertisin' when I be ready. Fer now, I'll tinker and twiddle 'ere an' there on quieter scale...s'more me cup o' tea than any grand public affair...tis few who want ta listen...an' I mean really listen to other than a few bawdies and rowdies ta sing-a-long ta...I'll save me ballads and ones wi feelin' fer thems tha appreciate it...else the patrons an publicum will jes think me a dirge an skald."

"The day slowly got lower an' lower..an' I can't put me finger on the why o' it. Between a few wee adventures, playin' fer a few patrons a little flute music at the Inn, I stopped once or twice from the rain ta take a rest ta snake ledge, 'ave a wee natter wi Szlera an' meetin' new face bein' tha tiefer lass Nellie. Dax were wi Szlera, kneelin', kissin' boots again...an' under 'er thumb so I didn butt in tho asked permission ta be greetin' an' ta receive proper greetin' back..ne'er know wi slave owners 'ow fussy they be...'ave ta be careful still tho I consider Dax a friend as bes a girl can be friends wi a kortugan slave o' the pens. I o'er'eard some conversation 'tween the two lassies on the subject o' tha March manager tha got me a thinkin'..then were findin' out about tha tiefer lass an' 'er 'ome an' folks....a few things settled ta place in me 'ead a bit more listenin' to 'er."

"I saw tha orc again an' after checkin' 'ee was the right one (cos they all looks alike ta me), I made sure I thanked 'im proper now when sober. I shook 'is great paw an told 'im if there were e'er anythin' I could do fer 'im, jes ta 'oller me name Ursa. Didn linger mind...'ee 'ad business in th'Inn."

"Me mood were rapidly doin' downturn when I turned ta return ta natter wi Xander an' Dax ta see the latter scootin' down sewers back ta them pens. Jes breaks me 'eart....an' tha were stone tha broke th'camels back tha evenin'...as I left Xander ta follow...selfish, utter selfish....dangerous an all fer 'im...tho I used me hummin' an' magic ta still the poor souls lying ta their cots an' bunks, keepin' em in a dozin' quiet slumber, placin' a swathe o' invisibility o'er tha pair o' us...ta take selfish refuge in them pathetic excuses fer arms 'bout me, clasped tha pale 'ead ta me bosom in a much needed 'ug, I couldn contain the blubberin' o' me 'eavy 'eart".

"There be a ladder an' peckin' order 'ere. Thems tha 'ave an thems tha dun 'ave. Them's tha be free, thems tha aint. Thems tha dominate an thems tha serve. Thems tha care, an thems tha care less. Less ye strong o' mind an 'eart...few can cope wi tha pains an pleasures o Kortuga...I jes be one o' a number findin' me way. The 'aven tha is Sharessia be a doddle in comparison."

"Feck tha soddin' March fer playin' wi pain! Tha devils tha meet it out fer thems tha feckin wish it, desire it...ta know it....jes soddin' go below an' yer feckin' 'eart be torn asunder!...ye feckin' sods an' pain seekers! Tha be pain....nay tearin' o' flesh, nay flayin' ta skin, nay lashin' ta back, nay boot ta face....but a wrenchin' o' somethin more precious. But there, there be strength there an all...resilience, e'en where will be lost...gives a girl perspective. "

"An mebbe thas why I forced meself down there...an why them tears did fall. Tis reminder tha me own lot is a good one...jes got ta 'arden tha 'eart a bit an keep blubbin' under control, nay let me depressives find purchase 'pon me soul...fer there be nay god fer me ta relieve a burden, nay person but meself ta find me way out o' adventurin' in dark mazes, nay gold at end o' rainbow...nay golden knight ta.....jes nay."

"Okay. Time ta lighten up. I be resolved. Melancholies dun get me anywheres. Nay more mopin'. Nay more swearin' (anger an upset tends ta get me cursin' more o' late than I e'er used ta). There were festival o' passion in Sharessia tha day an were no more en an orgy o' flesh. Part o' me were curious ta see a pile o' writhin' bodies messin' aroun' as were once described by Szlera 'ticularly if a drunken stouted dwarf were ta come out from under tha pile o' orgifyin' mass cos tha would all either make me blush ta me dark roots or jes make me laugh, tha dwarf would do latter wi'out doubt. An' by golly I need a laugh."

"Didn end up goin ta tha festival. I o'er'eard tha Kara talkin' 'bout it an...ugh..I wimped out o' the sight. Brave Urs, the adventurer, no darin' ta go see an orgy o' passion. Well...tis best, I'll save me passion fer private moments an I dun want ta really see others lest tis on face o' some 'andsome fella enjoyin' hisself wi me."

"So I took ta tossin' stones in sea o'er at Kortuga, sittin' outside th'Dagger. Were a warm day an didn feel like sittin' inside an' I be slowly gettin' used ta the light rain...or mebbe were on account o' the fact me 'ead were deep in song as I skimmed an' tossed pebble, tha I minded it less. Tha guv Sann, sweetheart an' husband I think 'ee is o' the boss lady Marie, strolled by an' asked if 'ee wanted a song. Twer no rude one this time, but a sweet un o' wishes an' dreams o' a man (or could ha been girl) fer his girl. Not sure he really wanted tha sort, askin' if I knew o' another...but thas wha 'ee got, cos were in me 'ead."

"I got ta tossin' more pebble afore when Dax came by awonderin' why I was doin' it at all...some I skimmed, some I jes tossed mindlessly fer single plop. I ne'er thought o' the whys too much afore...mostly, cos it 'elps me think. Secondly, cos there be fun game ta be played o' the tossin'. There also be an interestin' art ta it tha kin get competitive wi the right people...tis simple form o' fun. So I tried ta teach 'im tha basics o' true skimmin' wi words then a wee bit o' arm guidance....cos 'is own jes kept ploppin' down on one go. But were tha guv, Sann, who by good manly demonstration an' neat flick o' wrist action tha did the job, showed Dax neatly 'ow tis done so tha ee could copy....an' lo an' be'old...four skims! I were delighted ta see the lad enjoyin' an' 'avin' a go at this simple fun."

"This were somethin' 'ee likely as not ne'er 'ad 'pon growing up...where as kids, were somethin' me da taught me an' the village children would play as second nature....mind....Lam were ne'er too good at it...but ye dun need ta be...ye kin still enjoy the simple pleasure o' a skim game wi'out being hexpert....kin easily beat the lusty pleasures o' watchin' a mindless passion orgy nay? Mebbe I be alone in tha thinkin' heh...but it works fer me."

"The last two days, I found out a few pieces o' infermation an' did a wee bit o' socialisin' not ta mention some negotiatin' on wha 'as potential ta be one o' the biggest adventures o' me life thus far."

"Infermation wise, I learned tha bugger wee elfie Ruf do originally come from Cormyr. Sods law aint it? But reckon do I tha if 'ee said 'originally', given tha 'ee be elf an' they always be ancient in years, tha tis way way afore the time I'm interested...tha an the fact no way is tha bugger a knight...so tis moot...kin let it pass....jes 'ad me wee bit surprised when 'ee dun first told me."

"I 'ad 'im an' Xander back ta see th'partment cos they were curious, kinda...return o' niceties fer Xander on account o' me gettin' peek at his pad. I managed ta rustle up two bottles o' ale an tho' Dax 'ad recent been in and made the place clean enough ta entertain, I didn 'ave much in in the way ta offer as refreshment."

"Talk were interestin'. I learned tha the March is gonna be gettin' a refurbishment an' where tha Ruf usually 'angs out fer his reverie. Not only tha, Ruf offered me some o' 'is personal paintin's ta put ta me bare walls. Were a generous offer. Didn know 'ee were artist..so will wait ta see some o' those sketchin's o' 'is soon. I think I be mellowin' bit more ta tha bugger now. Xander seemed ta place trust in 'im....bit o' an idiot but...amusin' enough. It were nice ta 'ave a wee bit o' company 'round me place, e'en is."

"Were left wi Xander ta natter to fer a bit longer when Ruf 'hit the ole dusty trail' ta put it inta 'is own words. Tha man be charmin'...tis no mistake...e'en one wi'out music to 'is soul...an as I pushed out question after question ta satisfy me curiosity on a few matters o' interest...seemed tha...despite I ain no lady, no queen o' 'earts, despite me plain clothes, me simple ways...I ain unappealin' to 'im either...bit gobsmacked o'er tha. Still, on learnin' tha at least.....made it easier on me ta follow through on tha rest o' our dealin's an' discussions."

"I bin swayed ta sensation the last couple days on account o' a colour, a taste an' a feelin'. Lemme see if I can describe artistically the pleasures o' those."

"Firstly, I bin rememberin' me likin' fer the colour o' purple. Lam used ta make me fancy clothes wi tha colour in em...were always a favourite o' mine...but travellin', an playin' ta dirty taverns, huntin' an'...trackin' tha gang down...jes...'ad ta lighten me load some, them outfits were first ta go. Seein' all tha purple colour in the March fit for royalty, the 'at o' tha pirate Ryn o' the Purple Crow...brought it all back ta me. Were even near persuaded ta join wi Ryn an 'is troup jes on account o' them bearin' the name an' colour..but tha would be daft heh. Firstly, would mean givin' up me job at the Dagger...seems tha Ryn dun frequent tha Inn...not banned 'xactly, jes...well...dunno...will 'ave ta ask tha boss sometime on tha one."

"'Ee seemed friendly an' fun as we talked o'er the craftin' I were needin'..e'en offered me HUGE pile o' gold fer a sword tha sits in me possession...didn think I 'ad anythin' much o' value..but tha one 'ee were offerin' small fortune...but...wha I wanted back an thought I needed were gonna cost least 'alf tha sum offered fer sword. Ee seemed ta be dealin' wi me honestly in pricin' me requests....an' tha purple tricorn kept bobbin' inta me face, temptin'...hmmm. I think I showed good sense ta 'old off from snap decisions there an then...I needs ta see Kyle, Sann or Saj ta talk craft an' me needs first, think Kyle said once tha I could get good deal from craft via the Dagger's connections. Gold be 'ard ta come by an make, I like workin' fer the Silver Dagger...an while I kin mime an play at bein' pirate...I aint sure tis a lifestyle I'd really want, despite likin' tha cheeky Ryn...mebbe I should jes sneak one o' them purple 'ats sometime...fer me own pleasure."

"The taste...tha were of a deep dark purple-red brew known as bloodwine. Twer Ruf an' Xander who started talkin' o' this wine...now I'm no hexpert in wines...barely manage a couple o' glasses an' thas me done...three an' like t'other evenin' I'd be under the table and sozzled as a newt dipped in cider...likely as not wi'out golden eyed orc tha next time ta get me out o' it an' put me nicely ta bed. Anyways, tha taste were special..e'en I could realise tha wi me untrained palette..lots o' fruit, deep an' rich taste...a stomach settler fer sure, as it warmed me belly slowly...I enjoyed tha glass o' it offered...calmed me nerves quite nicely."

"Tha feelin' were an experience o' an' hummin' song. I 'ad always in mind ta try it in special way an ne'er afore got the opportunity...an 'ere t'was. I like ta hum but this style took more concentratin' ta use the pulsin', sonic energy me lungs an' tonsils kin provide ta full effect. It stems deep, it builds up, surgin' from lung ta throat, them tonsils get tickled and the vibrations burst forth ta deep resonatin', pulsatin' hummin'. I 'ave ta admit, I be proud o' the results an' effect. S'not ta be used lightly 'owever..somethin ta be savoured fer special occasions tha feelin'...I guess tis like a sample o' tha bloodwine...if twer everyday occurrence...would no longer be special would it?"

"Somethings of late 'ave made me ponder..an' wonder where I fit on the ladder o' things. I look at the wee male 'puppies' tha follow tha dominant lass...I won't name 'er....'round Sharessia...I look to the way the likes o' Szlera, an' wha I 'eard o' tha Nellie in a brief natter... deal wi their slaves...an' I think back ta me own dealin's wi...the fellas I lain wi...an' Lam e'en....an I wonder...where I fit on tha ladder o' life when it comes ta domination....thas an adventure all in itself...ta find out....which rung be mine..an' wi whom."

" 'Ee were orc, Zugerai, slave ta Xander who were there hisself in the Silver Dagger that eve. Th'orc were massive an broad but twer wi eyes o' 'azel not golden an sportin' wings like a dragon tha sprouted from 'is arms than 'is back, cos muscles from there seemed ta spread an' led ta t'other. There were two wee elfie girls, sweet uns, one o' music named Kamini, t'other a scribe called Ana, both seemed ta drink lightly o' the juice. There were match-stand statue Kyle, finally awake from 'is elfin revvin' ta join us, wee lovely lass Tessa servin' us all drinks an' tha silver dragon druid Gadiel, who I'd seen in Sharessia t'other day. A right social gatherin' in the Silver Dagger, worthy ta strike up tune and song fer....so I did."

"I 'ad opportunity to show Kyle me sword. 'Ee also dun told me twer special craft an' valueable suggestin' a figure nigh twice tha the Capn Ryn told me...but 'ee were no expert an' proposed me ta put it up ta auction. I need the gold but...loathe ta sell off a good blade willy nilly. I'll think on it...maybe get ta ask Lordy Fal or tha Greg sometime, they used ta know their weaponery bein' men o' business, should know tha worth o' things."

"Thieves they be. I 'ad misfortune ta find meself eatin' swampy dirt again in Valley, ta be sent ta celestial rescue only ta find me purse lighter by a shyte load o' gold. Th'feckers...angels be thieves and scoundrels....ta ask fer due fer a savin'!. I got advised by a tiefer fella by the river ta bank whas left o' me gold reserves. I were also advised ta try me 'and at fishin' or minin' by Kyle. The minin' while were interestin' fer bit, dun think I got mindset ta do wha Dax does all day. But the fishin' now...seems like more relaxin' past time. Kin 'ave a nice snooze or natter, a sing-song wi company, 'ave some o' the fishes ta eat, make camp an such like...could be fun. Gonna buy me a rod an' 'ave a go....tis only a wee adventure, but t'all 'elps....bit fed up o' hittin' dirt an' getting' robbed by angels, singin' in the Inn only pays so much o' me bills."

"Lordy Fal gave me time ta discuss me blades an' I got good infermation an' followed 'is suggestion. So I placed notice on Sharessia board fer the sale of me Silvem. Auctioneer dun valued it at a small fortune tha could set me up as queeny if I should find buyer at tha sum. So here goes nuthin'!"

"Tha word 'Queen' as been playin' me mind o'er an' o'er o' late. Kin a person change tha much or kin it only be show an illusion? Mebbe, but not o'er night...damn well 'as ta really want to an all. I dunno, if tis...in me scope o' capabilities an' desire. First, I best jes try wearin' a dress again ta start with....buy one at least...see if I kin stomach wearin' one. Sometimes I jes want ta kick meself fer e'en thinkin' ta try. Feck it! "

"Shoved me small amount o' savin's ta bank, save them angel thieves getting' 'ands 'pon it. Also bought one an' were given more fishin' rods by Kyle ta 'ave a go. I must sort out some less bawdy ditties fer more well to do social occasions...like a weddin' celebration fer a friend...aye...a friend. 'Ee also told me tha tha Asure girl, another snake lass wi the green 'air be who I needs ta see....a proper trainer o' the dance o' shadows."

"Tha boss lady Marie seemed keen ta get me tipsy by getting tha waitress Marie (lass o' same name but quite different manner) ta pour me a bourbon on 'ouse.....she dun know what she be doin'!. She actually want me ta work 'ere or jes get upta mischief? I sniffed it, sipped a tad and left it after she'd gone only later registerin' it were not from tha boss but from tha lassie Violet, another patron. Shows 'ow much I were payin' attention, nose inta scribblin' down verses to a new song an' focusin' on teasin' the 'at off o' Xander."

"I got ta be rememberin' tha there is only so much I kin do ta 'elp tha lad that is not under me own charge.....'ee belongs to another an...by rights..tis not me responsibility but...sod it! Tis jes good manners an only right ta 'elp a poor soul in need right? Ye can't be 'elpin' them all but..ye kin 'elp the ones ye know an'...'ave interest in, thems who helps ye back.....I aint nah saint far from it...but 'is needs be more 'en me own. If I get tha sword sold, I'll 'ave a small fortune ta me 'ands, an I won't be begrudgin' some o' it ta 'elp th' lad a bit....but 'ee aint mine ta 'elp....so I 'as ta tread careful....an wi wha I found out tha evenin'....e'en more so now...twer enough ta make blood boil...an' it takes alot these days ta make me angry..."

"I 'eaded 'ome after gettin' off boat, found 'im sortin' me laundry, bit embarrassed tha 'eed e'en taken up me underwears sooo...told 'im ta leave me smalls be....I could do em meself...tha much I kin do. Then th'lad cooked me a nice fish supper..offered an I took 'im up on the task, relieved...fer 'is untrained cookin' be better than any o' me attempts....gads I miss Lam's bakin' an' cookin at times!...I should also give 'im a few more gold ta ensure me larder be stocked with some food supplies an all as 'ee poured me a golden ale tha he'd bought wi tha two hundred...fer when I next 'ave guests round. A bit more basic food in would be useful...jes a bit...as I gets a meal a day at the Silver Dagger paid fer as part o' me job earnin's. Kin not complain....I be used ta tavern fair o'er the last few years....an tha boss Marie Colt runs a decent place; kitchen's be clean, cooks be knowin' their job an' food be 'earty."

"But tha..wha 'ee call it? trouite dee papouite?..looked like white fish trout ta me all parcelled up an' baked wi spuds, sauce an' veggies on side....veeeerrry fancy...said it were....meal from Cormyr...'ad me lookin' to 'im sharply then...but he'd jes got recipe from book...seems 'ee reads a fair bit...won't go blabbin' tha fact about..some people dun like slaves ta know 'ow ta read...thinks it gives em ideas 'bove their 'station'...right load o' nonsense. Look wha I got from 'im knowin' ta read an' practise in applyin' it...a lovely fish supper!"

"I shared the meal wi 'im when cooked an' finally got 'im ta talk 'bout wha 'ad upset 'im earlier....'eed bin sobbin' again o'er the cookin'...but wouldn tell until the meal were cooked an' eaten...so as not to waste it....all I got were a stuttered 'I ain worthy o' me mistress' comment....which I really didn understand. When 'ee snotted up the cuffs o' 'is tunic an' got all worried 'bout dirtyin' it an wha she'd say...I told 'im ta clean it right there an then, do it wi me own laundry...gonna sort 'im out a fresh new one so tha 'ee dun after worry 'bout tha when 'elpin' me....lad needs ta 'ave a spare....kin keep it 'ere to me place if 'ee be worried 'bout it."

"I didn mind 'im runnin' 'bout starkers in me 'partment as 'ee cleaned the tunic, gettin' used ta seein' im like tha now, poor wretch. Nay, I be more worried 'bout wha 'ee revealed ta me 'bout 'is fate as property o' tha snake lass....an thas wha got me cursin' and stompin' round the room. I were gonna see if the lad were ready fer 'is first times after the meal ...first times should be special...an' if thas the only thing I kin do give pleasant part ta 'is life a bit, I kin do tha much...hells I'd wish I'd saved Lamna from tha 'orrid fate an' allowed 'er better memory tha wha she went through...an fer mesel...wish me own memory an' first times 'ad been...different..."

"..'Ye really on bottom o' ladder aint ye Dax? Aspirin' only ta one more rung', I told 'im, cupped 'is chin, looked 'im in eye an' said 'Ye work 'ard at it...fer what ye want...if ye know wha ye truly want...ye go fer it..ne'er let yer dream go, no matter 'ow impossible it might seem ta time...may change a bit...but Dax, ye go fer it...'ear me?' me voice were commandin' an' urgin', tryin' ta convince meself?....an' thas when 'ee told me wha 'is fate were ta be in the 'ands o' a yuanti slaveowner....an' ta cap it all....'ee still kept on spewin' forth 'is wish ta be a better slave to 'er...ta be worthy!...shyte!"

"I were too 'et up...riled, furious e'en...tumblin' emotions an' thoughts...tha didn lend ta takin' 'im ta me arms in tender fashion as 'ee deserved fer first times...this were not the mood I 'ad imagined...'ee was right...it were wrong...I was snappin' at 'im tellin' 'im I wouldn 'urt 'im, tha I dun do tha...bitin' them words out insistently but I know other things were playin' in me mind at that point an all...tha feckin' temple in me 'ead fer one....was I tryin' again ta convince meself mebbe?"

"'Ee told me I couldn be angry wi wha the world dun dealt 'im...nor 'gainst 'is mistress who plays 'er own part in a greater plan. Fates, soddin' bastards, feckin' gods' I looked up ta ceilin' then an' told 'im '..an this is why I dun believe in 'em."

"First times should be special...not done in anger, not forced, nor drugged ta persuade, wi yer partner o' choice an' as ye'd dream it ta be. So I tolds 'im ta leave...time were not right after all."

Ursa's Book of Adventures Made: -Adventure to hell's darkness - first steps. Owed: -First times for Dax - postponed. Ones to come: -Tour of Tombs - find Asure or another. -Dancin with Shadows - find Asure or another. -Szlera's favours - gettin trickier. -Ruf's sketchins - dunno if true adventure but never know with tha wee elfie if will be simple viewin or not. -Fishin -Ridin a devil - once did an angel an a dragon, now a devil. -Performin a regal illusion - gonna practice on the quiet.

Ursa's Book of Poetry Elusive Dreams I followed 'er from Scornubel Ta escape wi 'er 'cross field an dale We didn find it there So we moved on. I followed 'er to 'aven An set up 'ome, still cravin' I didn't find it there So I moved on. I know I'm tired o' followin' My elusive dreams and schemes For they're only fleetin' things My elusive dreams. I 'unted 'til threat were no more An' 'eard more news o' Cormyr It 'urt ta go there So I moved on. To a few Inns aroun th' Moonshaes To a land where th' giant eagle flies I still didn find it there So I moved on. An' now, I'm back ta Kortuga With a lil more 'ope ta go further But this time, none follow us ta know. An' now, now the past be be'ind us No memories tha need ta bind us I wonder where she be, an' where I'll go. I know I'm tired o' followin' My elusive dreams and schemes For they're only fleetin' things My elusive dreams.

"Okaaaay, so the bun-man-Johnathon calls me Boob-lady, on account o' 'is own poor 'earin'. 'Ee thought I'd bin callin' 'im b-u-m man. Tsk...Bein' slave o' the guard o' Telron musta given 'im cloth ears. I enjoys me a fresh muffin on occasion from 'is bun an' toy store, I stops fer a natter an' finds out the lastest hinterestin' gossip. Aaah...an' tha leads me onta next wee fella, an' I mean 'wee', tha Dandy hin lad who as a likin' fer 'umpin' legs 'parently..an' found him wrappin' 'isself roun' my tall ones, gettin' all comfy after I ruffled 'is 'air. 'Ad ta put stop ta tha quickly an' shoved 'im off."

"Went ta notice board an' auction 'ouse ta find Ruf's note ta board advisin' me ta lower me reserve on tha Silvem sword, sayin' were waaay o'er priced. Feck. I were countin' on it turnin' in small fortune. Nowt I kin do. Ee' bin aroun fer aeons so is likely ta know the market better 'en I. So I added addendum ta me note reducin' reserve price ta begin negotiations. Will see wha 'appens. On more positive note, I'd placed a couple lesser pieces ta auction an' one 'ad come up trumps, givin' me a few more thou crowns ta put ta bank fer rent, food an....whate'er else I be needin'. Taint fortune, but all 'elps."

"But no, I were not gonna spend it on frivolities o' a card game at the March tha some Lady Bloodlips (dunno 'er 'xact name, somethin like tha), Ruf an' Xander were organisin'...I fancied ta watch though an' pondered on it a bit while cleanin' me flute ta Inn. Saw tha orc Zug in pink jammies sportin' turban an' keenly advised him ta change colour ta a darker shade o' wha were supposedly in 'is eyes purple. Weren't purple, twer pink...I 'ates pink. When I insisted to 'im is jammies were pink, 'ee went inta Laurelle's an' came out in black an' red jammies..heh...'is boots were still showin' a wee bit 'o pink...tha were funny."

"Kyle were in Inn chattin' up a couple o' lassies, chuggin' the coffee as usual when I saw Xander come out Laurelle's. Didn know 'ee were in there, sayin' 'ee 'ad ta 'elp wi tha card game. So I tagged along, jes ta watch mind. I recognised a few faces but they were busy an' focused on sortin' chips fer th'game, felt like bit o' a spare wheel as observer so...went out again...ta bump inta Dax an' tha lass Nanta. They were 'appy ta join me, keep me company as we went in again ta watch, both like me not wantin' ta waste money on tha game. Dax gave up tho, guess tis 'ard on tha boy ta watch nobs wi gold, wastin' it on games o' risk. I know I found it 'ard too but I got natural curiosity an' I likes ta watch others. Anyways, I got natterin' nicely wi Nanta after tha. "

"An' seein' 'er...dun gave me ideas...on 'ow ta persue one o' me adventures. I blagged me way through an explanation or two when askin' fer 'er 'elp, jes a wee lie, I mean...I dun really know 'er ta be tellin' all....but she needed the minimum ta know ta 'elp. Anyways, after watchin' game on rooftop o' the March got borin', we ended up at Laurelle's. Some red'aired lass came in durin' me fittin's mouthin' off an' bein' impatient. I gave 'er some lip back, a touch o' tartness ta match 'er own. Tis rare I get ta a tailor's. I wasn gonna be rushed, not while I 'ad tha time o' another pretty lass ta 'elp me. Tha sharp tongued girl could jes feck off while I sorted me bits."

"After tha, I suggested a simple game ta pass the time ta Nanta, but ...she didn really cotton on ta the skim game at all. Full o' questions she be o'er each simple point an' comment, not really gettin' inta spirit o' game o' skill fer favours or adventures, not really understandin' the enjoyment o' it...taint gold I were suggestin', jes fun, creative thinkin' o' fun adventures. Still, can't blame a girl fer bein' wary in the Kingdom o' rogues an' pirates an' fiends. Won't 'old it against 'er. She seems nice."

"I got quotes from Saj. Finally bumped inta 'im after Kyle told me 'ee were the best leather worker in Kortuga an', bein' 'ffiliated wi the Dagger, might get me a good price fer them bits I bin wantin. I 'ad a looong natter wi the result tha....one; I can't afford nothin' yet, two; 'ee dun think my Silvem longsword tha worthy (least not ta 'im), but three; tha me fancy rapier would sell ta alot more..buuut..tha would leave me wi no blade an' tha be daft ta do...I'll muddle on, four; 'ee gave me loads o' advice on wha were wha tha I could do wi the gear I got an' wha would be good. I stripped down ta show 'im the lot 'pon me person. Sooo, I now knows wha I need but...tho 'ee offered me loan ta start off one craftin', I thanked 'im an' said no. E'en wi a friend o' a friend sorta thing, shouldn be owin', an' definately not the thousands all I need will cost, when ye dun know when an 'ow ye'll get the gold ta pay it back right?"

"We parted en, only fer me ta get in a wrangle wi bun-man Johnathon an' Aidan an' get noodles chucked at me, sloppin' down front o' me chainshirt...the bugger. Jes on account o' me fergettin' ta call 'im John, describin' 'im as "The Bun-Man" on passin' to Saj earlier. Seems 'ee likes foodfights o'er slightest gripe an' 'ee easily dodged me own flippin' back o' them noodles soooo...okay okay, I'll try ta remember...ta call 'im his proper name. Tha Aidan lad 'ad lightened up from the last time we spoke...both be guards o' Sharessia 'parently, but crappiest pair o' guards I did see as they stand aroun 'asslin' passers by wi noodle fights an' mouthin' off o'er nothin. Obviously not enough fiends an' frauds on streets ta keep em busy from causin' mishief....bored, I reckon they's bored. Told em' they should come on adventure wi me sometime...tha'd sort it."

"Silver Dagger were quiet when I went in later. I saw Flo talkin' quiet in serious tones wi an angel girl, Sann were deep in thought so I pootled on after tinkerin' to a light tune an' decided ta go down ta river an try me 'and at fishin'. Lucky fer me, were another fella there doin' it already so I got hinstruction on the 'oldin', castin' an' other technique. I caught ten fishes! line kept breakin' so I've ta practice some more. But the passin' o' time were relaxin', saw a few interestin' passersby, made wee bet on one situation wi th'other fisherman an' brought out Jimbo, me wee golem ta 'andle the fire beetles when they kept bein' disturbed by stompin' elementals and raptors runnin' by. Aye, I enjoyed them few hours, were a nice change o' pace an' fun company, not ta mention, I learned 'ow ta fish! Leastways, the beginnin's."

"I took sup o' 'is local wine an' sharin' interestin' conversation as I waited fer a tug ta line. Tasted o' cherries, which brought an old song ta me 'ead tha I'd started in the Inn earlier, an' continued singin' it lightly as I fished. Stawberries, cherries an' an angels kiss in spring.... Long time since I sang tha one....timin' were appropriate ta do a few verse in remembrance....I like it when song comes ta mind an voice, where content be appropriate ta situation....tis..meanin'ful..an rarely managed...special when it comes together like tha...as a bard...tis very rewardin'.... it kin flip me 'eart o'er sometimes."

"Bumped inta Xander an' Nanta on me way ta 'ead on back ta Sharessia...an...I think I bin caught out in a plan. I'm gonna 'ave ta rethink wha the feck I be doin' an' the whyfors o' it...I'm a silly bugger sometimes...need ta stop an' think, dip me toes in again ta shallows afore I get inta a pickle in the centre o' th'rapids on this adventure....I got somethin' in mind ta do."

"I saw Flo 'pon boardwalk an' more idea sprang ta mind. Asked 'er fer a wee bit o' time sometime t'ave a natter, on th'ush 'ush...then I went fishin'."

"A wanderer came by as I 'ad me line out ta river. Twer a windy elementalist who introduced hisself as Ashram, talkin' o' flamin' catapaults, angerin' rocks an nature. But 'pon askin' 'im if 'ee were one o' them nature lads...'ee denied it...tho promptly talked o' tha knowin' tha nature guild leader...left me a wee bit confused. I'm....thinkin' 'ee does belong, tho desputes bein' one o' nature... an 'ee 'ad no bumps ta breast an' wi the clothes 'ee were wearin' I couldn see tha well ta groin (besides which, taint dun ta go peerin' too much down there case a fella gets wrong idea)...so this 'fella' watched me fishin' as we nattered an' lent me some advice...tha there be more gold ta be made in minin' than in fishin'.

"Now, I 'ooked a couple o good trout nicely thinkin o' me supper wonderin' if Dax would be about ta cook it fer me, or tha I might get a few coin from tha dwarf in Sharessia fer em, but 'pon enterin' the mines wi Dax ta guard a bit while 'ee put pick ta ore, tha Ashram came up again offerin' me one o' his newly acquired gemstones. A blue diamond! Jes like tha!. Were told tha such gems be o' good worth but I didn accept the gift...I mean, I 'ardly knew the fella (still sure 'ees a fella tho Dax spoke of 'im as 'miss'). I parted ways wi both as Dax 'ad ta return ta forge some more picks an' I wanted ta get back an sort a few things out ta Inn."

"Xander were waitin' outside...needed ta talk so asked 'im in fer quiet chat afore I'd be thinkin' o' playin'. Damn of it were, Inn were busy, which is actually a good thing, only I didn want ta 'ave ta play fer crowd jes then...wanted some things off me mind...I saw Flo, Kyle propped ta pillar, the guv by the bar, a winged lass an' another one or two came in soon after. Busy, aye so I suggested a natter by fire quickly afore business took o'er things again fer 'im or fer me. Were jes poppin' question tha't bin botherin' me when...we both 'eard me name spoken...business loomed its 'ead again...ta interrupt our dealin's....but this time, were me own business.....someone 'ad bin askin' after me...on account o' me notice fer sale o' tha sword!"

"Young person (an' again 'ard ta tell if lad or lass) wi short bobbed 'air an' wearin' armour tha covers..but..were interested in me Silvem longsword...jes didn 'ave anywhere nears the reserve price....not then. The guv Sann did wander o'er ta take a look at worth 'earin' our conversation, an' was a useful opinion ta 'ave that supported Ruf's note. Thing is...I'd rather the longsword went ta a good 'ome than...jes sold ta 'ands o' another dealer provided I get a fair price. Sooo...I agreed ta wait a wee while, a few weeks more til I settled an' would make sure I talked again afore settlin' a deal ta give him/her chance....I asked th'name....an were told I was speakin' ta Janis o' Cormyr."

"Well, naturally I blinked an' paused at tha...but managed ta return ta me seat, legs a wee bit wobbly. It would 'ave ta wait...me questions ta tha one..til I 'ad more time an....aye well...desire ta know. I returned ta me original companion who were waitin' politely ta chair fer me ...I be a glutton fer punishment mebbe but I persued some more an'...were rewarded wi an honesty tha phased me again. Double whammy in the course o' a few minutes...I decided ta retire then....an do some thinkin'...givin' me swift an' stuttered 'pologies ta Xander, I quit the Inn wi'out narry a wave ta others."

Ursa's Book of Poetry Ode To An Ilmateri Yer noble 'eart 'ad bigger cause en two country girls, War an' strife in a land, yer callin', Crusade ta protect 'ealers an' th'poor, Alongside th' other sides ta triad, warriors all. Yer devotion placed yer love ta 'igher purpose, Takin' pain, bearin' 'urts, easin' the sufferin', Ta feel it 'pon yer shoulders, like weight o' lead, Endurin', bearin' tears o' the dyin' an family o' th'dead. Calm diplomat, til angered by cruelties tha finally call core forth, But 'umilty an' peace be ultimate goal, Ta lighten burdens o' yer foes torture an' attempts ta oppress, Ta carry th' pain an' sins they create ta be merciful an bless. Torn is the lass left be'ind, ta watch th'increasin' gorge form, A valley o' difference an wantin', nurtured by a gods desire, Turns she after years o' travellin', mournin' towards the opposin' force, Martyrin', in the name o' spite, revenge an ...remorse. What is one soul lost to a hundred saved, or a thousand more?

"I met wi 'er...tha 'ooded woman...one I'd seen twice now ta Dagger. I knew 'er fer wha she was...an' ow they're sposed ta be. I brought 'er a wine...we talked o' a business deal...an settled on a price, timin's an' place."

"Seemed I interested 'er an all so price were wi'in me pocket, still steep but...necessary. Deal were struck. We'd meet on th'morrow ta begin....wi me 'ope tha this would bring me nearer to a personal goal o' performin' an illusion....not ta mention, open me eyes a wee bit more."

"'Ow far will a person go ta get 'er will done? I dunno fer meself..tis all new. But if I'm ta make 'eadway, I gots ta get 'arder no? I'm too much a soft touch...I see it, when I see Dax's tears tha nay stop fallin' on account o' me fallin' flat ta face in swamp mud an' angels 'avin' ta pick me up again. 'ee cried cos...'ee felt 'ee failed me. So in firm voice, this time, 'stead o' cuddlin' im...sayin'... 'dun matter'...I ordered 'im ta...get up, ta quit the tears an' ta feckin' get 'is arse back ta battle so we could kick other arse. I learned a thing or two in them moments, an it felt right. Tis all 'bout confidence, determination an....balls."

"So I 'eld me 'ead up 'igh, walked wi attempted confidence befittin' a queen...an' it felt good. I listened to tha 'ooded woman on me first lesson, an' wore the dress again, not fer its intended purpose tha it were originally bought for but in front o' another man....I lifted me chin an' danced wi grace tho the long skirts near tumbled me on both occasions. And through the hours spent in the arms an passion and laughter wi one, tha golden 'aven, tha gentle giant, tha island in a rough sea...I enjoyed, I lied, I learned...an' asked fer 'im ta teach me more.....fer a cause tha is greater...an there be more ta come."

Ursa's Book of Poetry A Tale: The Dragon And The Bard (The Slippers And The Song) Once upon a time there lived a dragon. He was a lonely soul despite all the petitioners, towns persons, servants, traders and dealers that took up his time moving between the two towns where he owned two grand caves. His time was all spent to the dealings of his ledgers, his business, his properties and his servants bound to the other cave within the second town. The gold continued to pour and pile to his hoard but the pile gathered dust and lay cold, no longer warmed by his presence, untouched by his great wyrm's body nor that of his mate. The olden days of his dragon-hood, those of his sires had since long past, no longer was he the stealer of virgins, the fire-breathing threat of villagers lives. This dragon stood aloft as an eagle to its eerie, mingling only to the business of man and planestravellers, the stories of dragon adventures but distant memory to tale. One day a traveler arrived to the town. A poorly dressed bard in worn clothes and dirty leather boots, carrying lute, flute, music and song, with a dream to her heart and a lust for adventure. So seeing the state of the dragon's 'demise', his fall from the tales she knew, she charmed and she cajoled him with many a word, courageously tempting him out of his stupor until finally he gave in and led her to his hoard cave. All the evening the dragon and the bard danced around the subject of his caves, servants, touched on their lives and of mates, all the while partaking of his finest wine. They sat at first to the side of that hoard of cold gold but the bard gradually edged higher atop, so seeing the dragon was charmed to follow. Bravely she teased him higher, but at one moment as his body was close to lying atop, she nearly faltered when he took her foot to his large hand and removed her dirty boots, kneeling before her as a knight would to a queen. His hand moved silken cloth across the leather, removing the grime of her travels, his dragon's touch, magically turning the worn boots into slippers of dragon scale. A precious gift indeed but the true gift was not the slippers. She sang to him, her voice soft melodic and charming, easing her way and his now to lie to that bed of gold, her song one of dragon's of old, inspiring him with dreams and memories of the ways of his kin and sires until her gift to him was done and her voice stilled. At last, the dragon lay slumbering and relaxed, resting curled to warm his hoard of gold in that first cave, his great head to the bard's shoulder.

"Tis a known failin' o' mine tha I often act afore I think, gets inspired by an idea, spout it out an' goes wi it on spur o' moment....ta 'ave ta deal wi consequences later. "

"First, pickle were ta ask 'elp from a lass fer somethin' afore knowin' a few more facts an' I dun trod on toes an', as I see it now, rightly got called up fer it...will see if amends kin be made there an', if nay, so be it."

"Second, I got inspired ta idea tha might o' 'elped the competition an' risked me job. Seein' the effect it 'ad in inspirin' others ta act to it, I realised me mistake. I think I were able ta resolve tha one by a wee conversation an' me sneakin' out later ta move the objects tha were part o' the idea "

"Third, 'pon seein' one o' the staff at the March, I 'ad 'nother idea ta sort somethin' out fer mesel an' discussed possibilities...jes went fer it wi'out any plannin' or much thought....only now, after reflectin' on me impetuosity, I am thinkin' ta chicken out...an' sort me problem another way. "

"Note ta self, try ta think afore I act...might make me life a lot easier."

"I like 'er as a bear....tis easier. She be quite dry ta converse wi, but...unlike many o' them snooty dark elves (talkin' o' Amir 'ere...an..aye, I remember 'im from long ago if 'ee dun remember me...on account 'ee examined me one time)...she's been almost...friendly...heh..which be a complete overstatement. Still, I kin deal wi tha when I see 'er bear form on occasion, she looks cuter like tha...a fair bit cuddlier lookin'. I found out she be another o' them thayans...useful 'owever in a battle..an' in 'er own words 'not a monster' as many would have ye think...I reserve me judgement....them dark ones got a reputation...but if not monster...a bear now... tha she be."

"I came inta a wee bit o' money from sale of a few pieces ta auction...will 'elp me a great deal...an now I needs to find Saj ta talk business, priorities...ta gimme a boost so I kin stand upta them lizzies wi'out always takin' nose dive ta swamp mud...e'en tho I found the right arcane note an' song ta ease their painful blastin's..they still too strong fer me alone."

"I got ta talkin' with two o' the Silver Daggers girls, Tessa an' Marie a bit more, takin' quieter drink wi one ta 'ear somethin' o' her tale. Twer a complex one, full o' difficult journies, an' it dun seem its o'er yet. One thing struck chord ta me 'owever, an I be mullin' o'er 'er situation a bit fer meself...no where's near the extremes I reckon but...it rang note a bit ne'ertheless".

"I spent a fair bit o' time in the Valley o'er a couple o' days testin' meself...ta burn off a foul mood from a few sights an' sounds of late in an' around the March, growin' fouler the more I tried an' failed, swamp mud splatterin' frequently ta me gear as I tried ta dance, curse an' befuddle wi me heavy mudded an' sanded boots about them reptilians. Ended up givin' up...an 'eadin ta the caves...dry tones o' tha bear dark thayan lass managed actually ta dull me scowlin'...tha an a more successful an' better adventure swordfightin' pirates an' the ogres within."

"Bumped inta tha Ark again an all in the Inn. He'd bin 'idin' hisself, busy ta minin' an' makin' bit o' coin. We joked some 'bout our ambitions ta find a rich widow fer 'im an me own search fer a rich patron heh...neither of us thinkin' ta find success but dun stop the 'unt do it?"

"I also got a natter wi Flo an'.... agreed on some things...ta meet on an off fer more so I kin listen to 'er an' ear some tales o' village life at same time. Were fun findin' out we shared common thinkin' 'bout Sharessia an' the guards there...me mood lightenin' e'en further as we chuckled o'er our 'xperiences o' them. I'd 'elp 'er write tha letter ta Viceroy if she be wantin'..add me own two bits..I still be citizen there...fer now."

"We took drink in the Dagger an' I were idly playin' fer 'er an' meself when we were joined first by another lass, a new girl in town, name o' Freya who put me in the way ta go search up a tune and song 'bout a cobbler an' a dryad...might go ta tha bookstore an' 'unt the lyrics an tune written somewheres. Dax came by en standin' quiet ta corner listenin', followed soon by Xander comin' in fer 'is usual bloodwine....who 'ad ta go an remind me o' me state (I 'adnt bin ta wash off th'muck since all me venturin' in the valley an' minin' caves, kept bein' distracted by talkin' ta people)....warnin' me what boss Marie might have ta say 'bout it while I were entertainin' customers. I asked if I could borrow 'is bath in th'March quickly...an...I got ta ask 'o more tha bin botherin' me...an'...I...learned a bit more than I were ready fer."

"Szlera looked tired....an sober as she took up position 'gainst tha pillar which I told 'er I'd bin warmin'. I be thinkin' first be caused by the latter...an 'vited 'er ta drink to Dagger...but timin' were not great ta get inta more detailed discussion, play another game wi 'er fer favours as the Inn filled up...an I know I need me wits 'bout me next time I play wi this one...not sure tha buyin' 'er drink will better me chances or worsen'...wi brandy ta 'and, I think she be sharper than wi'out. I paid 'er me dues fer the last couple weeks, fer Dax's 'elp an' observed 'er dealin's a bit when the lad hisself came in, but kept me nose out fer now...I saw Adin come in en, the bear thayan drow lass, an she 'ad proposal fer me tha took most me attention....me dealin's with the snake lass would 'ave ta wait."

"It were no random visit, though I'd encouraged 'er ta come visit me at Inn ta 'ear some music. Adin approached me on a purpose, a task fer enclave ta ask if I were interested ta play at a trade bazaar the thayans were plannin as they needed muscians..'parently she finds th'sound o' me voice agreeable to 'er sensitive ears heh....I know I be good....guess tha be fair praise comin' from 'er kind. I were interested, mos definately....should I be available fer the time they were plannin' it....but me hexclusivity contract were goin ta be a sticky thing...I told 'er it might be possible, if I were allowed ta also promote the Silver Dagger an' tha they'd get a cut o' me takins fer turnin' up...me thinkin' that surely wha 'elps Kortuga, would benefit the Dagger an all....but I'd 'ave ta ask the boss."

"I saw Kyle wi folded arms at 'is usual pillar yackin' ta Flo an' managed ta bend 'is ear quickly on th'matter...'eed talk ta boss Marie an' let me know...if not fer this bazaar....mebbe fer another....would be good ta know me boundaries fer future dealin's...I aint got reservations so far ta deal wi them thayans e'en if others 'old prejudices....I mean, music is music right? so long as I brings some benefit back ta Dagger, I couldn see the problem....tha an there were some personal benefits I could see ta make further acquaintance an' connection...an' I got ta admit ta curiosity ta see inside them great walls heh....somewheres I aint bin yet."

"Tis a battle o' will o' a different kind...ta look at tha rock face at t'other side o' the valley, ferbiddin', 'arder an' more jagged than its opposin' twin, one I tried ta scale once an' failed. There be many wild pastures, fields o' green an' flower, 'amlets, calmer streams an' pools atween the two tha lure a lass from makin' th' attempt...but I be determined ta climb. Only then mebbe will I find me peace, lie back ta field o' golden 'arvest look' up ta blue sky, day dream an' know tha I bin there, tried it, dun it...mastered it...got o'er it...a glutton fer punishment I may be...but mebbe tis the only way...then I kin settle...no more movin' on."

"Will.... I listened to th'ooded woman carefully an' observed 'er manners but I didn let 'er 'ave 'er way entirely...an' were praised fer this thinkin' an' progress in short space o' time. I realised tha twer mostly all a bluff, a game o' risk, a deception...a manipulation ta enhance a natural power....I showed 'er me own enchancements, rarely used but ta battle...an' I wondered...if I really did 'ave the balls ta follow through...only way ta know, were ta try."

"I listen to th'voice an tales o' t'other lass tha gives me time, I spend time wi a gentle man to me room some nights, makin' moments o' quiet laughter, simple pleasures an delights o' explorin', relaxin' midst the learnin'. I observe the slave an' 'is dealin's wi 'is mistress an' me, go 'unting an' dealin' carefully wi thayans...an' watch o'er other folks in town an Inn as I amble the cobblestones and floorboards hummin' me tunes."

"The thought o' Lam often passes me mind at quieter times...wha would she think o' me now? An I wonder...whether she 'as changed, grown stronger...an knows 'er own will more now than she used ta...found 'er own balls."

"Blood mingles wi tears as I dream o' cuts ta flesh, one first 'ealin' by prayer one en left ta scar. Where 'ands once were taught and chose ta mend ta ease burden, so now they 'esitate from tha kind o' givin', mindful o' the desires o' the wounded an' the reasons fer its makin'."

"An' as the grains o' sand trickle down ta sprinkle atop a scarrin', a piece o' art o' me own creation, forged wi blood an' tear, coverin' the pulse o' life tha keeps us goin', time is all I 'ave. Patience then is a must... tho' as artist, one o' random moments o' inspiration, this...be 'ard."

"But aye, time ta think, ta plan...ta observe the challenge ahead...ta look fer them foot'olds, the crevice an' the crack, build the path solid an' not out o' loose sand....knowin' all the while tha it will be another painful climb, a strivin' ta avoid fatality o' losin' me own essence..."

"...but, an mark me words, an adventure it...will...be."

Ursa's Book of Poetry To Kiss an Orc Wha t'would it be like ta kiss an Orc? Them gurt tusks alone should make a lass balk Yet those golden orbs do mesmerise When gazes connect an' she looks to its eyes. She wonders wha t'would be like. An orc is not known fer being refined An' a greenskin dun fit th'aspirin' mind Yet the sense of a gentle soul were there Controlled, sensitive, wi learnin' an' care. Gotta wonder wha t'would be like. Imagine the duet if tha baritone could sing A deep rumblin' bass joinin' a mezzo's givin' The powerful lungs could 'old long breath fer good time The crescendoes created would be so sublime. Ever wonder wha t'would be like? An wha if tha lass were ta take orc to 'er bed? Would 'ee squish 'er aneath when 'er legs be spread? Is tha great-axe 'ee wields in proportion ta th'rest? An' 'ow well would she cope when into 'er body tis pressed? A wince an' a wonder at wha t'would be like. Wha t'would it be like ta kiss an Orc? One for the book as adventure to chalk A once proud warlord to collar now brought Now tempts a bard, who's attention's bin caught. She wonders wha t'would be like.

Ursa's Book of Adventures Made: -Adventure to hell's darkness - second steps. -Performin a regal illusion - foundations in progress. -Charm a dragon to sleep -Fishin - ongoing Ones to come: -First times for Dax -Tour of Tombs -Dancin with Shadows -Szlera's favours -Ruf's sketchins -Ridin a devil -To see as three -Play for/peek inside the Enclave -To kiss an orc

"I bimbled an' bumbled 'bout Kortuga. In Silver Dagger I pointed Kyle an' Flo to me notice as they joked about Flo bein given enchanted love apples an wha she 'ad planned fer em. I said I were takin' break from performin' ta Inn then passed by th'March too an told Kara an' Xander tha I were nay gonna be about a bit case they wondered. I caught up wi Dax in them mines too, told 'im ta nay come roun to me 'partment so often cos I were not gonna be there much ta need tha much cleanin'....an' took the lad into me arms fer an 'ug, 'ees bin short changed on them an I know 'ow tha feels...so I gave 'im one...nay mindin' 'is bare bottomed self anymore, I'm gettin' used ta it an it aint as if tis 'is choice."

"I aint goin anywheres much really but they dun need ta know tha...I said I were goin ta be ramblin' about...researchin fer me writins an music. Tis a half truth. I gots ta concentrate, focus on a few things, go at it wi a bit more dedication if I'm ta do this an' be good at it, nay....better en good, I 'ave ta be bloody brilliant....."

"I might get some writin' in, the room at Tappers I rented fer a few weeks on the quiet ta stash afew things an do this does 'ave a writin desk. Tis convenient fer meetin' tha 'ooded woman too. I'll try ta see Flo a bit as promised, then pass by me apartment to an eve or two fer me other....tuition, and catch a little fun on side wi 'im. But most times, I'll stick ta the Inn an get on wi things."

"Ambitious? Aye...mebbe fer first time in many a year I foun somethin ta focus on other than 'untin' down old threat. I got scent to me nose an' a taste to me tongue an it has given me inspiration an' direction...heh...a bard, 'avin' direction an' a goal...s'kinda funny if ye think o' it...I'm goin ta 'ave ta be verrry careful."

"The 'ardest thing I found doin' all o' this is 'avin' ta stifle me tunes. Whe'er it be twiddlin' on me lute or hummin' a wee song, I'm noticin' me symptoms o' withdrawal wi a twitchin' o' fingers an' a need ta do somethin' wi both them an me mouth save an 'um. "

"Sooo... ta keep me itchin' fingers ta work I found somethin' appropriate ta be 'oldin'...feels bit like a thin flute....so taint sooo different. I also found some sweets...these be innocent ones that a child kin eat, luckily no enchant or potion or drug brewed up in these wee things...I made careful sure o' tha. These be sweets tha last, be o' a pleasant fruit flavour tha dun waste ta mush or wear away quickly. Each one lasts a few hours o' careful an' controlled suckin'."

"Them sweets 'ave twofold effect. Firstly, I dun 'ave urge ta hum so much which is gonna be 'andy. Secondly, they allow me ta focus on me speech more easily (cos I 'ave ta be careful not to spit out tha gobstopper in face o' a person I might stop ta talk ta). I'm workin' on th'control o' keepin' that fruity ball to me cheek. One each side dun puff me cheeks out too much an' aint too noticeable (checked tha out in looking glass). Interesting 'ow a fruit orb to me tongue kin 'elp change a voice. Tis useful. I practised wi askin' a stranger fer directions one o' th' rare times I snuck out from tha Inn room."

"Popped back to me 'partment briefly ta pick up an item an found the stinky whiff o' garlic 'bout the place...heh...dun mind it...jes made me wonder wha tha lad be up ta. Is 'ee usin' me place ta entertain? Hmm...I wrote note an left it obvious atop the table."

Dax
Lad, ta fer keepin me place in order while I be out an away. Ye kin use tha place ta grab a wee bit o shut eye, take some food fer yerself as an when ye need to if I'm out. But dun use tha place ta entertain others. No bringin girls (or other lads if thas yer thing too) around. I'm trustin ye wiv knowin where I keep the key. Dun abuse me trust.

Oh, an there be a spare tunic fer ye I left in back o cupboard, so ye dun ave ta worry ta keep yer mistress' clean when yer workin fer me. Jes sose ye know, If the purple ribbon I left on the latch be set ta a double bow, I be busy inside, so dun come in.
Ursa

"'I'll be whatever you want me to be'"

"Them words play to me mind and bring a wee smile to me lips as I sit ta Inn room by tha fire after a day's efforts, practisin' an plannin. Yet while the azure sea an calm 'aven do soothe, I still dream o' dragon's, devil's and dark stormy skies flyin' above a turmoiled sea o' green an' grey...the chains tha bind us, the whips tha drive us, the pain tha lures us ...an I find meself repeatin' them very words silently to meself..'I'll be whate'er ye want me ta be'..an' another idea forms from the sayin' o' them."

"Feck, I still keep trippin' at times...gonna 'ave ta go shorter or stick wi leggins...tha woman kin jes stuff it....me lanky legs aint too bad anyway ta hide in long skirts...reckon I kin get away wi it...compromise be needed ta get the right effect...I kin do this, I kin"

"Finally, I ventured out an back to me own place, dumped me bags, things and wi itchy feet, 'eaded ta mines ta thwump a few pirates, knock afew troll teeth in an tease a few ogres. I allowed the randomness o' me needs ta return. No goal, no direction, follow me feelins an urges fer a few hours."

"An promptly quit me job at Silver Dagger."

"On better note, I 'ad a view an a drink an a share o' companionable tale atop the March...all hofficial, me companion were a member so twas alright, though no doubt I'll sneak up there meself still when few about...an 'ad sup o' one o' the mos delicious pales I'd tasted in a wee while....homebrew apparently, an found out why tha one 'ides 'isself."

"I also won invite ta dinner wi another fella after sharin' a wee bash alongside 'is beastie. Promised another tale there but 'pon takin' drink, I faded fast (bein' me second ale) an' 'ad ta postpone."

"I got a letter and replied to it. First time I got a letter by gnome post. Will see wha comes o' it. I be at a bit o' low ebb ta worry too much in tha direction o' an old bad feelin'. 'I cant be arsed' were one comment I made earlier after which I quit the Dagger an tha feelin's stayin' wi me a bit jes now when e'er I hit tha kinda attitude."

"I posted fresh notice to sell me Sivlem longsword. Wi'out job now, tha gold it could bring will be ever more important. Tis funny an rather a sad fact tha I 'appened also to see sign 'pon board o' the March 'irin' whores. I could make more money spreadin' me legs or bendin' o'er ta take whip or maybe usin' one o' me own (more if I was a short arse hinnie 'parently fer thems be in demand) fer coin than I kin doin wha I like. I think I prefer chains o' me own makin' an if them chains no longer fit, best shuck em off....more ta life en coin an business, right? 'course right."

"I also saw notice tha the bard guild director needs assistant ta 'elp wi daily organisin'. I paused, then moved on ta other notices. I cant organise me own affairs wi'out a bit o' slave 'elp let alone 'elp run such a group. Nay then, nay now."

"So fer now tis back ta passin' the 'at aroun an lootin'' off o' pirates, checkin' out custom at Tappers again (ugh....no sure I kin face tha either) or....findin' new chain...oh joy."

"I strolled roun the streets o' Sharessia 'eadin' back ta me place, staggerin' a bit from fatigue and two ales (one tha strong homebrew) I saw no less en three, thas three, sorts o' sex shows, displayin' a lot...one lass ta stocks gettin' done o'er, two doin it 'gainst a wall close to me place, one by the bridge kneelin' afore t'other lass, all lassies mind... me sensitive 'ears pickin' up all the moanin's, groanin's, me nose twitchin' at them scents....an I stomped off in disgust an...disappointment....I dun be lookin' forward to placin' me tricorn on these streets as me fingers twiddle an play....guess I kin sing wi me eyes closed. Ears an nose be different kettle o' fish..an roun 'ere, fish be all I smellin' o' late one way or another."

"Me 'ees' are soundin' like 'uhs' unless I notch the edges o' me lips down a wee bit...got it...an I think I needs ta swap them sweetie balls o' candy fer marbles, I keep slurpin' them from one side ta t'other ta taste. I won want ta taste a marble an tis likely more 'ealthy fer me then all them candies. "

"Soothed. Once more twer easy fer 'im in jocular fashion ta oust me low ebb away. One jobless ta t'other jobless heh...but 'ee understood me frustrations, though I quizzed 'im o' tha instance tha got me back up when the nekked hinnie lass were displayed all in public atop 'is lap wigglin'..'parently she were stuck!...nay be..jealousy, taint tha...jes...dun understand things sometimes. Tis all sorted...an told 'im in turn tha I were considerin' kissin' an orc...fer the 'ell o' it, 'ad a laugh too teasin' im sayin' I play the piper ta charm all the hinnie girls 'is way if tha were 'is thing...nay mentioned the rest o' me plans though...no sure I kin share tha in such a jokin' way..nor gain understandin."

"I near done told 'im me plans too, but no where nears th'all. 'Do ye e'er do somethin tha scares ye silly but are driven ta do it anyway?' 'Aye' he said, simply, wi matter o' fact to 'is voice. We talkin' different matters o' fear, different, objectives but...some'ow...it soothed ta know 'ee shared somethin' o' the same."

"Ee's a lovely man. A good friend. To 'elp wi little knowin' or expectation o' return other than a bit o' company. I'll nay do wrong by 'im...but I'm still driven."

"I seen a new place but I've still ta explore it more. I've supped a new ale, a red, from a master brewer an 'ope ta be enjoyin' more o' those o'er time. After a bit o' teasin' I got tha brewer to ma place ta give back a bit o' dance instruction. Fella said 'ee be flatfooted. I beg ta differ. Got 'im circlin' me 'partment in a slow threestep by end o' the eve, listenin' to me 'ummin' an pickin' up the rhythm nicely wi'out needin' ta constantly peek at 'is feet. I 'ad ta lead, next step be fer 'im ta nudge me round instead...but I dunno 'ee's enjoyin' it tha much...narry a laugh or much o' a smile out o' tha one. Am I too forceful in me desire ta get a lad ta 'ave fun? Or is it wrong kinda fun 'ee were expectin? Will leave it up ta 'im if 'ee wants ta continue a dance lesson, will nay be forcin'."

"I remember me own first times doin a threestep dance... many year ago but was if were yesterday....I put meself up in tha auction when I needed some gold an' were sold ta 'ighest bidder...wary as 'ell wonderin' 'ow tha day would pan out, but ended up in the arms o' a sweet gent named Tri who taught me them first dance steps....I remember it fondly....first times like tha...should be special....dunno if me homebrewin' friend went away thinkin' it were special or no...ah well."

"Kinda like tha gnome post service. Though it means I gotta pick it up in Sharessia while I spend a fair bit o' time in Kortuga an thas if I remember. I got a second letter this time from tha wee elfie Ruf (wonderin if I misjudged the fella as a no-good-'lay'-about as 'ee's bin quite helpful wi his notes an advice to me - will see) thinkin' ta see me rare longsword. If I dun see tha Janis person again an 'ee's a mind to buy if for fair price, I dun think I kin 'ang on no more. I was 'opin' ta give it ta good home to a needy warrior, but tha gold it kin bring will set me up for all I need ta do."

"Aidan joined me in company as I mooched an took visit to bank, postie, auction an notice board, but I didn 'ave alot in way o' high spirits in conversin' this time so I dunno I were much company though I were nay in bad mood, jes were time to focus on a few tasks. Tasks still gotta be done an I dun always get time to do all I need to...too easily distracted to a pause ta play, think o' a song, 'ave a natter or a bit o' fun let alone gettin' a wee adventure or two thrown in fer good measure. Me wish-list fer them rarely seems ta get shorter, only longer an as time moves on so some might become more impossible, such is the way o' things....I kin still dream e'en if I find I kin no longer do."