Last night, I picked up a stray. I figure she escaped from one of the slavers and was hiding out inside the Beaten Beast, where I usually sing. She needed to leave Stockhold, before the slavers found her. And I had to help. Since I'm a traveling bard, she can find relative safety with me. It's helpful having someone else to carry things too.
Smart kid for a menial. Knows how to count. I think she's knows how to read, but she's playing dumb. If anyone knew she could read, she would be abducted to be sold for a ridiculously high price. Educated Menials are a rarity. Definitely a smart kid. Cute too.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
I take it you're acquainted with Aryna...is there any risk to taking her under your wing? And are you willing to shoulder the burden?
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
The slavers have so much product, they'll forget who she is in a relatively quick fashion. Especially if there is money to be made elsewhere.
I don't know what burden that will be, but we'll be in the protection of... Someone well-off soon. My next major employer.
I'm still trying to figure out why I'm helping her. She should make life easier though.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Your relationship seems to be the start of, well, a relationship. And "easier" isn't what comes to mind.
Posted by Disgruntled Peony (Member # 10416) on :
Why are you a traveling bard?
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
It's not unheard of, a master taking advantage of an underling, but I assure you, that is not me.
She's recently shared with me the truth of her coming to Stockhold. She's been a mule her whole life and never had a run in with slavers. In some ways, it's more desperate, running from someone she betrayed. If the law catches up with her though... I am already in it though. She'll be safer with me on the road anyway.
I'm only traveling right now because of a new employer. I usually set up shop in a beer hall or inn for a number of months at a time. The Beaten Beast in Stockhold was my last. I usually sing songs where I poke fun at the patrons, good-natured jokes about their mothers and such. I never graduated from the Bard's School in Stormbridge. That's why I'm Canton of Westfall, not Canton of Stormbridge. I could never keep employment within a court, no credentials. So I travel.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
You're taking on quite a risk taking someone under your wing this way, I guess.
Besides, insult comedy can be pretty risky in its own right. Make one remark about a patron's mother, and you're in for it.
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
Well you don't jump right into the mother insults, you must earn their love first. I called Ironback's mum a man, among other things, last week. I've never seen a larger flow of coins.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
Lucky for you Ironback was goodnatured enough to take it in good spirit. The combination of insult comedy and alcohol can be kinda rough...
Ironback a friend of yours?
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
I guess so. He was a regular at the Beaten Beast, and most of the men know what to expect when I'm on my last song.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
These friends might be useful when you rub someone who doesn't know you the wrong way...
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
Yeah. They would be, but I'll be on the other side of the Kingdom within a few weeks. There will be an adequate amount of protection with my new client, so I'm not too worried.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
New client? I figured you, a traveling bard, got gigs here and there. So you can get a patron, then...
Posted by Mecopitch (Member # 10173) on :
I'll usually setup shop in a tavern or inn, play until I've poked some harmless fun at everyone, and move on. By the time I return to any of the venues, the patrons from whom I've earned hatred have left, and the ones who love me are excited to have me back.
While I can't reveal his identity yet, this client wants more of a musical history, written about himself. Tales of his "dangerous travels" across Anthem, his "great adventures" through the already settled terrain, and relatively domesticated wildlife. I'm sure he's familiar with my usual style, but insult comedy is a hard habit to break. Perhaps I should leave out the sarcasm while I'm writing.
Posted by Robert Nowall (Member # 2764) on :
I hope you can find a way to pull it off---working outside one's boundaries can produce rewarding work. Especially if this client is willing to pay.