A Visit and a Song or three ... 7/20/02

[Saga Librarian]

Gneen

Passing by, Gneen noticed the door swinging ajar ... beckoning
him somehow with the sounds of friendly banter. "I have heard
of this place methinks ... good folk within I hear tell."

Finding an empty seat in an out-of-the-way corner, he make himself
comfortable on the well-worn bench. Reaching into his pack, he
takes out his tinkered guitar and an old gnoll-skin cap. Placing the
cap on the table, and seeding it with a few coins for all to see, he
begins to play ... quietly at first, then a bit louder, and then his voice is heard.

        You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em
        know when to walk away, and know when to run!               
        Never count your plat while you're still swingin' at the bad guys.
        They'll be time enough for looting ...       
        when the battle's done.       

A few heads turned in Gneen's direction. Encouraged, he continued:

        Take me out for some small game,               
        Take me out with a bow ....               
        Fill up me quiver and pack me pack ...               
        I'll shoot 'em and pierce 'em and then stab their back.
        For it's root, root, root cast on bad guys       
        if they can        t move it's no shame!
        cause I'll riposte and disarm and parry their ass -       
        that's this Gnome rogue's game!

Attention was focused now. A few had made their way to his table and
the jingle of coins added to the din of the tavern. It was time. Now it was time.

"I am Gneen. I am of TInker's Pride. I am Gnome first and rogue second.
Some of you may know that my heart was broken when Charizma was wed,
but most will care little of my personal feelings. I come to plead for aid and
assistance for me beloved Ak'Anon - for I have heard that Baron Apep has
vowed to destroy it on the 30th day of July. This shall not happen. I speak
not for TInker's Pride, for I am not an officer - I am but a lowly rogue with a
guitar and a song or two."

With that, Gneen stood. A tear trickled down his cheek as he sang.

        No beautiful or spacious skies, in tinkered city grand.               
        For deep in mountain majesties does Gnomish Ak'Anon stand!       
        Oh Ak'Anon, Great Ak'Anon - your history serves as guide
        We'll greet all Gnomes with brotherhood       
        for we are "Tinker's Pride"!       

There were other taverns to visit that night, and it had grown late. Gneen
gathered up the coins and placed the cap in his pack. His tinkered guitar
was slung on his shoulder as he left the tavern. "Please - Ak'Anon on the
30th of July ... 7:30 CST ... I beg your aid in defense of me homeland"
he called back over his shoulder.