Thread: The Mouse and the Bard

AswanFox said Flint set aside his lute, sipping from the tall mug of local beer he had been given for his performance. Setting it down again, he continued the story he had been telling. ...and so it came to pass, Ozymandias gained a kingdom of his own, stretching from the valleys where my people live to the great dune seas. He built works to eclipse those of any other ruler who dwelt in those days upon the face of the Earth, and led those who believed themselves mighty to despair. He shook his head. I have been to where he built his palace, though, and this I saw two vast and trunk-less legs of stone, standing in the desert. Near it, all but buried by the sand lies a great stone face, cold and sneering, and some words in a dead language carved in the pedestal, no doubt extolling the builder's greatness. But nothing else remains around that colossal wreck, the lone and level sands stretch far away. He took another sip from the mug, and a smirk came to his lips. Would anyone like to hear the story of how King Ozymandias came to ruin? The patrons of the tavern - men, women and children - pressed in around the bard's table, begging the stranger to continue the story, the clink of coins being set before him heard above the general din of the place. When he began again, however, most went quiet, and all watched and listened as he raised his lute and began to play an accompaniment to the tale. All eyes were on Flint the Bard, including those of a particularly interested barmaid... Click to expand... Esmeralda was a small white mouse who was working at the bar when the Bard first came in. she had lived in that tiny village all of her life, she had never known any parents, only her uncle, who owned the bar... he was more of a rat than a mouse really, but he provided for her as much as he had to. she sighed as she picked up some more dirty plates, casting another look at the interesting Fox that had stumbled in out of the rain and cold... she didn't know what it was... but she... couldn't stop looking at him. he had such unique fur coloring, such sharp teeth and strong muscles... she.. desired him... immensely. She only got to hear bits and pieces of his story as she ran around, refreshing drinks, handing out food, cleaning up after customers had gone... oh but what a rich, deep voice he had... she made sure that his tankard was full, it was too busy for her uncle to find out that only half of the Bards drinks where paid for, and that he hadn't paid for the meal at all. Not to mention he was already drunk in the corner, nipping from his own wares again, the drunken slob. She sighed again, her soft white ears drooping as she picked up the dishes and wiped down a table next to the bard, listening to his soft voice, talk about King Ozymandias and his ruin. She looked at the Fox, and blushed as she refilled his Tankard, and quietly offered him a room for the cold night, and when closing time came she turned down his bed, and made sure he had everything he needed, hesitating as she studied him for a moment from the doorway. My Lord? Would you... require a body for the night? she wasn't a virgin, but neither was she a whore, and she shocked herself for her offer... but... she desired him in a way she had never desired another being... she... wanted, him... no, it was more than that... she wanted to be his. if... if it wouldn't be too.. much trouble.. could I travel with you? I fear this place will be my death before long. she admitted softly, her eyes fixed on her toes. i don't have any money, but I don't eat much... and I could pay you.. with my body... I would do, anything you told me to... she promised, her soft, clear eyes looking sheepishly up at him. would.. would you take me with you, My Lord... when you leave? it wasn't like she was leaving anything behind...