Andrew's Songbook

[RollinsCat]

*a copy is jammed inside the book*

Tower Academy Teacher Candidate Application

Please respond to each of the questions below and return your application to the Tower Academy, Municipal District, Port Hempstead. We appreciate your interest in our organization and look forward to hearing from you.

What is your area of expertise?

Theory of music and how it relates to the Al'Noth, and practical applications thereof; using sound as a focus for the shaping of magical effects; and the inspirational effects of music on the sentient mind.


How long have you been studying in your current profession?

Thirty-four years playing violin, study in earnest of magical application for five years.


Do you prefer field or class, instruction?

I prefer a balance. Class instruction for the theory, and field instruction (in the form of concerts and impromptu performances, or more intimate studies with smaller groups) for emperical observation of effect.


Do you have other areas of study that you would be willing to teach if the need arises?

I can teach basic fencing and how to play piano, harp, violin, cello, mandolin, and guitar. I will be learning to play wind instruments for additional flexibility.


Do you have a preferred size of class?

No.


Why do you seek to teach here?

The Tower Academy seeks to open the possibilities of magic and to bring a fresh truth to perceptions of the art. This is important in our world of closed minds and inflexible fears. I wish to contribute to that changing of opinion, that breaking of molds.

Using magic through song appears to be under-represented in the curriculum. And, teaching others to propagate the art and spread song pleases me.


What do you hope to accomplish as a teacher here at the Tower Academy?

To guide other passionate individuals to the joy of song and magic. To teach music, and to those students that have the desire or the gift, to open their minds to thier potential. And to enjoy listening to them when they have found their inner Song.


Do you prefer one on one instruction or group instruction?

Either.


What dress do you prefer for students, yourself?

I have no preference. Whatever is comfortable.


How do you prefer to be addressed?

Andrew is fine. Mr. Reid if they insist on formality.

[RollinsCat]

*notes from the road scribbled in his traveling songbook. appears to have been added at intervals rather than in one sitting.*

Ripples in the pond - the structure affected by our presence.

Repetition and cadence - good enough is not good enough.  The drone of the voice to enforce that structure.

Harmony versus unison, and Muse, she's beautiful sitting like that.  She is thousands of miles away.  A statue of moonlight and night sky.

Structure, discipline - humming?  There was no song, no extraneous talk.

It felt like a construction.  A matrix.  So rigid.  Their personal harmony the sounds of the hammers and the rhythm of the tools, but there is very little dissonance and no outside notes.

Except us, those days.

*musical notation - a few lines written for guitar, with a mechanical repetitiveness*

Destroying and re-working.  Creating the density with the motions.

Their resonance and the way they work the clay - the vibrations from the massaging, as Hammer Birch called it.  My mother calls it kneading or mixing.  Kitchen terms.  I miss her noodles.

Cross-association...is that complexity?  Or distraction?  I call it art.

Kneading and aiming for that perfection.  A goal in thier heart and head applied to making a dense, perfect mold with no bubbles and no surface imperfections.  Transferring that through the motions.  

I wonder if she's hurt me if I tried to hold her?   - I thought it and it's premeditated now.  Stop second guessing yourself Tashe.  Just bloody do it.

The song.  The ripples from that act all the way to now, destroying what was built.  More than cause and effect, can it be rebuilt?  Positive harmonic resonance?

Resonance.  What is the resonance of being, she asked.  Heartsong, I said.  Beyond Ilsare, she said - life.  Messy, chaotic life.  I'd like to get messy and chaotic right now.

Or Current.  Who is Ezlab anyway?  I must remember to ask Gypsy Belle.

Resonance as a canonical structure is weaker than the resonance hybrid.  Where the hell did I learn that.  Was that in Sharpy's theory class?  Must have been.  Natural frequency keeps coming to mind as well.

What else. Matrix - medium - interconnected materials.  Source (voice) through medium to receptor (ear).

Emotions focus the sound we make.  The motions we use to express. The frequency of vibration.

*some musical notation is written here in a variety of speeds and with notes on amplification.  one finished piece is included that is written with strong emotional tones, calling for strident playing*

I wonder that the human ear has parts called the hammer and the anvil.  Striking.

Coming back to the music.  The way he spoke - the timing to match the work.  That's sticking with me as are his words.  A form of resonance.

[RollinsCat]

Play for Angel's Guild.  Work in progress.

Updated for Ben's death -- Muse, I hope they do this.


Angel's Guild Members (in order of appearance):

Andrew - Narrator
Alazira -- Self
Layl -- Self
Alatriel -- Self
Kyle -- Self
Ferrit -- Self
Kyle -- Ben
Andrew - Hedessa
Alatriel -- Ferrit
Amgine -- Layl (musical instruments)
Layl -- Elohanna (scribing)
Ferrit -- Jako (smelting, weapons crafting, alchemy, armor crafting)

Customers (in order of appearance):

Hedessa -- Tailoring Customer
Daniel -- Instrument Customer
Alazira -- Infusing Customer
Elohanna -- Scribing Customer
Tod -- Metals Customer


Narrator: Behind the scenes at the Angel Guild Play...

Alazira: So now what do we do.

Layl: I don't know.  He was the lead straight man.

Alazira: We could pay homage...

Alatriel: Homage?  What, we go out and act grumpy at the audience?

Alazira: Well we have to do SOMETHING.

Layl: Dress someone up.  Kyle can do it.

Alatrial: Fine.  You humans all look alike anyway.  But no "homage" -- I want it to be a roast!

Alazira: I think he'd have liked that more anyway. *looks at Kyle*

Alatriel: *looks at Kyle*

Layl: *looks at Kyle*

Kyle:  No.  No no no no.  No!  Absolutely not.  No way, forget it, not going to happen...

Ferrit: *wife voice* Kyle.

Kyle: NO.  His pants always chafe!

Alatrial: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Alzira: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Layl: *looks at Kyle, blinking*

Kyle: *blushes*

Ferrit: Shh!  Just put on the clothes or I'll make you play Essa.

Kyle: Yes dear.


Narrator: The scene opens in the new shop.  Ben is tidying the counter top.

Kyle: *in Ben's too-tight pants and shirt* Well, here we are, in the new shop, ready for business.  *polishes the counter with a crooked grin, glancing at the front door from time to time*

Kyle: Yup.  The place looks great.  Anytime now.  *continues to polish*

Narrator: Time passes...

Kyle: Blast.  We need a hook.  HEDESSA!

Andrew: *sashays out, swaying his narrow hips* Yes, Benji?

Kyle: Can you go out and drum up someone business?  You know, use your *finger quotes* people skills? *goes back to polishing the countertop and fussing with the inventory chests*

Andrew: *bats his eyes and in a husky voice*  Of course, handsome. *sashays outside the shop, then swiftly tacks up a sign that says "FREE BEER INSIDE".* All done!

Kyle: Um...*watches Essa sway past with some concern*

Hedessa: *takes a look at the sign*  Oh, free beer!  *walks inside*

Kyle: *gruffly* Hey, lady.  Welcome to the Angels Guild Adventurer Outfitters, how can I help you?

Hedessa: Dwarven Stout, please.  In a frosted glass.  A BIG frosted glass!

Kyle: This is the Angels Guild, not a bar.

Hedessa: But the sign said --

Kyle: What sign?  This isn't a bar!

Hedessa: *patiently*  The one outside, with FREE BEER in big block letters?

Kyle: ESSA!

Andrew: *high pitched giggle from the back room*

Hedessa: So, no beer?

Kyle: *sighs*  No ma'am.

Hedessa: And you do what, here, again?

Kyle: We are the Angels Guild Adventurer Outfitters -- we outfit all your advent...

Hedessa: *waves an impatient hand* Yes, Yes.  I could use a new dress then.

Kyle: That we can help you with.  FERRIT!

Alatrial: *sneaks up behind Ben, appearing suddenly* Yes?

Kyle: AGH! Don't DO that!

Alatrial: *smiles*

Kyle: The lady wants a new dress.

Alatrial: Of course.  This way.  *they exit to back room*

Kyle: *moves to take down the beer sign*

Daniel: *walks in* Ah, my good man!  A mug of beer and quickly, I'm parched!

Kyle: We're not a bar.  This is the Adventure Outfitters --

Daniel: But the sign --

Kyle: *grits his teeth through his crooked grin*  We are a crafting guild.  Ignore the sign.  Please.

Daniel: Ah. Pity.

Kyle: Is there something else I can help you with?

Daniel: A glass of Black Hills Chablis, perhaps?

Kyle: *forces his crooked grin* We're not a bar...

Daniel: Well...do you make guitars?

Kyle: *turns abruptly and bellows*  LAYL!

Amgine: *bounces out with a wink* Yes, Ben?
 
Kyle: The man wants an instrument.

Amgine: Oh, fun!  Come on sugar, let's get you strung up...

Daniel: I like the sound of that! *winks at the audience and goes into the back room with Amgine*

Kyle: *moves to take down the sign again*

Alazira: *strides in* A dwarven stout, and make it snappy!

Kyle: *smacks his forehead*  We are not a bar.  This is the Angels Guild, Adventure -

Alazira: Tower Malt?

Kyle: Not. A. Bar.

Alazira: Silver Buckle Gin, then! *bright smile*

Kyle: We are NOT A BAR.  I don't serve alcohol here!  No beer! *getting upset*

Alazira: No beer?

Kyle: No beer.

Alazira: I'll just have some Xeenite wine then.

Kyle: BLAST IT!  *begins to babble to himself*

Alazira: And a raise dead scroll.

Kyle: *pivots and bellows*  ELLY!

Layl: *moves out with gentle grace*  Yes, Ben?

Kyle: The lady wants a raise dead scroll.

Layl: *a sunny smile* That will take a little while...would you care for a glass of wine while you wait?

Alazira: *shoots a smug look at "Ben"*  Don't mind if I do!  *follows "Elly" into the back room*

Kyle: *moves to take down the sign yet again*

Elohanna: *barges in, all hustle* Hey, hello, wow, it's hot out there.

Kyle: Yes it is.  *moves toward door*

Elohanna: Hey, hey, my beer?

Kyle: No beer.  Adventuring gear.  We outfit Adventurers.  WE. DO. NOT. SERVE. BEER.

Elohanna: Ohh.  How about a wand then?   I can stir my beer with it!

Kyle: *bellows*  ESSA!

Andrew: *sways out* Yes, Benji?  

Kyle: *glares at her*  A rod for the lady.

Andrew: Isn't that your job, sugar? *giggles and takes Elly into the back room*

Kyle: *dives for the door, and trips over Tod*

Tod: Ah, excuse me, I'd like a --

Kyle:  WE HAVE NO FREE BEER!  NO STOUT, NO ALE, NO BEER!  Nothing but adventuring gear!  No liquor!  No wine!  No booze of any kind!  WE'RE THE ANGELS GUILD! NOT A BAR! *panting, face red*

Tod:  Um.  I wanted some armor?

Kyle: *standing, embarassed* Oh, well, then.  JAKO!

Ferrit: *comes out silent, and waits*

Tod: Here, it's all on this order. *hands over a piece of paper*

Ferrit: *takes the paper and starts to leave*

Tod: Oh, and a short sword! *hands over a piece of paper*

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *returns and takes the paper, then turns to leave*

Tod: Oh, oh!  And I have some platinum that needs smelting to ingots!  *hands over a clearly heavy box*

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *returns and takes the box, turns, then hesitates*

Tod: Let's see...*pats his vest, then shakes his head*

Ferrit: *hesitates one moment more, then starts to leave*

Tod: Oh!  *snaps his fingers and pulls another scrap from a vest pocket* And some good healing potions --

Kyle: JAKO!

Ferrit: *turns around again, fists full of paper and box under his arm, and walks, very slowly and deliberately back to Kyle. Reaches out slowly, takes the paper from his hand in a quick snapping motion, returns his hand slowly, tucks the paper with the others, then waits, drumming his fingers*

Tod:  That's all! *bright smile*

Ferrit: *waits, fingers drumming*

Tod: Really.  That's all.

Ferrit: *eyes him suspiciously for a moment*

Tod: *another bright smile*

Ferrit: *turns to leave*

Tod:  Oh, wait -- what's this? *takes out a piece of paper*

Ferrit: *turns ever so slowly*

Tod: Ah, just an old grocery list.  Don't suppose you can help a fellow with apples and cheese, can you? *smiles*

Ferrit: *rolls his eyes, turns on one heel and marches out*

Kyle: We'll get it done.  Oh -- would you take down that sign by the door on your way out?

Tod: Be happy to! *leaves, grabbing the sign as he goes, then walks back in*  Hey -- says here free beer?  *takes out a mug and slaps it on the counter*

Kyle: *begins to weep*

*curtain close*

Narrator: Just another day of business at the Angels Guild, Adventure Outfitters...

[RollinsCat]

For Amgine and Ami.

She's the warmest snow you'll ever meet
Hair an avalanche of light
The weight of years carved in her heart
Yet graceful as a hawk in flight

A simple thing
A quiet look
One moment's breath
Is all it took

He's the counter to her pale
A weathered sword in banding
Bound to her by blood and years
He's her understanding

Her voice, his smile
A planted seed
Time and joy
A growing need

Each a chord in their life's song
Children of their fate
The Heartsong smiles on love like this
The gift of the soul mate

[RollinsCat]

The Farmer's Daughter (a request)

Neddy was a travelling man selling goods across Mistone
Handsome with a silver tongue and feet most prone to roam
Hawking tinker's wares he'd drive from farm to distant farm
Chatting up the ladies and dazzling them with his charm

On these farms young maidens toiled, ladies of the till
Bored to tears with tending crops and looking for a thrill
Along came Neddy tall and lean with worldly news and flirting
Girls would swoon and fathers frown at his dimpled smile diverting

Neddy!
Neddy!
Rugged and handsome was Neddy!

Now you've heard all about these daughters of the farming men
Sun-kissed glow and cornflower eyes with bodies made for sin
Neddy plowed though them one by one to teach the facts of life
And if a farmboy'd taught them once he'd gladly teach them twice

Neddy never stayed too long least one become attached
What other maid might wait ahead with flowers to be snatched?
Before he left he always promised love and his protecting
The girls would wait, expecting him and often times...expecting

Maidens!
Maidens!
He taught birds and bees to the maidens!

Neddy he grew arrogant and cocky to a fault
Until one day his rutting spree came to a grinding halt
Maria was not the fairest maid he had ever viewed
But she had an air about her that kept his eyes flat glued

Built for pleasure not for speed her curves were dangerous
Her eyes were black as roofing pitch, her movements languorous
He put on his most beguiling face and went to get her name
She just laughed and told him he was preceded by his fame

Maria!
Maria!
He could not stop watching Mariaaaaa...

He could not say what it was that kept him round that house
He only knew he could not leave until he made her his spouse
Never before had a woman wound so deep inside his head
And left him begging for her hand before he'd felt her bed!

Maria would canoodle some and maybe let him steal a kiss
But never more than that and he was begging for her bliss
He even started tilling soil to earn her father's favor
Working hard all day long so her lips he could savor

Maria!
Maria!
Was he being delayed by Maria?

Two months passed and down the road came sounds of stomping feet
A score of farmers with pregnant daughters marching down the street
Maria stroked Neddy's rugged cheek and smiled at his fear
Whispered "Time to be a man and face your actions, dear".

Neddy turned to run but those pitch-black eyes bespelled him
Maria had him frozen still until the farmers held him
They cleaned his purse of every coin, each bit and shining True
Then took his clothes and cart and goods and his old mule too

Neddy!
Neddy!
Bankrupt and naked was Neddy!

Maria whispered once again and then she turned him loose
But rather than the next farm down the daughter to seduce
He turned his feet (to his dismay) back toward the road he'd came
Returning to the first he'd taught and therefore brought to shame

One by one Ned makes the rounds to each lady he made gravid
Changing diapers, doing chores and apologizing avid
Compelled to make amends and stay clear of lustful heaven
This lothario (reformed!) is now father of eleven!

Maria!
Maria!
You'd better not mess with Mariaaaa...

[RollinsCat]

Dear Andrew,

I pray this letter finds you well. I hope that my little friend did not startle you. His name is "Chess". I named him that becasue he likes Chestnuts so much.

I have asked for Feawen's hand in marriage, and she accepted with excitement!

Although we have not set a formal date yet..

We would like to ask you, If you would play at the wedding for us? We both consider you a good friend and would love to hear your song as we bind our love into one on that special day of ours?

Chess will wait for you to complete your reply, then tie it back to his neck and he will know where to find me.

May Folian watch over you my friend.

Shadowleaf....



Leaf my friend;

I would be honored to compose and play for you and Feawen.  I will need to sit with you, learn more of your stories - although I seem to recall when you met (or close to it).  A rose from a friend...

Let's plan to meet soon so I can let this rumble around and form music fitting to you both.

And - congratulations.  Ilsare smiles on you, as do I.

Also, Chess is very inquisitive and has already found my stash of hard cheese and nuts.  He's rummaging as I write, a more joyous squirrel I have never seen.

Your friend,


Andrew

[RollinsCat]

For a little girl.

Little girls are made of sugar and spice
But their daddies are not always so nice
Her heart pounds
Where is he, her protector in life
Leaving the child all alone?

A gilt box of thorns
Stroked every day
Sticky with blood
But the sting goes away
The sting goes away...

She builds it to armor, this anger and pain
And no one will ever hurt her again
Her heart pounds
A caged bird behind walls painted in ice
Wings beating hard on the stone

A gilt box of thorns
Stroked every day
Coated with gore
It gets easier each day
Easier each day...

Will she open the box?
Listen once more?
Hear his voice calling her, calling her...
Or keep the box shut
Wrapped in ribbons of skin
A red and white bow keeps the agony in

Who is she now, this little sweet maid
A dragon's heart or a purple nightshade
Her heart pounds
A child's hand resting lightly on thorns
While the woman presses down to the bone

[RollinsCat]

Aunlyn

I hope this missive finds you well, intact, and free.

I am in need of a speaker of dark elf. I am hoping you can assist. I was offered a slave the other day in Wayfare, by that orc Haj. I made the mistake of involving the guards because I thought an orc slaver might be considered a bad thing, and was only just able to convince the guard to not kill the slave instead, who happens to be a dark elf male.

I have stayed his execution pending his story on why he's here. I am hoping you will step in, if only to translate - no being should be a slave. Dark elf, human, troll - no being should be a slave.

Also, if they let Haj go - well. Let's say I could use some help with that as well.

Andrew, the redcoat bard




Andrew,

As far as the day this letter is sent goes, I am well and intact. Free, on the other hand, is hardly the case as your situation should inform you of how we are treated on the surface, even former slaves.

I will happily be your translator, and will also offer my council and protest should this man face a lynch mob. Most of our people are evil indeed, but I owe it to circumstance to do what I can in this situation.

In short, I will help.

Best,
Aunlyn

[RollinsCat]

Iracce is hello

Tyeilla is piano

Tylailaa is please  (thyi sound is common p)

Sylaeny is music

Selyaan is minuet

Eleecel is violin

Feam is bow

My love is Sa laelv  (s with a vibration is common m)

Laanmecc is a casual stroll

Lacaaty is sleep  (l or la for s?)

Veelan is "going to" as intent rather than location

Ils is am

E is I (eah, light h)

E ameycw cena ane silna tycila (I would like to make a play)

Anirllan Aey is goodbye

Ilwinaky? is Andrew?

[RollinsCat]

Elly is gone for now and I honestly don't know why I'm writing this or why I can't finish it.  I want to write for Night Sky.

Is there a note, a song or chord
That connects to she who lives ignored
Is there a way to reach the one inside you?
Would it sound like this
A tiny kiss
A booming voice
A church rejoice
Would it echo round the room or just be whispered?

It wasn't much, she spared a glance
Something told me take a chance
But faith and proof are uneasy bedfellows
Slabs of cold and angry stone
Is there anybody home
A need, a want
An echoed haunt
A dream of love left crumpled in a corner?

You won't shut me out but you won't let me in
A limbo of constant coincidence
I won't walk away but I won't force your hand
And so we keep sharing this oddly timed dance

[RollinsCat]

Ben's dead?

I sung this to Elly yesterday...she says Lana would want to hear it.  I'm not so sure.  Written from Elly's words.

I walked the floor, waiting here
And found that you would come no more
And now I’m standing in deafening silence

The statues lining the hallway walls
Audience to my screams and calls
Echoing friends who shared your glib defiance

Adventure called and you were there
Which leaves me now alone and scared
Watched by friends of stone and painted plaster

Was it worth the trip to end up as art
Worth the loss and the dearly depart
For one last trip, one last bloody disaster?

[RollinsCat]

For Fehriel, may he never negotiate another surrender again, and Talia who seems sweet.  Wedding song, last minute.

And Daphne - I mean Lili.

Two hearts to one as the old saying goes
But wasn’t it always so?
He saw you on that rainy day, not so very long ago
Hair stuck to skin and soaked to within but the look that they shared in the midst of that din
Warmed the cold away
Warmed the cold away

A prince of wolves in fur headdress
A star mage healer with magic’s bless
Rain and her voice
The look in his eyes
While storm clouds passed overhead

Love isn’t an instant
No matter what the bards say
It wasn’t a week and it wasn’t a day
But a seedling in love’s sun and watered with time and the vines of together took root to climb
Twining to today
Twining to today

It’s the feeling when you find your God
The dawning of a new day’s sun
The moment when you wake fully
The making of two to one

[RollinsCat]

Master Songsinger,

A year or so back, an event occurred which goes some distance towards shedding light on the true 'priorities' of the constabulary in Leringard. I think the common man should be made aware of these, in an artful way of course.

I, along with several others whom you may know (notably a priestess of the Mistress of Pleasure and your landlady's son), occasioned on a situation: a sailor had been hanging about the docks for weeks, continually drunk and railing his sad tale, over and over. According to a local barmaid, he told of how his ship had been sunk by 'fiery eyed monsters' that 'fell out of the sky' and how he alone had survived.

In any event, this sailor, Francis (apparently too inebriated to be of any further use that night), was placed in the care of a Chalbadi, proprietor of the Leaky Keg Inn, ostensibly to sleep off his latest drunk. While we were waiting for the opportunity to speak with a re-sobered Francis, we were met by a local businessman unknown to us, one Guy Poul, who said he could arrange a meeting with Francis, despite what we'd been told of the sailor's condition.

All convivial, we dined with this Poul at the Leaky Keg and were subsequently led though the back alleys of Leringard to our supposed meeting. Instead of our finding Francis however, we were attacked by a contingent of Drach Garra. A hard fight ensued, one of our own was slain, and one of the enemy escaped.

Those of us still standing split to pursue two different ends: finding and confronting this Guy Poul and chasing down the remaining Drach Garra. When the search for the last of the Dracha Garra came up empty, we contacted one of the Blackwatch on patrol, who a) had heard nothing of the Drach Garra or our battle (which was neither quick nor quiet) in the streets of Leringard and b) was less than interested in pusuing a Drach Garra soldier, running loose through the city. In fact, he and others of the Blackwatch seemed more concerned that we not harm this Guy Poul, whom we had cornered quite near to where you reside. Poul was subsequently taken into 'custody' before we could ask the very pointed questions we each had. We, on the other hand, were brusquely directed to disperse.

We all found it disturbing that the Blackwatch seemed more interested in protecting this 'local businessman' than investigating the presence of soldiers of the Dragon Stealers Cult within the city's walls. This, in my view, transcends incompetence and points to collusion, though I can't substantiate that as yet. I'd think the general populace might find all this properly disturbing as well. Perhaps your sharp pen can find some way to bring this to the public ear?

Let me know,

~ C. A.

P.S. The morning after the incident, Francis had disappeared without a trace, before he also could be questioned.

[RollinsCat]

Master Andrew:

I recall your person, and have encountered some of your work. I will tell you what I know. Name a time and place within the next ten days, and I will be there.

Wicked watch over the fatherless and the widow,
~Steel.




Steel.

My name is Andrew Reid. We met once, when Jaelle rode the lightning with her Kenku friend - I was the tall skinny human clutching potions and watching wide-eyed from the sidelines.

I have a request for information. One of my benefactors has asked for a song regarding the current state of the Blackwatch.  Having attended your execution (although by accident - it's not something I take dates to, you understand) - I feel you have more than a passing familiarity with this organization.

I was hoping, rather fervently, that you would share some of what you know to be true, that my song or songs will be accurate in revealing problems that would inspire a common man to look closer.  I'm not asking for any specifics of your situation, although I would certainly not refuse to hear them.  I am hoping to gain a more well-rounded view of what the state of the Blackwatch is, and how it relates to the Queen and also a certain businessman who seems to enjoy their protection.

I would meet in person if you wished or gladly receive a letter as well - and if you are unwilling to share such, a note to let me know to look elsewhere would be most appreciated.

With anticipation,

Andrew Reid

[RollinsCat]

(sung)

Necessity, necessity -- it's simple necessity
The watch in black that stood up during war
Necessity, necessity, protection as necessity
But what do we now need this black watch for?

(chanted)

Absolute power corrupts
Absolute power corrupts
Absolute power corrupts ...true

(sung)

Efficiency, efficiency -- it's just savage efficiency
They keep the peace with the backs of their hands
Efficiency, efficiency, that's what it's called -- efficiency!
As measured by their club-backed commands

(chanted)

They protect and they serve
They protect and they serve
They protect and they serve...who?

(sung)

Brutality, brutality -- it's become brutality
The common man can't speak his mind from fear
Brutality, brutality, arm-twisting brutality
It gets a little worse ev-er-y year

(chanted)

A thug in a uniform is still a thug and he don't care a whit about yours
With no one to answer to, no to stop him he'll soon be kicking in doors

When folks disappear the watch doesn't care and the gone are quickly forgotten
They cover the rears of their unsavory peers and it's clear that something is rotten

(sung)

Accountability, accountability, we need accountability
To keep their power in check day to day
Accountability, accountability, is there any accountability?
Who watches the watchmen anyway?

(chanted)

Who watches the Blackwatch...
Who watches the Blackwatch...
Who watches the Blackwatch...you?

[RollinsCat]

*a translation is added, re-written in neat italic script*

My Dearest Andrew, My Treasured Songbird and Symphony.

Recently we have lost and far from each other in only presense, but not in heart. At least I pray not in heart and not in treasured vibrations of the Heartsong.

I truly miss you and hope that you know that I have not grown far away from you, that I still practice with all my heart each precious piece of music that you have brought into my heart.

Your soul speaks to me not only when you hold me close but through each precious chord that surrounds me with an understanding that no other could ever realize. You mean the world to me treasured symphony. And I hope you never forget.

Your Minuet Always,

Elohanna Min A'Litae


Sa Wailmalaan Andrew, Sa Anmaillaymaw Laelvfemw illw Laastyirela.

 Manyalanca ama irilela celaan illw oilm omes ailnyir eaniram el elca tymalaallaa, fyan lean el irailman. Ilan caillaan E tymila lean el irailman illw lean el anmaillaymaw elefmilaneella eo anira Irailmanlaelv.

 E anmyca selala aey illw iretya anirilan aey nleam anirilan E irilela lean vmeaml oilm ilamila omes aey, anirilan E laanecc tymilnyanenya ameanir ilcc sa irailman ailnyir tymanyeeyla tyeanya eo sylaeny anirilan aey irilela fmeyviran elane sa irailman.

 Aeym laeyc latyailnla ane sa lean elca amiral aey irecw sa nycelaa fyan anirmeyvir ailnyir tymanyeeyla nyiremw anirilan laymmeylwla sa ameanir ill ylwamlaanillwelv anirilan le eaniram nyeycw aelam mailceja. Aey saill anira amemcw ane sa anmaillaymaw laastyirela. Illw E iretya aey laelam oemvaan.

 Aeym Selyaan Ilcamilala,
 Elohanna Min A'Litae

[RollinsCat]

A time to sing
A time to play
A time to share remembrances before the end of day

A time to understand
A time for tears to fall
A time to laugh and mourn and all the good times recall

Questions unanswered for lack of his face
Stories and eulogies taking its place
Support from hearts that never stops flowing
Losses wrapped in familial embrace

He was her land
She was his sea
I play for them both and for all that mourn with me

She was his melody
He her muse, her mate
Together a symphony far beyond what either could create

We stand with our heads down through dearly departs
Combined, so much more than the sum of our parts
He's never far gone when you look at each other
Move forward, move on with Ben safe in your hearts

A time to touch
A time to feel
A time to let him know your love was very real

[RollinsCat]

Master Reid,

Your song and your memory of Ben have given me great comfort. Thank you. I'm enclosing the song we used as our wedding vows. Please feel free to use it if you like.

Sincerely,
Lana Poetr

Ben:
Oh, the summer time is coming, and the trees are a blooming.
And the wild mountain thyme, grows round the blooming heather!

Ben Chorus:
Will ye go lassie, will ye go? And We'll all go together!
To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
Will ye go lassie will ye go?

Ben:
I will build my love a bower, upon the side of that mountain.
I will build my love a bower, by the clear and crystal fountain!

Lana Chorus
*sings* I will go, laddie, I will go. And We'll all go together!
*sings* To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
*sings* Will ye go laddie will ye go?

Ben:
We will bide in that bower, by the clear and crystal fountain!
And all around the bower, I'll pile flowers from the mountain!

Ben Chorus
I will go, lassie, I will go. And We'll all go together!
To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
We will go, lassie, we will go.

Lana
*sings* Oh, the autumn-time is comin', And the leaves are gently falling,
*sings* Where the wild mountain thyme Grows around the blooming heather

Lana Chorus
*sings* Will ye go laddie, will ye go? And We'll all go together!
*sings* To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
*sings* Will ye go laddie will ye go?

Ben
Oh, the winter-time is comin', and the snow will be fallin',
And the blossoms o' the summer, Will soon wither on the mountain

Ben Chorus
Will ye go lassie, will ye go? And We'll all go together!
To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
Will ye go lassie will ye go?

Both:
*sings* Still we'll bide in that bower, by the clear and crystal fountain,
*sings* 'Til our bones feed the flowers, on the side of that mountain.

Both Chorus
*sings* We will go, always, we will go. And We'll all go together!
*sings* To pick wild mountain thyme all the around the blooming heather.
*sings* We will go, always, we will go.

[RollinsCat]

I'll be looking for your services soon. I'm investigating the candidates for the Lor elections. Once we find the ones we like. I'll be asking for you to do what you do best on their behalf. Of course as the Muse inspires you.

Buddy

[RollinsCat]

My Beloved and Treasured Symphony,
 
I am smiling as I read your letter My Treasured Symphony. Because I never meant for my language to be a puzzle to solve but an understanding you grasped with your heart, as you do the Heartsong. So do not worry that I am upset at you for doing so. Let my words put you at ease and I love you for more than just your willingness to learn my language. I love you because you listen to me.  It has been to long since I have held you and the warmth of your breath against my body as we hold each other.
 
I would never give up the time the Tower takes in my life, when I can see the happiness in each of my students faces as they grasp their first understanding of the Al'noth and realize that in that understanding they have let go of their fears and opened themselves to a world so much beyond even my own imagining.
 
My Love and My Heart are always with you, as you know even better than I, the Heartsong's melody sings softly for the both of and wills us in its own way to fit where we are meant to be, when we are meant to be there. I wish to truly hear of all of your adventures and I feel that after this auction that we will finally have the opportunity to have more time to spend together. My Heart is always yours and always with you. Please be sure to tell me of all of your adventure as I wish to understand all the pieces of my love and what adventures you have found yourself in.
 

Andrew, my treasure there is simply nothing about you that I would ever laugh at, rather I will always laugh with you as you touch my heart in so many ways that I hold you as the most precious person in my life. I am glad though that you have had a chance to speak and understand your lady and what made you love her to begin with, though it sounds as if your feelings for her have changed in some small way?
 
Please let me know when we see each other again as I wish to understand. I also have discovered recently that there was a source of scrying attempted in my own house in Fort Llast, you will have to remind me to tell you what has happened to as I rather not go into the details, other than in person.
 
I can tell you honestly that most of my own kind have always been arrogant, and very few have ever shown the capacity to be different. I admit that there are parts of me that used to feel that I could not ever love a human, and so I would close myself off to such a possibility. I have lost out on great friends as a result and sadly those who have tried have long since left this mortal world in pursuits to serve their gods.
 
I believe that there are two reasons for why this happens, one is simply an understanding that because humans are such a young race some of our race have grown complacent that they will only be in our life for a short period of time, and that the time is inconsequential to the bigger picture.
 
However I feel that, ever pebble no matter how long they are in our lives, matters to the greater picture and the Heartsong continues as it will because every single person matters. Every human, orc, goblin, kobold, elf are part of the bigger tapestry of life. Each race has its own arrogance though, I just wish to not fit into that predictable mold called elf.  I have learned more from humans as an honest people than I have my own race and I treasure greatly the lessons learned.  The rule though is sadly what you believe it to be. The exceptions are myself and your lady. Hold tight to the exceptions as they will touch your heart in most unexpected ways because we do not close our minds to the possibilities and shelter our lives away in some small portion of the world but we are willing to share ourselves with you.
 
I am very familiar with Lady Gala, as she is also a member of the Angels guild and I consider her a sister and friend. I am happy to hear you are able and willing to share you talents with the hospital as there is no greater gift than song that can be given to any. I am very proud of you Andrew, and I love that you are so willing to learn all you can about any aspect of the Heartsong. You have an amazing heart that I only fall more and more in love with when I hear about the undertakings you have perused. Please do not stop! I hope to see you soon and hope to also be near Krandor and Fort Llast again in the next few days.
 

I am also happy to hear that your parents have had success with their pottery barn and that I can hopefully soon have a chance to peruse their wares. I could use some new flower pots for the house, and though it seems a long way to travel, I believe it would be worth it.
 
It seems as though Aya truly needs an understanding brother to be close to her and Congratulations on being an UNCLE! Even if you have your own paths set before you, I am sure that the thought of being an Uncle has to tickle you. You are dearly blessed with your family and the chance to know the differences and embrace them anyway as you have.
 
I miss you Andrew and I wish to have you in my arms. I wish to hold you until you grow tired of me. I wish to listen to the softness of your heartbeat. I hope to see you soon my Treasured Symphony.
 
~Elly



To: Elohanna Min A'Litae
c/o the Tower Academy
Municipal District
Port Hempstead
Kingdom of Brelin
Mistone

My Minuet -

I'm sorry, I'm sorry - I had to cheat.  I had your beautiful letter translated.  I think that it will help me more than scratching my head over certain conjugations and cursing (in Tilmarese) the complexity of your tongue.

Pardon me while I pause to ponder the complexity of your tongue...it has indeed been far too long since we have seen each other in a comfortably private situation!

I understand your time constraints and the demands the Tower makes of you, and rest assured my feelings have not changed, Minu.  You are part of my song, more than you know.  Remind me to tell you of experiences I've had in Wayfare recently and how your quiet beliefs influenced the results.  We don't need to spend all our time together for me to love you.  Others can wander in and out of our lives, but your place with me is always there when you wish it, and mine with you.

That said, let me catch you up with what I've been doing since last we were together.  I have lately been on a listening exercise, wandering and absorbing the Heartsong wherever I find it.  Listening to the Heartsong of the natural world, so very quiet and simple; the song of the city; the song of battle; the song of the slow towns and rowdy bars.  It has been enlightening and contributed to my music greatly.  I have also been setting myself up for possible trouble, which excites me far more than it should.  I will speak more of this to you in person.

I sat for a while the other day and spoke to she whom holds a piece of my heart still; our conversation more the talks of days before her fire took me than after.  I was reminded, repeatedly, of what drew me to her, and that very same thing that is such a difference between us.  I think, looking back, some of those feelings may have been an undercurrent to my action that drove us apart, alcohol or no.  You do not affect me the same way; I don't feel like a child around you, always being questioned and gently laughed at as if I were amusing but inconsequential.  For this, I thank you.

And yet I cannot imagine not knowing her, not taking her opinion.  She seemed confused that I would be content with being content.  While I think that this measure of peace is merely another bridge in my song - there will be highs and lows soon enough.  Soon enough indeed, as alluded to above.

It's odd, Elly.  Elves as a whole tend to look at humans one way, as a bunch of loose arrowheads, utterly predicatable only in how unpredicable we are and deeply annoying in our lack of forethought.  And we humans, as a whole, do the same - elves are stuffy and condescending at best, decide things far too slowly, and look down on the rest of us for what reason?  And then there is you, and her, and I think to myself "but they're not like that".  Who is the rule and who is the exception?  I've been coming to face my own racism lately and it's an icy splash of water, let me tell you.

What else?  Ah!  Do you know the lady Gala, now the head of the Krandor Hospital?  I have been working on making instruments to donate there (and am proud to say I can make a halfway decent hickory mandolin now), and I will be spending time there, using the Heartsong to ease pains and learning about the healing side of the Resonance of Being.  This I am quite excited about and if you can find me in none of my usual haunts, check there.

My parents have opened up their new pottery barn with some success.  And, miracle of miracles, Aya has gotten in contact with mother.  It seems her powerful husband, an advisor to the Kagi, has had a fall from grace over a dalliance with someone's daughter.  And while I will not name names I laughed myself to the floor when I got mother's letter - I myself "knew" that daughter when she was quite a bit younger!  I am smiling even now, because I know exactly how persistant she can be.  Aya's husband never had a chance.  I can only wonder, additionally, who paid this lady to ruin him?  But, the end result is mother gets her daughter back, and I, for now, can speak of my whole family.  Aya is pregnant also.  I'm not sure if she will leave her husband but the fall from power certainly has tempered her ego, to which I can only say: good.

Write to me, Minu - tell me what you've been doing, thinking.  Better yet, write me to tell me when we can meet and have another piano and elvish lesson.  I do miss you.

Andrew