Play Minstrel Play.........

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"By all of the Gods and Goddesses Lyra you're even lovlier when you blush.
"I do hope you do it often while I'm around so I can bask in the lovliness," he says with a low and very pleasent chuckle. You can tell he does mean what he says, it shows in his eyes as well as his voice.

As Narcy cleans up the spill he orders two more drinks and lunch for the two of you. Bread, meat, cheese and fruit. " I hope that will be satisfactory Lyra."

 

[Merelan]

"That's fine. Where are you headed, or are you truly wandering?"
Sipping at the watered ale she had brought me, she knew me well. I prefered wine, but not here, not now.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Oh no where in particular. I'd was between here and there, but I think I'll stay around here a bit now. There's a definite attraction to this place at this time and perhaps my poor talents can be of use here if there are sick or injured animals or folks about the area."

 

[Merelan]

Narcy

Bringing him a plate of stew and another ale I set it before him, brushing against his arm. Sensing him, but he was blocked. Another ale may loosen him. Trying to catch Lyra's eyes, and failing. Who was he?

And was he safe? Was Lyra safe?

 

[Merelan]

Lyra

I nibbled on the vegetables she had brought me, sipping the white wine and watching as he tucked into her stew. Smiling at the expression on his face at the first taste.

"Yes, she is a bit of a marvel. A fine cook. She practically runs the Inn on her own. " sipping again at the wine. Not usually a drinker so early. But his compliments, his presence had gone to my head.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, the wanderer:

"I'd certainly say so. This stew is wonderful. Full of a marvelous blend of spices.
"I wonder if you grew some for her if she'd buy them from you Lyra. If so I have some seeds and some for other spices she may not have on hand too. More exotic ones."

Eating and sipping my drink, "What will we be looking for when we go shopping later on Lyra? Anything in paricular?"

 

[Merelan]

Lyra

"Just a few things I cannot grow myself, and coffee. I am almost out of the nectar." Holding up my cup to Narcy. Her smile lighting the room as she winked.

"Ever wonder who brewed the first beans? Whomever they were they better have a place int he heavens. I want to buy them a drink."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"I think we can get those and I do agree, although it took me awhile to get used to the taste of it when I was younger.
"By nectar do you mean honey or actual nectar from flowers?"

I, too, lifted my glass letting Narcy know we'd need two more.

 

[Merelan]

I watched as Narcy took my wink.

"We need to go, I shall serve you a fine honey mead back at my place, if you wish." Gathering up the plates and returning them to the bar.
Laying the coins under them.

"Come you shall carry my packages in return for the meal. I hope you have strong arms to match the glibness of your sweet tongue."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Now, now the meal and drinks were to be on me remember Lyra," he says as he scoops up your coins and drops them into your hand leaving a silver piece on the bar with the plates instead. More than enough to cover what was eaten and drank.

"Now Lyra, my fairly strong back is at your beck and call. Lead on fair lady and let us gather what needs to be gathered. As I'm living for free in your shed, the purchases are on me too for I'll be dining at your table."

 

[Merelan]

I cannot stop him from paying for the meal.

But..

"No. Let's get this clear. You are not living there free. I will work you till you wish you hadn't stopped here. We will not have this discussion again, will we?" Hands on my hips and glaring at him.

"Don't try to out stubborn me, it will not work."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Oh, I wouldn't be to sure of that. I have the patience of the ages Lyra," he says with an odd smile, " but I'll strike a compromise with you. We'll share the costs equally. I have more money than I need as my wants are very small so it won't be a financial burden to me at all I assure you."

He loops his arm through one of yours and continues cheerily, "Now dear lady which way first?"

 

[Merelan]

Pulling my arm away I lead the way.

Watching as those around us eye us, and him, and then me again. What was I doing here with him?
Now it would give them even more to talk about. And another reason to avoid me.

And if he had money why was he a wanderer? Was he a thief looking for a hide away?

And then watching his smile as two little boys ran past I suddenly didn't care.
What the hell did it matter what or who he was. He was someone willing to talk to me. Not in hushed tones in case others found out.

Carelessness was not part of me though, and still I wondered. But slowly we made our way down the street.

"It is only a few things I cannot grow myself. Coffee, sugar and a few others. I use to trade my wares here too." The priest was ahead of us, eyeing me again. Damn him and his holy robes. Did he think I would rejoin his church after feeling his sweaty paws on me as he "consoled" me on my loss. Hiding behind those robes was the real animal, the main reason I was often shunned, though not too openly. For he was subtle. I knew what he wanted.
And he wasn't getting it from me. Though that too made me wonder. There must be other women in town that had given in, or he wouldn't still be here.

Pulling Francis' arm I slipped into a small shop to avoid him. For sure he would have questions for him, and I wanted no part of him.

The shop was filled with spicey scent. Well, maybe some cinnamon, and a little salt. But this was all luxury and I had little to spend.


"It does smell lovely in here doesn't it, like all the places of the world. I can close my eyes and almost feel the heat of the Tropics, or the rain of the forests where they grew. It must be lovely to travel where ever you choose."

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

'So the priest is a rouge and debaucher taking advantage of his robes is he. That will be remedied and she had good cause to avoid him.' I think to myself as we avoid the priest by entering a shop.

"Mmmmmm, it does smell very delightful indeed Lyra."

He speaks to the shop keeper, "Would you put these things together for me please.
A poke of salt, one of cinnamon, one of sugar and one of pepper and a large one of coffee or coffee beans if you have some."

The shop keeper looks over my clean, but travel worn clothing and cloak and raises an eyebrow.

I know what I indicates and put some silver coins on the counter. A smile spreads and the pokes are begun to be filled.

 

[Merelan]

All those spices! I couldn't afford them. But he pulled out his pouch and paid.

'Francis, you shouldn't do that. I don't, I mean, you don't." But he had that look in his eyes, a stubborn one. How quickly I had come to know that. Then a neighbor walked in, eyeing him. Her eyes sliding down his body as if to measure him.

Turning I looked too. Really looked. Behind the friendly face and facade. He was good looking. In a rough and wild way. And his eyes were so pure and beautiful. Blushing deeply as he caught me looking. Turning and stumbling into the door. Standing and blocking it as the sun blinded me.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Whisht Lyra, I'll be eating 'em too ya know," he says as he smiles at you and returns the newcomers look, all of it in the same judgmental manner. His look mirrors theirs and then his eyes move and see you looking at him and he smiles.

His smiles grows as he takes in what's to be enjoyed as your body is silouetted through your dress by the sunlight streaming in the door behind you.

Turning to the shopkeeper again, "On and a big poke of pepper too please."

 

[Merelan]

It takes a few seconds to adjust to the light, and the heat.
The sun is up in force and it's glare is blinding, it's heat scorching.

"Francis, let's get things quick. it's going to be another wicked day. Isn't.." my voice trailing off as I am interrupted, his voice sweet, sickening so. The priest.

"Yet another reason to believe in the glory of God. A lovely lady out for her weekly errands. The sun highlighting her hair makes her one of God's most glorious creatures. We missed you Sunday. Have you abandoned us completely?" His hand on my arm felt like a snake. "And who is this, a guest? A long lost brother? Introduce me dear Lyra, so I might welcome him to our humble town." Standing there in the heat I wanted to scream, his words so innocent, yet I knew what he was.

"Father Matthew, this is an old friend of mine come to visit. Francis. Francis, this is the town's local priest, and law keeper." My inner voice continued, and judge, jury and executioner.

Father Matthew held out his hand and shook Francis', all the while scanning him, then me. I knew his mind, he was trying to decide if we were living in sin or not. It wasn't against the laws, but he could make life hard. Very hard.

Their hands still connected. And I realized Francis was watching him too. I pushed between them.

"Father, how is Agnes, I was hoping to get to her today. This heat must be unbearable in her pregnancy. This is her fifth isn't it?" Turning back to Francis and explaining.

"Agnes was in my class at Father Matthew's school. Her husband disappeared a few months ago. She is due anytime now, and in this heat it must be awful. her others are farmed out to neighbors for now. Father Matthew has been wonderful in caring for her." Then taking Francis' arm.

"We really must get going, this heat makes me dizzy and you have so much to attend to Father. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for Agnes." Then pulled him away, all the while seething and angered.

It wasn't her husband's child, it was his. And not the first, I suspected one other of hers was too. And a couple here in town.

"Francis, let's shop quick, I cannot bear this, this. heat." Not wanting to alarm him. But i felt the Father's eyes on us still.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

When Lyra introduced me to the "priest" we 'assessed' each other. I had no idea what he thought of me, but my feelings about him remained the same as they had been. No, actually became worse when I realized how twisted he was and how he abused his status and power within the village.

We shook hands and looked into each others eyes, his to 'judge me' and me to be sure I was correct then begin the judgement for his sins against his fellows.

As Lyra asked about her friend Agnes I started his judgement by invoking the Power to judge him and asking that his appearance to reflect the true color of his soul. Now it would, over time and not that long a period, his physical appearance would become how good or rotten his soul was. A fitting punishment if he was as I knew him to be. He'd be shunned by one and all, including his church.

I let Lyra lead me away and could feel the "priest's" eyes on us, but knew within a short time he'd have no power with the good folk of the village.

"Of course Lyra and why don't you and I stop to visit your friend Agnes on the way back to your home. Perhaps I can offer her some comfort and perhaps some of my 'simples' could make her more comfortable and ease her birth."

 

[Merelan]

"You are kind Francis, but it would only cause trouble. She will be okay, he will make sure of that." Frowning in the direction of the priest, only to notice him standing oddly, staring back at us.

Shoot, he was up to something. Jealousy. A rash thought made me want to grab franicis' arm and hug him. To show him. But I didn't dare. It would only cause more and more troubles.

"Can we go, I don'tneed anything else and somehow I feel, feel it is safer. Is the whole world like this Francis? All twisted and evil?" Half speaking to myself and half to him, not expecting an answer. Kicking a small stone as I remembered the slimey feel of the priest and his counter part the Elder. Neither was what they seemed.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Now Lyra how can visiting a friend cause trouble. Allow me to insist please so I don't have to ask around to find out where she lives and go on my own another time.
"It would be so much easier if you would introduce me don't you think?
"However, before we do could you show me where I could buy a side of bacon and some other meat? I have a taste for bacon tomorrow when we break fast and do hope you don't mind and will join me in enjoying it of course. Then we can go and see your friend, please Lyra."

In answer to your question, "Sadly there are bad people all over Lyra. No one has found Shangra-La yet that I know of at least.
"We just have to watch out for the bad ones and treasure the good ones is all.
"However, I've found that quite often in time the bad or evil ones does comes to be reflected in his of her appearance and the way that others accept or reject them. Perhaps it's the Gods way of paying them back for the way they behave.
"That old saying, "What goes around, comes around." does seem to have some validity."

Then he slips his arm casually around you and turns you both toward the market area saying with a bright smile in a cheerful voice loud enough to be heard, "Now lovely Lyra won't you show me where to buy that bacon so I can feel as if "I'm bringing home the bacon." to quote another very old but apt saying."

There's comfort within his arm and his smile and tone of voice are infectious banishing the pall the encounter with the "priest" had brought.

 

[Merelan]

"You are a wild one aren't you?"

A heart breaker I bet. As he paused to make faces at a young boy half crying, I stopped too.

Who was he really? He seemed more then a mere wanderer. Something about him made me want to hold him tight, run away from him, watch him, play run, laugh and cry. As if he opened a part of me inside I had locked up.

'Come on, you were going to buy me some food." Tugging at his arm. The boy now laughing that belly laugh only the very young had.

"You charmer you." Tugging at his arm again as the boys mother watched Francis with a look I knew well. Again turning to him. Yes, he was handsome, but it was his eyes, his smile that drew you to him. Something about him that made you pay attention.

"Oh!!" Dashing off and lifting a plant from a nearby stall. "Buttercups! I haven't seen them in years. They were one of those lost. Oh." The bright yellowness took me back to childhood days. Holding them under his chin as he laughed.

"You like butter?"

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

He stops in front of the upset lad and squats, with a wink and smile to the mother, so they're face to face, "Now, now lad nothing can be all that bad son.
"Tell old Francis all about, orrr better still why not tell my wild friends."

Francis begins doing bird calls and making various animal sounds with amazing accuracy. You could almost believe the birds were right there and the animals were right behind you as you listen for the sounds don't seem to come from his mouth at all.

The boy stops fussing and his eyes get bigger and bigger as he listens and a smile of delight starts to form as he watches and listens spellbound.

"Now lad close your eyes and listen, feel it as the wee creatures come to visit you," Francis says softly.

The brown eyes close as the sounds begin again and Francis's finger move to tickle and lighty poke as he says between making the sounds, "Feel the wings of the birds lad. Feel it as the fox barks and poke you with his nose, the deer ruffles your hair as it sniffs you."

"Oooooo, yes. Yes I can feel it," the boys says and begins to laugh joyously.

Standing again Francis delves into his pouch and pulls out a piece of rock candy and holds it so the woman can see with a look seeking her consent on his face.

When she nods he says, "Here lad. Take this to brighten your day and sweeten it too.
"Now don't eat it all at once. Break off a bit and suck on it and maybe let this lovely lady your escorting hold it for you. If you only have a bit now, some this evening and do it until it's gone it'll sweeten your days for a couple to come.
"Never be greedy. Spread out life's pleasures son."

The woman smiles and nods her thanks as you tug me along and we leave them with the boy now laughing and getting ready to pop a bit into his mouth.

"You know Lyra one of life's blessing is the sound of a child's happy and free laughter. It rivals the songs of the birds and the sigh of a lover."

As he watches and smiles at your delight, unseen by you, coppers change hands with the plant seller as he asks, "Would they grow at your home Lyra? They are indeed lovely, aren't they and I hope they'll spread for you since they're now yours to nurture."

"Mmmm," he says licking his lips, "yes indeed on hot bread or on hot potatoes of vegetables. Is there somewhere we can get some, I hope?
"Now I've a craving for it."

 

[Merelan]

I laughed and tugged him along, suddenly feeling wild and carefree. Not caring who saw.

"I have fresh butter at home, from me own cow. Made by my own sweet hands." Holding them up and laughing more.

"But i have never gotten the hang of fresh bread. Somehow I don't have the knack, or forget at the wrong moment. But the baker has some, and it is so fresh. His son does most of the baking, and always sets aside a few loafs for me. I think he likes me, but doesn't dare admit it." Why had I said that?

The wind, the sun and his smile made me feel young again. Like before. When I hadn't a care int he world.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Well I like you just fine Lyra and don't care who knows it," he says laughing as he follows along to the bakers.

Still chuckling he once again invokes the gifts of the Gods silently to let your soul be reflected in your countenance and body. One as sweet and loving as you will bloom into an incomprible beauty if his request is honored.

 

[PhoenixPrime01]

Francis, The Wanderer:

"Well I like you just fine Lyra and don't care who knows it," he says laughing as he follows along to the bakers.

Still chuckling he once again invokes the gifts of the Gods silently to let your soul be reflected in your countenance and body. One as sweet and loving as you will bloom into an incomparable beauty if his request is honored.