"Lots of stories." He winked at Tauroak.

The entertainment was sufficient.  Booth had some new friends, music, a drink and plenty of comradery.  It could be called a good night if it ended now.  But good wasn't what they were shooting for.

The elf looked at him and Booth knew what was coming, "No fucking way!" He lit up as if seeing an old friend.  The sailor quickly took a swig to finish what was in his glass and stood.

Booth shook his head in disbelief as he made his way toward the small stage.  "Here's one I learned down by the pier when I was young." He took a deep breath and pointed to the minstrels.  "Sea shanty." He looked to the crowd.  "Sing along. You too!" He pointed to Legolas and Gimli.

Booth started dancing.  It was a simple repeatable step similar to an Irish jib.  The sailor didn't have the most beautiful singing voice.  He would probably never have a career in it.  But, for a sailor shanty, he could be understood and lead the song.  He started slow so the audience could get the feel for it and picked it up as they went.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_RWtdm81WU

"What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning!

Way hay and up she rises,
Way hay and up she rises,
Way hay and up she rises,
Early in the morning!

Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Shave his belly with a rusty razor,
Early in the morning!

Way hay and up she rises,
Way hay and up she rises,
Way hay and up she rises,
Early in the morning!"



Here I was thinking it might be worth failing on purpose.  Didn't matter.
Booth Braedon rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Cha save.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Sun 12 Dec 2021.

The small elf on the stage laughs and claps along as Booth belts out his rendition of the sailors classic song.

"Fookin' great there sailor boy. Now lets give them folks an encore!"

At those words a sensation came over Booth he had felt before. He was compelled to stand and threw off his shirt. His small jacket hung loosely now over his scrappers frame. He had felt this before yes, long ago.

The tavern burst into song, not coming from the stage but the very air itself. Magical music filled the place as Booth pranced into the center of the room.

The elf laughed deeply.

---

Booth is compelled to dance by the wild magics of the fey lord, Branagan Brody

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yPF7GeX0FQ

Jurassic watched the proceedings impassively, taking it all in. When the currect song ended he retrieved from his hip bag a long piece of wood which tapered at one end which comes from a curved neck and had many holes of varying sizes drilled into the top but not all the way through. It is attached to another smaller piece of wood by a hollow tube.

He set the smaller piece on the floor on its wider end. He adjusted himself and the instrument as he stood then he began to play.

19:47, Today: Browden Jurassic Wungauva rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Play flute

https://youtu.be/NKZXUxWmqB8
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Booth fell tot he ground fatigued somewhat from the magics of the fey. It was like the downer after the magical boost Elodie or Zoccola would give him in battle only it passed quickly.

Perhaps it was the ale that the elvish form of Branagan Brody poured down his throat that helped? It didn't hurt that was for sure.

When Jurassic stood with his flute in hand Branagan looked in the goliaths direction and nodded. His hands flew out to the side and the crowd hushed. Though the music was a somber mood compared to the revelry that had just ensued the elf listened his eyes closed.

When the song ended he nodded at Jussasic and simply said, "Well met goliath, well met."

Sliding up to the table he invited himself to a seat. "So. Ya fookers made it this far did ye?"

Just as he spoke the buxom barmaid came to the table with a small dog in her hand. "He messed in the kitchen again Elshrin! Keep him with you or take him out!"

"Now now missy. I'll take care of it. Bad Cuba! Bad dog!"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Tauroak joined in singing for each of the Early in the morning! lines after the first. Not from compulsion, but from familiarity with the song. Some of the lyrics were a bit different, but the hook was still the same, and that much at least was familiar.

As Booth burst into dance, Tauroak could not help but be moved by the rhythm of the tapping, and he found those feet particularly mesmerizing as he watched for all the times that the clicking and thumping sounds were happening. There was a somewhat similar style of dance that he was familiar with, but it certainly was not this.

Jurassic's instrument as also all together new to him. Tauroak had never seen, nor heard, and instrument quite like it. He didn't even know what to call it. Whatever it was, the dwarf enjoyed it.

When the elf came to speak to them, it seemed clear that he was familiar with Booth, and had not simply chosen him at random. For now, Tauroak choose to let this reunion play out on its own, watching Booth's reaction to know if this was a happy reunion, or if this were to be one of the brawls Booth had been looking forward to.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:32, Wed 15 Dec 2021.

Note: Booth was the one dancing.  Not the elf.  It’s a spell cast by Elshrin/Branagan Brody.

Booth was exhausted.  He might have been able to go a few more songs, but he fully believed how someone could die from that spell.  Not that he had any concerns about Brody offing him in that manner.  They had a sort of bond, were kindred spirits, if he had to put a term to it.  It WAS good to see the little guy.  Even if just for moral support against the daunting task ahead of them.

“Of course we made it.  Was there any doubt?”  His bravado was undercut by the three breaths it took to get that out.

Booth laughed when the dog came out.  “Green will love that.  Where are his glasses?”

After playing his song, Jurassic disassembled his instrument and put it away and returned to his seat.

Booth was glad to know the Goliath had other talents beyond revenge.  He would have to admit that music wouldn’t have been his first guess.

“So what brings you up this way Elshrin?”  The sailor asked hoping Brody wasn’t going to dump a yapping dog on him.

"Well you do mi boy." The small elf replies and follows with an infectious laugh.

"Tis been a while since I enjoyed the company of those of The Root and I figured you'd find yer way here so why not drop in, wait around fer ye."

He looks down and picks up the small dog at his feet. "Ya like me dog do ya? Just a mutt I got off the street in Rocky Point."

“Eh.  Booth shrugged.  “I’m not really a dog person.”  He supposed a dog would work ok on a ship.  He just hadn’t seen one before.  You’d certainly have to teach it to pee over the side.

“I’ve a question for you.  Have you ever seen a purple worm. dance?”

Elshrin, (or Branagan or Flavel or whatever other names he is known by) leans back in his chair and pulls out a pipe. He lights it with sparks from the tips of his fingers and takes a deep draw.

"I heard about that problem. I'm just a wee elf and hardly a match for somethin' as vicious as a Purple Worm. As fer dancin' well they weeble and wobble but just don't fookin fall down. Word has it some champions may be on the way to take care of that anyway. I have no fookin' idea who'd be daft enough to take that job on." The sarcasm in brodies voice is plain.

"Sounds like someone who should go down in history as a hero.  Anyway, if you heard that rumor, I'm sure they are close." Booth countered the sarcasm.  He had no doubt the wee elf could easily handle several gigantic threats.

"If these Champions fail and I get cornered and have to face one of those things.  What do you suggest?  Any shops here that could help?  Anyone, thing, around that hates purple worms and would fight it?" He thought back to a chain that had held the elf not so long ago.  That would have come in handy right about now.  It had been traded for Krak's armor and Elodie's ring.  Scratch that, she gave away the ring.  Now he had nothing to show for his generosity but fond memories.  He hoped Krak was doing well and Mara too for that matter.  He felt she was touched in the head, but she was entertaining to have around.

Jurassic had been patient but by now it was becoming awkward. "I do not wish to be rude. You and Booth seem to know each other. May I ask how?"

Since he was already listening more than talking, Tauroak extended a welcoming hand toward the dog, letting him get his sniffs in and such before beckoning him to come nearer. He had always been partial to canine companionship, and it was a form he took often himself when situations allowed. "He may not be a dog person, but I certainly am."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

The small dog doesn't react as Tauroak would expect.

Listen to this for as long as you would like to extend your hand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2NUepfrRz8

"Ahh me and this sorry excuse for a ladies man. We met on a mountain then got into a right perfect tavern brawl in Thorfen. I saw to help him and the wee little gobbie on a few tasks and they helped me find my dog. I'm sure the gobbie and the princess will fill ya all in with more details once ya all sober up."

He digs into his pocket and produced a small steel ball just big enough to fit in the palm of an average mans hand. "If ye wish to watch the brawl it's all here magically preserved."

---

feel free to read the thread "Tavern Hopping".
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Jurassic nodded and took the ballbearing and watched the "show." When it was done he nodded and returned the ball. "Well, that was educational. I do not need such shows of bravado to prove my manhood." He says this in a calm, almost self depricating fashion. Looking at Branagan he went on, "You are no elf are you? You cast Iressistable Dance as if it was nothing and you carry around this illusory recreation of a fight. What are you, sir?"

Booth shook his head and waved a hand to Jurassic.  “That answer is for another time and place.”

“Met on a mountain?  Way to gloss it over.  Elshin here was in a right good pickle he couldn’t resolve himself.  Sure, we were on a mountain.”  Booth took another long drag from his mug, leaned back in his chair and put his feet up on the table as he settled into a comfortable position for the tale.

“So here he is on the side of the mountain enjoying a mug from a barrel he’s sitting on.  Smelled like some good stuff too.  Probably better stuff than we will ever find.  Anyway, he needs a key he can’t reach.  Must be he’s got short arms.”   Booth shot his own jibe at Branagan.

“There was some boring maze shit, some bitch and a couple dead bodies involved.  Oh yea, And some crazy wedding that needed to be stopped.  You should have brought me along.  I could probably have busted up a wedding right quick.  What was the last thing you said to me after I got you that key?  Oh yea, you said something about kicking the shit out of me.  That’s kind of funny now given the whole frail elf afraid of a worm schtick.”   Booth took another draw.

He pointed to the steel marble Jurassic had.  “You can do that?!?  That was an epic evening.”  He was amazed the scene could be saved like that for others to share.  I’m was a good memory.  “Can you make those of any memory?  Or do you have to be there?”

“Prove your manhood?  I’m worried about you Jurassic.  That was for fun!  Nothing to prove.  You drink, you brawl, maybe a woman is involved during the evening.  You need something to do to unwind.  Something that brings you joy.”
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Thu 16 Dec 2021.

Jurassic leaned forward, his eyes hard and letting the full weight of his size come into play. He wanted his human comrade to understand the seriousness of his words, "My family was stolen, my father murdered, my mother raped then murdered, my sisters raped and sold into slavery and my brothers simply sold off as I was to the highest bidder. I can still see it, when I close my eyes. Do not speak to me of joy, not while the giant who controls this valley draws breath. My joy will be in looking down upon his corpse and smiling." The veins in his neck bulged and a mist formed in his eyes.

He brought his fist down full on the table, smashing the wood with his bare hand. "You think you know pain and sorrow because you have spent some months in servitude. I was slave for a decade and a half. Certainly my master was kind to me but a gilded cage is still a prison. So Captain Booth Breadon, speak no more to me of joy and peace." He looked around the room at the people now staring at him. He drew a platinum piece from his hip bag as he stood. He went to the bar and put the money on it. "My apologies please accept this as payment for the table, the drink, and the trouble."

He paused as he put his hand on the door. "I respect you Booth, and for this reason I ask you not to follow me tonight. I return to Zoccola and Elodie, do not follow."

--->To the dwarven govenor's estate.

Tauroak watched the image on the ball with some interest. He had seen illusionary scenes before, but he'd not seen them tied so simply to a small sphere. It was not a school of magic that he was particularly skilled in himself, but he could see a fair number of uses for such in the future.

He began to reply to Jurassic's story after the first sentence, but as the tale went on, words became more and more insufficient. He had now found someone who wanted to see the giant deposed even more than himself, and yet there was so much brutality in the tale the goliath was spinning, and Tauroak could bring himself to say no words at all. What was anyone supposed to say to something like that?

As Jurassic walked away, Tauroak's eyes fell to the floor as he thought about how much more he would want to see the giant brought to an end if he had been forced to endure things so terrible as that.

After a bit of time, he was unsure how much, he looked up at the other two who still sat nearby. He still didn't know what to say. He wanted to change the subject, but...how did you even do that after so heavy a tale?

Booth raised a mug in salute to the Goliath.  He acknowledged the request to not follow with a nod and watched him leave the tavern.

While Tauroak was speechless, Booth carried on.  “He’s lucky in a sense.  He has a focus for all his pain and rage.  He will need us after his quest is finished to help him have a life.  For I expect that sudden freedom will be something he hasn’t prepared for.”  The mariner raised his mug to the door drank in Jurassic’s honor.

The sailor carried on, “I envy him in a way.  I never had a family.  Just a mother trying to make ends meet with whatever fellow would pay for the night.  I was closer to the rats in the street than with her.  At least I could toss them some food and they seemed thankful for it rather than sour words.  This little band of ours could probably one up each other all night long with horrors of our upbringing.  Green’s a goblin and suffered simply for that fact.  Elodie has some serious family dysfunction.  Nobility, psshhhh.  Mara, well, she talked to ghosts and had this real blood thirsty streak.  We all have our flaws.  Maybe we provide a family for each other that we’ve all missed out on.”  Booth shrugged.  Philosophy wasn’t really his thing.

Tauroak did not reply right away. Some things the captain said were...things he'd rather not comment on. "He will need something else to give his life direction and meaning, at the very least." He opened his mouth as if to say more, but then closed it again before taking a drink.

He cleared his throat then, "That's a discussion for another night, perhaps. I don't think that's what any of us had in mind when we agreed to this little outing, eh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Sat 01 Jan 2022.

The small elf clapped his hands at Tauroak's remark.

"Indeed that is NOT what this night's to be all about! What-a-ya say Boothie boy. Time for some shenanigans?"

"Not at all."  Booth agreed.  "There's a sailor's proverb.
 Play hard in port, for it might be your last chance.  Let's bring a little joy to these people and show them how to celebrate!"

The night continues with several rounds of drinks and Brody picks up the tab for all of them. The laughter flows as easily as the spirits and Booth gains an appreciation for the Dwarven distillers in the root. Tauroak is reminded of days gone by as he sips some of the drinks he remembers from days long ago.

The night passes quite differently here in the Root than it did in Thorfen so long ago. No Tavern hopping, no grand tavern brawl only a good night laughing and singing. As the trio close the Tavern down they walk towards the door and the two soldier chaperones follow them out. They themselves remain sober and keep a distance.

It isn't a moment after stepping onto the street that Booth notices Brodie has vanished. No matter where he looks or calls out to the Fey Lord is gone. After looking for some time the two make their way back to the guest manor (with a little help from the two soldiers) and settle into the deep sleep that only copious amounts of liquor can produce.

---

--->  back to the main thread and it will be the next morning.