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Post by ealasaid on Nov 15, 2009 22:12:18 GMT -5
Vingo barely hid his smile as Caden tripped his way up the stairs. The more he saw of the kit, the more Caden reminded the older marten of Nuori. He remembered a time when she had been charging up the stairs, tripped and fell. Thankfully she had escaped from breaking her nose, but her left cheek and eye had been swollen for nearly a week.
"Kits will be kits," he said in reply to Ladorak's worrying. "Sometimes it takes more'n kind words t' teach 'em somethin'."
The marten led the way out to the lane leading to the village. He took a deep breath of the late morning air and then exhaled, watching as the steam from his mouth dissipated into the cool, blue sky. His footpaws automatically set an easy pace, slightly slower than his usual, for he did not know the fitness of Ladorak and knew that Caden would have trouble keeping up with his longer strides. A tune came to his head, and Vingo could not help but humming in the fine morning.
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Post by Ladorak on Nov 16, 2009 0:28:04 GMT -5
Picking up on Vingo's tune, the beat actually reminded Ladorak of a song he'd heard recently, one he had first picked up many years ago on his travels after leaving Sampetra. It went a little something like this....though the lyrics were originally in another language that the ermine had picked up.
The sky bursts into tears all of a sudden and it's voice gets louder, the excited, innocent children Avert their gaze from the flustered adults, painting a rainbow bridge
"Wouldn't it be great if we could cross it someday?" Stuffing light blue dreams into your pockets Spread open the map of your heart and head off to see the world, leave the nest again
From here it all begins, If your umbrella is full of holes, throw it away Catch the truths one by one Even if you're slower than others Even if you're shackled
Even though the beat wasn't exact, Ladorak was keeping time, and actually managing to sing along, albeit in a lower voice so as not to interrupt Vingo's humming. Caden's ears were swiveled in the direction of Ladorak and Vingo both as he walked in between the two of them.
Ladorak was of course fit enough to keep up with Vingo. The ermine worked out a few times a week, making sure to keep in top physical condition for when his next assignment may arrive. Sure...he'd gotten a bit lazy over the years, but he wasn't completely out of shape. He just wasn't up to the level he had been at previously. Back then his muscles had been a bit fuller and noticeable, and now they were just sort of there, under the surface. He was still thin, and not bulky by any means.
Ladorak skipped over the chorus, as it didn't fit the beat, but then he spoke up a bit louder, singing the next opening verse as it meant something in particular to the mustelid, and he didn't even realize it until he was getting to sing it.
The sweet scent of the soils after an evening rain tickles our memories As if the drooping flower petals were breathing again, innocence returns to our chests Can you see the pitiful jack distorted in that puddle? I've packed away yesterday's me, put the heavy bag across my shoulder and walked on again today
This was probably loud enough for Vingo to hear, as before he had been more mumbling the lyrics. Pausing to look over at the marten, Ladorak smiled in a sheepish way now. "Pardon Jal Sken....it's just your tune reminded me of a certain song I picked up when I was much younger...in my late teens I believe. Not a sailing song at all...but one that means a bit more to me I think."
And so it did. To Ladorak Fugate, the song was one of hope, of moving on from past miseries and striving to return to the idyllic days of being a kit again....even though he was an adult. It was a song of progression, and one that the ermine was surprised to find himself singing now, in all honesty. He wondered if Vingo had caught any of it as they headed down the rolling hill towards town.
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Post by ealasaid on Nov 16, 2009 18:18:21 GMT -5
Vingo's sharp, perfect pitch ears quickly picked up the tune present other than the one he was humming. He quieted his own to listen to Ladorak, always ready to learn a new song. Though he could not quite hear the words for some time, the tune itself was indeed similar to the one Vingo had going through his head, one which he was developing and had yet to write words for.
When the ermine stopped and looked at Vingo, the marten inclined his head slightly. "Not to worry, I know how songs can appear in one's head without notice, an' sometimes it's best t'voice those before they're lost an' gone t'the wind. Music is similar t' friends an' family that way, an' t' those you meet as you live your life. Havin' the type o'love that can be afforded by good family an' friends is somethin' that's fleeting if we don't keep a hold o' it."
Another song came to Vingo's head, one which he had heard early on in his travels and now had a greater meaning to him after the past several months. He filled his lungs and began singing in a deep, rich baritone voice. The song was plaintive and slow, though at the same time expressed some feeling of hope.
"It's only now when words are said that break my heart in two, I wonder how you can endure all I've said, all I say to you.
How strong, how brave, how true of you to bear the hurt I gave. I know it tears your heart in two; all I've said, all I say to you.
After all the words are said, after all the dreams we made; every one a precious one, every one a summer sun...
A moment lost, forever gone, can never be again, so know how much it means to me; all you said, all you gave, all your love to me."
The last note drifted away from Vingo, lifting upwards. He had managed to keep from tearing up, though it was far less common for him to cry while singing due to his training as a performer. However, the song had indeed tugged on his chest, for he could think of none other than his sister when singing it.
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Post by Ladorak on Nov 16, 2009 23:58:15 GMT -5
Ladorak raised a brow, frowning a bit as he listened to the lyrics. A song of such beauty....it wasn't exactly applicable to Ladorak's own situation. Perhaps if he'd been some hopelessly in love ermine and the female of his dreams had somehow hurt him in some way, and yet for whatever reason he was enduring the hurt and pain and sticking with her....wow....was love really that powerful?
Obviously whoever wrote this song had thought so. Ladorak could not relate however, as he wasn't in such a situation, nor had he been. He had...his own unique situation, that much was true, but he wasn't sure if he could ever admit that to anybeast. He felt like he wanted to confide in Vingo but wasn't sure if it would be appropriate or not. After all, he barely knew the marten.
"That was a good song there Jal Sken." Ladorak spoke after Vingo had finished, the lyrics even impressing Caden, though the meaning was mostly lost on him. He just liked hearing Vingo sing, not interpreting the lyrics. "I have to admit that I've never found myself in that situation, but it's a beautiful tune nonetheless. Really captured my imagination there for a moment or so."
The town ahead of them was small, with a few docks, a tavern, a vet, a church, and homes. Ladorak's father headed up the church as the deacon. Of all the things that useless, good for nothing lump of stoat flesh had done over the years....Ladorak had to admit that joining the church was actually the best thing that probably could have happened to his father. It still didn't pay the bills, but at least he wasn't directly hurting any beast. From avaricious business head to genteel preacher, Ladorak figured he'd never truly understand his father. That mustelid was one mystery that just one wouldn't be getting to the bottom of anytime soon.
Shaking his head, the ermine motioned to the tavern up ahead. "That's it...I frequent it from time to time. It's a good enough place for travelers, though dwarfed by the places in Muggidrear." he explained, as they entered the outskirts of town now, the roads still be dirt and unpaved.
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Post by ealasaid on Nov 19, 2009 21:32:05 GMT -5
Vingo nodded at Ladorak. On one paw, he considered the stoat lucky to have never experienced such a thing, for indeed such love could tear a beast in two. On the other paw, Vingo could not see himself living without such emotions; they gave meaning to what he did. For if he never felt such a thing in his life, Vingo would not be sure that he was more alive than the dirt upon which he tread.
He looked ahead to the town, his gaze falling upon the tavern. It was indeed a quaint place, though he had seen quainter, and it was clean and well-managed, all a traveling beast could ask for. Nonetheless, the marten felt it would be good to stay in the same place for a while. Though he was nowhere near feeling old, something within him had changed ever since returning to the Imperium and hearing of his sister's death. Was he seeking connection and permanence after years on the road? Vingo was not sure of the answer, but he assumed that time would tell. If his footpaws began to itch for travel once more, then he would know whether or not his sentiments were short-lived or if they were a more permanent change in his outlook.
"I found it comfortable enough, to be sure," Vingo said as they neared the tavern. "An' they certainly make a good vegetable an' barley stew."
Inside the tavern there were few beasts, for it was slightly too late for beasts to be eating breakfast and slightly too early for lunch. An older, plump female weasel at the bar looked up from drying out ale tankards. She smiled brightly upon seeing Vingo.
"Ah, Vingo! Good to see you this morning! You certainly were up bright an' early. Where'd you run off to?" She was peering behind the marten to see who had come with him.
The marten removed his hat and swept into a somewhat theatrical bow, grinning. "An' how good it is to see you, my Lady Geraldine! I was disappointed to miss your fine cooking this morning, but I had some other matters to attend." At this he motioned to Ladorak and Caden. "I was off to find the beasts of which I spoke last night, an' here they are. Jal Fugate an' my long-lost nephew, Caden."
Geraldine nodded in a cordial manner to the ermine and albino marten. "Good mornin' to the both of you. Glad to see that you're doing well."
Vingo sensed by the tone of her voice that she knew Ladorak and Caden, which was not a surprise, for it was a small town. He returned his hat to his head and went to lean against the bar. "I'd actually like to be packin' up my things, as I'm going t'be stayin' with Jal Fugate for a while." When he saw the downcast look upon her face, the marten continued. "But not t'worry, I'll be sure t'drop in every few nights to do some entertainin', an' maybe get some more o'your fine stew an' ale."
"Oh, that would be wonderful, Vingo. It's been so long since we've had such good entertainment. Your music is just so marvelous." she said, her smile returning as she fished in her apron pocket. A moment later she produced a key. "Here's the key to your room."
Taking the key, Vingo motioned for Ladorak and Caden to follow him. They trooped up the stairs of the tavern to the second floor guest rooms. "I played some last night for them, which is generally a practice of mine wherever I'm stayin'. Reduces my room costs an' gets the tavern more business, as beasts in small towns like this are generally happy t' listen t' some tales of adventure an' any sort o'music."
He fiddled with the lock for a moment, then swung open the door to reveal a small, simple room with a single bed and a wash basin. The dusty window overlooked the town. Upon the bed was a large, worn instrument case and a bulging backpack. Both looked to be packed and ready to go. Vingo hauled the pack onto his back with surprising ease for its obvious weight and picked up the instrument case in a respectful manner, seemingly regarding it as a living thing.
"This here is Lady Sonora, my long-time traveling companion," he said, looking down at the case in his paw with something akin to adoration. "She's a lute, made by some of the finest an' most skilled paws I've ever seen."
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Post by Ladorak on Nov 19, 2009 22:58:21 GMT -5
"Marvelous are you?" Ladorak asked with a grin, giving a nod to Geraldine as he was familiar with this jill. "Come on Caden....let's go up to Vin's room." Ladorak used the nickname that Vingo had asked Caden to call him. Making sure the kit wouldn't trip on the stairs, the two of them trotted up behind the marten, entering his small room.
Yep...typical tavern. These places came with the bare minimum for travelers. But they did give good deals for those on the stage or just walking. The stage in particular had good deals for their customers, and often times included dinner and breakfast as part of their ticket price.
"A lute you say?" Ladorak asked, his bespectacled green eyes studying the case. "Sounds like you respect it the same way I respect the Midlight Hammer....that sword that was hanging up in the room you saw Caden in. Made by the most skilled paws in the blade industry."
"Yeah which you never use!" Caden added in sort of a whiny tone.
"That's because I promised never to touch it again unless I'm called to service for my country." Ladorak reminded him. "That blade is no ordinary sword....it comes with responsibility and besides...it's a pact I made with myself.....it goes beyond just symbolic meaning." It had personal meaning for him as well, meaning that Ladorak would never pursue a certain path unless asked to....
But Caden was speaking now. "So a lute....that's like an instrument of some kind right?" he was asking, his own pink eyes on the case now but not seeing too much that was impressive about it. He figured it had some special meaning to his uncle, but it just looked like a case to him and he had never seen a lute before.
"Is that it Jal Sken? Are there any bags you need me to take or are you all set?" Ladorak chimed in, though speculated that that was it. The marten probably traveled light after all.
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Post by ealasaid on Nov 20, 2009 6:49:33 GMT -5
Vingo had indeed noticed the sword, though had not paid it much attention. Weapons never much interested him the way they did many beasts. The marten understood the necessity of arming oneself, which he did with his plain broadsword that had cost him less than his instrument, but that was where his interest in weaponry ended. His interest and care in instruments, however, far exceeded that of his for weapons, bordering on the obsessive. "This is it," he said in response to Ladorak, then cocked a curious ear to Caden. "Aye, the lute is an instrument somewhat similar to a guitar. Have you never seen one before? Well, here, let me show her t'you. She's a mighty beautiful thing an' always ready t'show off." Setting down his pack and case on the bed once more, the marten careful lifted the clasps holding the worn hard case closed. He lifted out the pear-shaped instrument, sitting down on the end of the bed, positioning the lute to play. It was beautifully crafted, the wood fairly glowing with care. The red-brown soundboard was carved with ornate floral designs and the strings hummed over the dark wood of the unfretted, L-shaped neck as Vingo softly strummed out a chord. The marten smiled. "The Lady Sonora is a much sweeter singer than myself, but she allows me t'sing with her nonetheless." He winked at Caden. "I won't hold us up unless you'd like t'hear a song. Otherwise I'll pack 'er back up an' we can head out." ((more on lutes for those who aren't familiar with them: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lute ))
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Post by Ladorak on Nov 20, 2009 20:53:02 GMT -5
Caden's brows went up as he saw the fine patterns and carvings. As much as the marten kit would never admit this openly, he actually enjoyed artwork and trying to determine how intricate patterns were created. He was going to say something, but Vin spoke up and asked if they would like to hear a song.
The kit desperately wanted to say yes. He wanted to reach out and run his pawpads over those carved floral designs. Feel how deep they went, and how exactly they had been created. He wasn't any good at art, but then again he had never really tried.
But he didn't. He kept his paws to himself and his words inside, for fear of coming off as a "sissy." Helandria had warned him to never let others think he was this word, as it could lead to these "others" exploiting him. Even though Caden really didn't feel as if these two jacks would do such a thing, it was just part of what he grew up with, and old habits die hard. He wanted to come off as tough, capable, and self-reliant, just as Helandria had taught.
Ladorak however, had no such innate reservations. "Well...seeing as how you already have it out, sure may as well Jal Sken. What do you think Caden? Want to hear uncle Vin sing?" he asked, placing his paws on his hips and looking down at the albino.
Caden gave a small nod, trying not to show too much emotion in this. He was quite eager, but of course was still under the impression he shouldn't let that show. It was permission enough for Ladorak though, and he turned his gaze back to Vingo and his impressive lute. "Go ahead Jal Sken, we're all ears." he said, smiling now as he folded his forearms across his chest.
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Post by ealasaid on Nov 21, 2009 0:34:34 GMT -5
Vingo raised his eyes to the ceiling, thinking for a moment. Then a grin appeared on his face. He began to strum out a set of jaunty chords, claws moving nimbly across the unfretted neck, speaking and looking at his audience as he did so.
"This is one that I learned from a traveler who came from the Highlands. In the Highlands, the malebeasts often take t'wearin' kilts, an' this song is one which he wrote based on his first experiences travelin' in lands where kilts aren't quite so common."
The marten launched into the humorous, rollicking song, one booted footpaw tapping out a beat on the worn wooden floor as he sang in a rather convincing Highland brogue. In between each verse he repeated the refrain Let the wind blow high and the wind blow low...
"I just down from the Isle of Orye I'm no very big but I'm awful shy All the lassies shout as I walk by, 'Donald, Where's Your Troosers?'
Let the wind blow high and the wind blow low Through the streets in my kilt I go All the lassies cry, 'Hello! Donald, where's your troosers?'
I went to a fancy ball It was slippery in the hall I was afeared that I may fall Because I nay had on troosers
I went down to the town To have a little fun in the underground All the Ladies turned their heads around, saying, 'Donald, where's your troosers?'
The lassies love me every one But they must catch me if they can You canna put the breeks on a highland beast, saying, 'Donald, where's your troosers?'
Let the wind blow high and the wind blow low Through the streets in my kilt I go All the lassies cry, 'Hello! Donald, where's your troosers?' "
The marten finished the song with a flourish of agile claw-picking, slowing into a final cadence and a rich chord that resonated deeply within the body of the Lady Sonora.
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Post by Ladorak on Nov 21, 2009 1:37:36 GMT -5
Ladorak was a bit surprised that Vingo had chosen such a humorous song. He was expecting another love balled, but found to his marvel that Vingo was instead going on about a jack with...no trousers. To hear about this was something Ladorak could see painted in his mind, and he was indeed familiar with some of those jacks of the northlands.
There was in fact one such Commodore among his ranks that hailed from the Highlands. A hulking skunk by the name of Adam Duncan. He had turned 61 this year, but was still at his post. However, unlike most of his kin, he was not without trousers.
Caden, for his part, was rather enjoying himself. He had gone through a "naked" phase before, having run around without his clothes on when he was between four and five, but Helandria had put an abrupt stop to that. No running about feeling the wind on his fur, no matter how much Caden had liked it.
The albino was smirking as Ladorak listened to the lyrics and wondered what Duncan was doing with himself these days. Last the ermine had heard, the skunk was in charge of HMS Edgar, a guard ship down in Portsmouth. Well...even if it was a guard ship it was still a ship. Besides, even if she were an older vessel (18 years now) she was still a fine 74 gunner. Still though...a Commodore commanding a single ship was unheard of except in times of peace such as now.
Caden was trying so hard not to break into a full smile, even though his smirk was threatening to give way to that. It was probably half way between a smirk and smile now, and it was clear that Vingo's nephew was attempting to contain himself.
As the song concluded a single snort escaped Caden, and Ladorak applauded, slapping his paws together and giving Vingo a pleased look. "Well done Master Sken. It seems your song pool is quite deep. From love to comedy and I'm sure everything in between you've got it. What did you think Caden?"
"Was good." the marten nodded, raising his paw to hide his large smirk now. Singing about no pants....Caden sort of missed those days, but knew it just wasn't what a proper (or "Normal" as Helandria had called them) beast did. Was still amusing nonetheless though, and it was evident that Vingo's nephew had had a good time of it, even if he was still acting reserved.
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