THE POETS OF GOR

POETRY READING AT THE THUNDER MOUNTAIN FAIR READ BY LADY ARIA

[12:01] aria (nabila.daffyd) rolls her shoulders back, proud in stance as she begins to speak. Her voice, while loud, was not forceful. Her words, well pronounced, "Tal Goreans! Welcome! Let me take a moment to introduce myself! I am lady Aria McDonnell of the Poets of the Unfettered Quill and the Poet's Caste of Gor!"

[12:01] Drusus Amadeus Titus (abel.belgar) sat on the bench as soon as he arrived to the place where the poetry thing would be happening, crossed his arms against his chest, closed his eyes and got ready to have a nap. The constant blah blah blah would certainly help him falling asleep.

[12:01] Sabayna (tremlays): Tal all who arrived

[12:02] aria (nabila.daffyd) Like all of our shows, there is a tip jar just down in front of the stage. Your tips are welcome and appreciated, as majority goes back to the sim itself as a way to say thank you for supporting the arts in Gor!"

[12:02] aria (nabila.daffyd) "I am honored to have been asked to come perform at the Merchants Fair and even more grateful to you for coming to listen!"

[12:03] Medusa Avora fr>en: menadu

[12:03] aria (nabila.daffyd) Since we are at a Merchants Fair, I figured we could begin this performance with a piece about an enterprising She-Urt!"

[12:03] aria (nabila.daffyd) "So sit back, relax and please enjoy, "Three Coins""

[12:04] aria (nabila.daffyd): A she-urt sat on steps of wet stone,

Leading down to the wooden piers,

Where round ships would dock, and merchants would talk,

Of their profits and losses and fears.

[12:04] aria (nabila.daffyd): Her clothes?  A mess! All torn, and threadbare,

She was covered with lice and grime.

All cleared from her path, she had not had a bath,

In what all were sure had been some time.

[12:04] aria (nabila.daffyd): A Captain clomped down the steps of wet stone,

Grimaced when he saw her foul form.

Fog streaming about, with her right hand held out,

She shivered as she tried to keep warm.

[12:05] aria (nabila.daffyd): "Three coins, sir, three coins, sir!

Three coins and I'll eat today.

"Three coins, sir.  three coins, sir!

Or whatever you can pay."

[12:05] aria (nabila.daffyd): The Captain grumbled and flipped her a tarsk,

It joined the other coins she'd saved.

Down a dingy street, she stumbled to meet,

A pox-scarred man who had what she craved..

[12:06] aria (nabila.daffyd): Her three copper coins, meant for some food?

They were traded for kanda leaf.

She might have to steal, to get her next meal,

But today her habit found relief.

[12:06] aria (nabila.daffyd): Her red eyes glazed over due to the drug,

And her vision began to blur.

Against grimy stone, she slumped, all alone,

Then her beggar's chant began to slur.

[12:06] aria (nabila.daffyd): Oh, how she tried to hold her arm out!

But her hand dropped into her lap.

Her head lolled about, a whisper slipped out,

'Fore she fell into a stuporous nap.

[12:07] aria (nabila.daffyd): "Three coins, sir, three coinz, shir.

Shree coinz, an' . . . I'll . . .------

[12:07] aria (nabila.daffyd) took a slight bow as she finished

[12:07] Charlotte Spicer (charlottefrees) applauds

[12:07] Night Corvus (nightdr3am) chuckles hearing about kanda leaves knowing they are selling such of the best quality

[12:08] aria (nabila.daffyd) nodded proudly, placing her hand over her heart, "Thank you! Thank you all!"

[12:08] Heart (damara.dufaux): claps for the Lady

[12:08] Sabayna (tremlays) applauds for Aria and her first poem.

[12:08] Storm (tradino): applauds forcefull

[12:09] aria (nabila.daffyd) "The next piece is titled, The Magistrate, the Sword and the Coin"...because sometimes...Magistrates DO get it right!" she chuckled

[12:09] Second Life: Ihre Avatarkomplexität ist 43921.

Jetzt kann jeder Sie sehen.

[12:09] Storm (tradino): chuckles.

[12:09] aria (nabila.daffyd): The Magistrate said, "Guilty!", and sentenced me to Death,

I protested my innocence with all my breath.

They bound my wrists and led me out of the Justice Hall,

To hang on a hook, high up on the city  wall.

[12:09] aria (nabila.daffyd): They'd come for me on New Year's Eve because I had paid,

For some food with a coin that hadn't yet been made,

Available for public use - they were next year's lot.

Someone hit the treasury, and hadn't been caught.

[12:10] aria (nabila.daffyd): I got roughed up a bit, but I'd been through that before,

Then they searched in the back of my wood working store.

They removed my sword from its hilt, and there in a groove,

Was a bit of dried blood that hadn't been removed.

[12:10] aria (nabila.daffyd): They cried, "We got him, who killed the guard!", and hauled me straight,

Over to a courtroom, to face the Magistrate.

He entered in somber robes, the hood upon his head,

And began, "You'd better tell me all." so I said,

[12:11] aria (nabila.daffyd): "I had blood on my sword, and I had the coin, it's true,

But the blood was from a canal urt that I slew.

And the coin, I received it fair for a carving I made,

An inscription in the handle of a knife blade."

[12:11] aria (nabila.daffyd): The evidence was damning, the coin WAS from my purse,

As for my sword, could I have cleaned it any worse?

Of course he didn't believe me; I was in a jam.

I'd had run-ins before, it's just the way I am,

[12:11] aria (nabila.daffyd): With one too many pagas - I'd get into a fight,

And then sleep it off in a jail cell overnight.

Now bound by ropes and my past, o'er the edge I could see,

The sharp end of a hook, pointed up at me.

[12:12] aria (nabila.daffyd): They pushed me over that edge, and let me down real slow,

Then, when just above that point, they let the rope go!

Those guards were real pros, they had execution pride.

Their drop forced the point in, then out my other side!

[12:12] aria (nabila.daffyd): Oh, I let out a scream, the pain too much to bear!

My weight arched my back, sweat ran down into my hair.

My legs dangled to one side, my head the other way,

Below I heard a shout, it seemed so far away.

[12:13] aria (nabila.daffyd): "My Master, please be strong, I promise I will find out,

Just who the real thieves are, and where they are about!"

She then professed her love for me, what a loyal slave,

Then went off on her task, my poor life to save.

[12:13] aria (nabila.daffyd): In and out of consiousness, I sunburned on that hook.

Who but my slave would even have bothered to look?

I hung there; it seemed like years, but really just one day,

Agony has a way of stretching time, they say.

[12:13] aria (nabila.daffyd): Caked with blood and crusty sweat, I hung there through the night,

Until I heard the sound of hooves about first light.

"Open the gate!", I heard him say, in a voice so strong,

"I'm the Captain of the Guard, here to right a wrong!"

[12:14] aria (nabila.daffyd): In a short time I heard feet, it was the Magistrate.

He had been called to see the ruckus at the gate.

The Guard threw down a bag, I heard the distinctive sound,

Of a thousand coins cascading onto the ground.

[12:14] aria (nabila.daffyd): Then came a heavy, rolling thud, he needn't have said,

"I found the coins with this thief, here's his severed head.

Near sunset I got a tip as to his hideaway,

In an old farmhouse not twenty pasangs away."

[12:14] Medusa Avora fr>en: merelease

[12:15] aria (nabila.daffyd): "I caught the thief red-handed, this evidence is new.

Such an error has been made!  Sir, what will you do?"

The Magistrate ordered them to take me down with care,

My slave first by my side, she stroked my matted hair.

[12:15] aria (nabila.daffyd): The Magistrate said,  "I'm sorry, and today I will,

Purge your full record clean, and pay your doctor's bill."

He asked to buy the next piece of furniture I made,

He remembered I was a woodworker by trade.

[12:15] aria (nabila.daffyd): I was laid up in bed a full quarter of a year,

And the whole time my kajira was always near.

She took care of everything, she'd sit and hold my hand,

And say with misty eyes, "I hope you understand",

[12:16] aria (nabila.daffyd): "The note I wrote was the only thing that I could try,

To save your life, my love, I couldn't let you die!"

Her love for me would help hide my secret for all time.

The man she turned in - was my partner in the crime!-----

[12:16] Second Life: Ihre Avatarkomplexität ist 43921.

Jetzt kann jeder Sie sehen.

[12:16] aria (nabila.daffyd) bowed gently

[12:16] Charlotte Spicer (charlottefrees) chuckles as she claps very fast

[12:16] Bea Lael (lifepath) claps for Aria, "Yayyyy," and also greets Willi with happy wave. "Tal Willi"

[12:17] Sabayna (tremlays) applauds again: "What a wonderful poem, Lady Aria."

[12:17] aria (nabila.daffyd) nodded humbly, "Thank you all! Thank you!"

[12:17] Storm (tradino): chuckles applauding.

[12:17] aria (nabila.daffyd) gestured to the tip jar, "Thank you all! There is a tip jar just in front of the stage here, Please be sure to donate if you're able. A portion of the proceeds goes back to the city itself!"

[12:18] աιʅʅ աσʅϝɱιҽɾ (willilicious.georgette): Tal Bea.

[12:18] Bea Lael (lifepath) smiled, "Tal Willi."

[12:18] aria (nabila.daffyd) continued, "Welcome to those just joining us! Please, make yourselves comfortable!"

[12:19] aria (nabila.daffyd) "Thank you all! Thank you! Very appreciated!"

[12:19] Storm (tradino): half-turns hearing a familiar voice. "Tal Will!"

[12:19] aria (nabila.daffyd) "This next piece is entitled "REPO!" and should serve as a reminder to you all..to Keep your Bills Current!" she chuckles

[12:19] աιʅʅ աσʅϝɱιҽɾ (willilicious.georgette): Tal Storm

[12:20] Sabayna (tremlays) smiles

[12:20] aria (nabila.daffyd) "It is also a bit of a short story, so make yourselves comfortable"

[12:20] aria (nabila.daffyd): Three physicians, a poet, and a scribe entered a cafe.

[12:20] aria (nabila.daffyd): The cafe owner snapped his fingers.  Several slaves rushed to the table, but the guests insisted on talking to the owner directly.  The owner noted the heavy veils over the women of the green caste, and mentioned, "Ladies, we are nearly in the Northern Forest.  Up here there is no requirement for a veil, if you so desire."

[12:21] aria (nabila.daffyd): "Sir, these are not veils, they are surgery masks!"

     "Surgery?  Have you just come from an operation?" the owner asked.

    "No sir, we are going to one."

    "Where?"

    "Here."

[12:21] aria (nabila.daffyd): A look of pure shock burst onto the tavern master's face.  His lips moved without sound coming forth.  Finally, he turned to the poet.

[12:22] aria (nabila.daffyd): "What is your business here?"

     "I will write your death poem.  Any requests?"

     "I do not want to die!"

     "Then perhaps you should have stayed current on your bill to the green caste," mentioned the scribe.  "Did you not receive treatment for a heart attack last year?"

     "Yes, I did, but business has been slow.  I will pay you back when I can -"

[12:22] aria (nabila.daffyd): "A bit late for that now, sir.  These ladies have filed a proper repossession claim, and are here to collect."

     "Collect?  My heart?"

     "That is what is owed upon, sir.  Nothing personal."

     "But, but, but! . . ."

     "No, sir, not your butt, your heart.  Be a dear and hop up on the table," suggested the head physician cheerfully.

     "Wait!  Maybe I have some items of value . . . "

     "I do see several kegs of paga over yonder," suggested the poet.

     "Of course!  Please!  take them and cancel my bill, I beg you!"

[12:23] aria (nabila.daffyd): The poet looked at the scribe, then the physicians, who were already laying out knives.  "Will two kegs be adequate to cover the bill?"

     "Three might be closer," suggested the scribe.

     The owner wiped some sweat from his face and motioned to the kegs as he yelled, "Take them!  with my gratitude!"

[12:23] aria (nabila.daffyd): On the road outside of town the five stopped briefly and examined the kegs.

     "We should be able to get 5 gold tarns for these," the poet mentioned.

     "Perhaps a bit more," responded the scribe.

     "How much was his bill?"

     "A gold and two silver tarns," noted the scribe.

     "That's a nice profit we will have," mentioned one of the physicians.

[12:24] aria (nabila.daffyd): The poet smiled, then looked down at his list.  "Let's see, a tavern master in Sais owes 6 silver for examination fees and medicines for his last bout of gout.  We should get double that from him.  Sure pays to listen while I drink!"

[12:24] aria (nabila.daffyd): "Aye!" exclaim the physicians and the scribe in unison.  They turned their wagon towards Sais, merry smiles adorning their faces. ------

[12:24] aria (nabila.daffyd) chuckled and took a bow

[12:25] aria (nabila.daffyd) "Thank you all! That was a fun one! Imagine, getting your body parts taken back" chuckles

[12:26] Charlotte Spicer (charlottefrees) shakes her head

[12:26] Sabayna (tremlays) applauds: "Oh, oh, oh, three physicians posing as Norns or creatures of fate to get their money...

[12:26] Storm (tradino): aplauds, chuckling, "I will  in future always remember to pay his bills in time."

[12:26] aria (nabila.daffyd) chuckles

[12:26] աιʅʅ աσʅϝɱιҽɾ (willilicious.georgette) claps.

[12:27] aria (nabila.daffyd) nodded warmly to the audience, "Thank you all again! My last piece is a fun one about my caste...entitled, Don't Mess with the Poets"

[12:28] aria (nabila.daffyd) playfully narrowed her eyes, "Yeah...don't mess with us" she teased with a soft laugh before she began

[12:28] aria (nabila.daffyd): A guard tried to lure a poet

To a place she should not be.

Her castemates would soon know it,

And began to write fervidly.

[12:28] aria (nabila.daffyd): To tempt those who mold with word,

Is to tempt the hand of fate,

For such a story will oft be heard

When the lamps of taverns burn late.

[12:29] aria (nabila.daffyd): Death touches the brave but once, all know.

But fools who trifle with our caste,

Will be made to perish with each show,

For as long as our breath will last.-----

[12:29] aria (nabila.daffyd) chuckled and took her last bow

[12:30] Sabayna (tremlays): Bravooo, Lady Aria!

[12:30] aria (nabila.daffyd) "I think it's best summed up..we will eviscerate you in rhyme!"

[12:30] Storm (tradino): shakes is head in amusement.

[12:30] aria (nabila.daffyd) chuckled

[12:30] aria (nabila.daffyd): Thank you all!

[12:30] Charlotte Spicer (charlottefrees): lovely poem!

[12:30] aria (nabila.daffyd): Thank you very much!

[12:31] Bea Lael (lifepath) claps "Great job"

[12:31] aria (nabila.daffyd): The Caste will be around for the whole of the fair. You will find us doing several pop up performances and one large show on Friday"

[12:31] աιʅʅ աσʅϝɱιҽɾ (willilicious.georgette) claps

[12:31] aria (nabila.daffyd) "Thank you all again!! And please, enjoy the Fair! Thank you for listening!"

[12:32] Charlotte Spicer (charlottefrees) stands and stretches, then heads back to her Market Fair Stall.

[12:33] Night Corvus (nightdr3am) "There must be a complementary mead for each poem!" smirks standing up ... "and especially for poets ... then I could become one ... for tonight!"

[12:33] aria (nabila.daffyd) chuckles!

[12:33] aria (nabila.daffyd): We are all poets..some of us, just don't know it!

[12:33] Storm (tradino): chuckles. "Hear, hear!"

[12:34] Babeesha reaches up to her Master "Wake up, my Master, they have finished"

[12:34] Night Corvus (nightdr3am) "That is why we need mead! ... aye, bondmaid?" turned his head to look at Heart "Where is it?!"

[12:35] Heart (damara.dufaux): "Aye my Jarl. Just a few steps away."

[12:35] aria (nabila.daffyd): "Thank you all very much!"

[12:35] Night Corvus (nightdr3am) "Thank you, Aria!"

[12:35] aria (nabila.daffyd): My absolute pleasure!