A Different Song

Writers: Vix
Date Posted: 25th March 2007

Characters: Hartam
Description: Hartam introduces a new song at opening night of The Tavern
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 2, day 21 of Turn 4

So far all had gone well, so why worry? This is what Hartam said to himself as he took a drink from his mug.

True, all had gone well. The harper and his apprentices had played several songs so far: instrumentals to ease the guests to their tables and to allow their greetings, some light ballads to set the audience to tapping their toes and swaying, a few familiar songs for them to sing along and work up a thirst. No problems so far.

But this was different. Now Hartam was ready to introduce a new song, one that he had written himself.

He had written other songs. He had jotted down other lyrics, scratched out those that did not quite fit, and filled in new words. He had played chords till his fingers ached, sung till his throat was raw, and crafted the tunes to fit the words. He had written those songs and then sung them for others, and always felt the same nervousness as he set them before his audience for the first time. He had felt the twisting in his gut, the fear that his musical offering would not be quite good enough, and had breathed a sigh of relief when they had been received with at least a nod and sometimes approving words.

He could write music. He knew he could do it. His lyrics were good, his melodies passable. He could do it.

But this was different. Yes, the crowd was small, much smaller than that expected for tomorrow's Grand Opening. But this crowd was special, made up of invited guests, of those who were considered to be important, to be special enough to be in on this event, this private party.

It was different, but it was time. He stepped forward, taking a deep breath, strumming his thumb over the strings of his gitar, and smiling broadly at the audience, though his eyes trained over the heads of those sitting before him rather than noting individual faces.

"Special occasions merit special music," he announced in his rich baritone. "Though I may not be able to compete with the wares offered by our Tavern Master and his colleagues at the Vintner Hall, I offer you my own meager talents. The chorus is a simple one. I'll sing it through once so that you can hear it."

He strummed a chord and then sang out a capello:
Oh raise a glass and give a cheer We've had our woes but we're still here We'll drink a brew or maybe three And spend the night most joyfully!

He paused a moment. "A simple offering, but most heartfelt." He turned to his apprentices. "Are we ready?" Without waiting for their reply, he slapped his hand on the side of his gitar to set the beat and then started to strum, trusting the others to join him in first the music and then the chorus, his own voice soloing on the verses:

Oh raise a glass and give a cheer -- We've had our woes but we're still here.
We'll drink a brew, or maybe three, And spend the night most joyfully!

I never seem to have the marks To buy all that I need, And when I dwell on that detail I feel quite sad indeed.
But I have enough for my bill For soup and drink tonight, And that lets me forget the rest And see my life's alright.

So raise a glass and give a cheer -- We've had our woes but we're still here.
We'll drink a brew, or maybe three, And spend the night most joyfully!

We're in a Pass, yes, that is true, That poses us a threat.
If Holdless, odds of surviving Are not those that I'd bet.
But dragons fly to meet that foe --
They've yet to let us down.
Just that thought is more than enough To keep me from a frown.

So raise a glass and give a cheer We've had our woes but we're still here We'll drink a brew or maybe three And spend the night most joyfully!

We work all day, sun up to down, Till our bodies grow weary.
We trudge toward home, our heads bent down, Our eyes bloodshot and bleary.
But what's this we pass on our way?
Delight none will deprive us -- A brand new Tavern, kegs of ale, And friends to revive us!

So raise a glass and give a cheer -- We've had our woes but we're still here.
We'll drink a brew, or maybe three, And spend the night most joyfully!

He finished with a bow, stepping back to cue the apprentices for the next song.

Yes, that one was different. But the evening was not yet over, and there were other songs to sing.

Last updated on the March 25th 2007

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A Different Song