Dear Diary. Now and then I wander. It’s not like I have a plan or anything, and mostly such wanders brings me no further than the nearest pub. But sometimes it brings me to Milford. Or some of the other small farmer’s villages within a few days of Lithmore. This time I racked up a few months in the outback. Sleeping in a barn here, at the top of a mill there.
There is something particularly endearing in making the farmer-folk laugh. Me, in my colourful garb, with my accent, my bells and pants, are like an alien creature to them. I can tell they are a bit intimidated by seeing a girl jester, but they are too hungry for fun and news and gossip that they can’t afford to be picky. I think some of these small places haven’t had a bard pass their way in years. One small place I visited saw my arrival as an excuse to throw a small village fare. I ran shows and plays for them until they couldn’t stand up from laughing too hard. It’s easier to make people laugh out there, tastes are simpler, jokes can be cruder. It’s great!
Anyway, back in Lithmore again. No lack of depressing news, what with Hillbeasts, blood and deaths all about. Hmph, can’t leave them alone even for a few months without going all dour and grumpy on me.
For once Orbie was cheerful though! I’ve almost gotten used to seeing him tired and torn and frowning, so this was a welcome change. Miss Le Storm – Orbie’s cousin – is getting married and both of them formally radiate. I love it! She gave us a glimpse of her wedding dress. Lady le Storm is so pretty (especially after consuming my patented ‘slimming cookies’, hehe) and I’m sure she will be very happy – I happen to know her groom is a good juggler, and that’s all I really need to know about the man.
… Oh, and after a few months in the outbacks I had nearly forgotten the reserved prudity of Lithmorran males! Me and my Charali friend got into teasing a young lad at the tavern. He built up quite an impressive blush. Clearly it was a symptom of the red plague – something only curable by a kiss. Who do you guess ended up being the one dared into deliver that kiss, dear Diary? Good guess. I thought his head would explode.
335 thoughts on “Back on the kissing track”