To Serenade the Sun

[Aryela Jade Secray]

[glow=red,2,300] Elmera Lemardee[/glow]

The day was bright and clear with nary a cloud in the sky. An evening rain had left the morning cooler with a light breeze to toy with the growing leaves and flowers. The path to Emerald Bay was muddy, but Elmera Lemardee took no heed of the damp earth. She had decided not to wear her customary white costume and instead had adorned herself in a brown traveling skirt, a modest white shirt, and a patterned shawl that wrapped warmly around her shoulders. The cloth was brown, like her skirt, but there were vines, birds, and music notes etched into the fabric, courtesy of her dear sister, Ojala. It had been sent to her about three months ago, and Elmera was only too proud to wear it now that the weather was agreeable.

The red she-wolf tipped the hat on her head back as the sunlight warmed her face. She sat astride her black stallion, Mercury, a pen in one paw, and a piece of parchment in the other. She had twisted the reins around her right wrist in case her stallion spooked, but she was confident that the weather wouldn't play tricks on her mount. For the past week, Elmera had been making her way to Emerald Bay. She'd crossed bandit country relatively easily and, now that she was on the road that led directly to the fort, she had not qualms in practicing some of her music. Her parchment was filled with words and tested verses for her newest song. It was one she was still working on and she hoped to have ready for the next competition with the rest of her bardic family.

"Hm, what do you think, Mercury? Shall I serenade you again?"

The stallion flicked an ear at his mistress's voice. Elmera chuckled. The only thing Mercury was probably interested in was a pawfull of oats once they reached the fort. Shaking her head, the she-wolf smoothed down the parchment and began to sing softly.

“Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

Jenna came a walking down that old dusty lane
Lookin’ for a living and to build up her name
But who should appear with that terrible refrain
The keeper of the crypt with his scythe and death’s fame

Devil’s on the doorstep and he’s coming for you
Put your bow to the fiddle and play your heart true
From evening until morning, sing the whole night through
Devil’s in denial, ‘cause I’ve beaten him too

“Jenna” said the devil to that young bard’s great fear
“You can’t cross this roadway without your payment, dear
But since I can have mercy I’ve a challenge here
Play me past the morning and I will....will...hmm.”

Elmera tapped her pen against her tooth as she speculated on the last line of the stanza. She played with a few words in her head then snapped her claws. "Disappear, ah, yes, that works perfectly. Play me past the morning and I will disappear." The she-wolf smiled merrily and wrote the word down. By then, Mercury had slowed and when Elmera looked up, she saw Emerald Bay's gates looming above her. The she-wolf gasped softly then chuckled. "Well...it's bigger than I expected, but maybe I'll find more work here."

The she-wolf rolled her scroll up and stuck it into the satchel attached to Mercury's side. Giving the horse a pat, Elmera slid off of her mount's back and landed gently on her footpaws. Keeping the reins wrapped tightly in her paw, she approached the gates and gave a wave of her paw. "Hail Emerald Bay!" she called, hoping that that would be enough to attract a guard's attention.

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke decided to give Spiffin Balley a few hours off. It could get mighty boring being the gate keeper all of the time, though the male hare seemed to enjoy it. He thought highly of his position and he was more then responsible when it came to allowing just any beast into the fort. Indeed he guarded the Portcullis very jealously and thought that his job was the most important one of all the occupations of the Fort. Brooke couldn't have asked for a better beast for the job but she also knew that she needed to push Spiff into taking a break once in a while.

So here the femme was, standing on the walls of Fort Emerald Bay just scanning the area with those brilliant green eyes of hers. Rockpaw would surely scold her for being up so high, mostly because she was pregnant, but he also knew that Brooke was the commander of the Fort and that she did things that went against his grain. Brooke laughed when she thought of her husband and how angry he would be.

Deeply Brooke breathed in the lovely summer day's air and as she was breathing out she noted a creature approaching on a horse, even before she shouted out, hailing the beast that was on gate duty for the day. It so happened to be Brooke Briar Steeleye. How much more lucky could the beast get? She would be meeting the founder of the establishment on her very first day.

Her hailing voice confirmed that she was indeed a female. Brooke smiled with the thought. She must be brave since she was obviously traveling alone. Brooke waved a paw in the air and responded back. "Good day! How may I be of assistance to you?" The female otter smiled happily. It actually felt good to be back to working at FEB. Oh how she missed being home.

[Aryela Jade Secray]

Elmera Lemardee

The one thing that bothered Elmera about traveling to different forts was that it sometimes took up to four hours for a guard to actually notice that she was standing at the gates. She could easily keep herself entertained with her music, but while the day was beautiful, it had been a long morning and she was eager to wet her whistle and find a place to rest before her performances.

Fortunately, lady luck seemed to be smiling down on her because only a minute or so passed before a voice answered her from above.

"Good day! How may I be of assistance to you?"

Elmera dropped her paw onto her head to keep her hat in place as she looked up. She squinted, just barely making out the female otter standing on the wall. The she-wolf smiled slowly and took off her hat. Her braided headfur fell down her right shoulder as she bowed politely then spoke up.

"A good day to you, milady! My name is Elmera Lemardee. I was wondering if this grand fort had extra room for a traveling bard?"

She had heard great things about Emerald Bay from a few passing beasts, including bards. Hopefully the commanders wouldn't mind if Elmera entertained the crowds in the tavern tonight. She had plenty of songs prepared and her instruments were all in good shape....well, actually, she needed to repair one of them but she was certain she could find a person in the market to help her. Oh...the market. She had a little money left over from her last venture and she was hoping to find a few supplies in the market for herself and for her sister. "Ruby" always liked getting little gifts from her siblings.

Elmera dropped her hat back onto her head and waited for the otter's reply. I wonder who is ruling Emerald Bay, Elmera thought to herself. Last I heard it was an otter couple. Well, she supposed she could ask the kind guard if she was allowed to enter Emerald Bay's gates.

[Grickle Longcrest]

Grickle, as was his usual wont, chose at this moment to make himself known to the other two beasts in the vicinity. Which meant he answered for Brooke with a boisterous laugh. "Of course the fort's got room for ya! It wouldn't be Fort Emerald Bay if it twas otherwise!" Gricke turned his attention to Brooke who's voice he recognized, "Hiya Lady Brookers! Howya doin'? Givin old Spiffy a break today are ya? Well I can't say that I'm not glad for that. He always searches me for contraband. Not that he finds any!"

Grickle laughed again once more and winked impishly at the red wolfess on the horse. He, as usual, was dressed in his drab swamp browns and his long worn looking overcoat was thrown open, (again as usual), to proudly display the cross belts on his chest holding his many throwing daggers as well as the hip belts and the one around his waist. To those not used to such an appearance the yellow and black speckled newt might resemble nothing so much as a walking knife show. Balanced on his right shoulder was his double tipped reed javelin one end held a small blante tied to it, in which was the newt's usual bounty of swamp vegetation to be sold within. He smiled disarmignly at the lady wolf, "Don't you worry none miss. I'll make sure you get settled in right if my name ain't Grickle Longcrest! I can't say the same fo ryour horse though. Nasty creatures I don't know how anybeasts stands them. Especially since they always try to steal my goods out from under me nose."

At this point Grickle glared very pointedly at Mercury, "Don't you be getting any ideas you devil! I was nice to the last horse who tried to get at me things but not any more. You just watch yourself." Grickle ceased darkly staring at the horse and turned his regard once more to Brooke. "Well are ya gonna open up or am I gonna have to scale the walls?" Once more the mischevious newt winked at Elmera. "Not that I'd like to have to try that. I've seen how they train the soldiers here and they ain't nothin to be snorted at. So what's yer name miss?"

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke laughed due to the newt's antics. He seemed his usual hyper self. It didn't take long for the femme otter to give the wolfess an award winning smile and a nod. "Of course! Fort Emerald Bay always has room! I'll meet you on the other side of the Portcullis!" With a wave of her paw Brooke was then climbing down the steps, slipping at least one time. Oh if only Rockpaw could see her now! He'd be having a bird! She could hear his voice chiming in the back of her mind, which caused her to chuckle lightly.

Once upon the floor of the Fort she signaled to two rather burly looking otters. At least she was smart enough to have someone to do all of the heavy lifting. Brooke may have been a rebel in some ways but she wasn't stupid either. Her child was in good paws.

The massive Portcullis cracked and creaked as it was being lifted by an intricate set up, a wheel with large handles that sported a strong cord that went from one pulley to another. FEB's gates were no laughing matter. It's what kept evil beasts out when they weren't welcomed. Every inhabitant of the Fort could feel safe.

Brooke got her first peek of the femme wolf. She hadn't seen a wolfess in a long time. Seeing her brought back many memories for the commanding female otter. It brought a tear to her eyes. But enough of that! The Fort would soon be restored back to it's former self, bursting with creatures coming and going. Indeed new friendships will be forged and new memories created!

[Aryela Jade Secray]

Elmera Lemardee

Elmera's eyes lit up in surprise as the newt appeared beside her. She hadn't even heard him approach! One eyebrow lifted and she had to stifle a chuckle. It had been years since she'd seen one of his species and newts weren't often known for inhabiting forts. They came from the swamp lands or the areas around great villages or kingdoms. Not that she would fault the newt for being at Emerald Bay. She was simply surprised.

The she-wolf's gaze swept up to Brooke and then down to Grickle as the pair greeted one another. Elmera smiled to herself. It was good to see that the fort beasts were on such good terms with each other. She had left kingdoms before because the rulers were too harsh, the soldiers too lazy, or there was a clash between nobility and peasantry. Elmera preferred the more peaceful forts where the people and the leaders lived in harmony with one another. She had a feeling that she might have struck gold at Emerald Bay.

"Of course! Fort Emerald Bay always has room! I'll meet you on the other side of the Portcullis!"

"I thank you, milady!" Elmera called up to Brooke. She watched the female otter disappear behind the wall then she shifted her gaze back to the newt.

"Don't you worry none miss. I'll make sure you get settled in right if my name ain't Grickle Longcrest! I can't say the same for your horse though. Nasty creatures I don't know how anybeasts stands them. Especially since they always try to steal my goods out from under me nose."

Elmera found herself laughing, especially when Mercury gave a rather curt rumble in his throat. He might not have been able to understand what Grickle was saying, but the tone was enough, along with the accusatory gaze. Elmera patted her stallion's shoulder and leaned closer to her mount, a wide smile planted across her muzzle. Oh, it would be nice to put her footpaws up tonight and rest. Hopefully she could find a nice place for Mercury to rest as well so he didn't have to stay out in the open.

"Don't worry, sir, I'm sure he won't cause you any trouble. Mercury's pretty tame, so long as you don't try to steal his oats," she added with a laugh. The horse was a glutton at times and very fierce when it came to protecting his treats.

The portcullis lifted, giving Elmera a good view of Brooke. The she-wolf blinked then grinned again. There was something...different about this otter. First off, she held herself well, a straight back, stern, but kind eyes...eyes that belonged to a leader. The she-wolf bowed her head politely and took a few cautious steps forward, ensuring that she was indeed welcome to the fort.

"So what's yer name miss?"

Elmera glanced over at Grickle again and tapped her nose. "Elmera Lemardee, sir. One of the Lyrical Lemardees if you've heard of us." She shifted her gaze back to Brooke and held out her paw. "I was hoping that I could entertain your taverns tonight...or even the court.. or great hall if it is allowed of course. I want to thank you again for offering me a place in the fort. It's been a long couple of days and it will be nice to be around friendly faces." The she-wolf blinked then bumped her head with her paw, laughing. “Oh, listen to me ramble away. Excuse my rudeness. What is your name, milady?”

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

Brooke watched intently as the two brute otters strained, pushing and pulling so that they could open the Portcullis. The female couldn't help but to chuckle at their antics. If she wasn't an otter herself the otter species would be her favorite and then hares of course. Hares were quite funny to watch as well.

As the gates lifted Brooke found herself straining her head to the side, hoping to gain a better view of the two that were still outside. After a certain point the gates became easier to lift and so it went much faster. Soon Brooke's head was straight and her eyes bright as she was able to stare right into the eyes of the wolfess.

Out of respect the otter femme bowed her head. Indeed she had much respect for the wolf species, having had the honor of at least befriending one in her lifetime, a femme that she would never forget. "How do you do Elmera Lemardee? Welcome to my Fort and of course. The tavern can always use some livening up. How long do you think that you will be staying?" Unconsciously Brooke's paw went to her lower abdomen. She been feeling the flutters of life more and more each day, even though outwardly no other beast could tell.

[Grickle Longcrest]

Grickle smiled playfuly as he watched the gates open slowly. Then Grickel found himself fingering a certain dagger in his waist belt. It was one that had been given to him by Spiff a few years back as a birthday present. He allowed himself a moment to be glad that he lived so close to such a nice place as the fort. He winked at Brooke as she approached the pair waiting at the gates. And as the two held a short trading of introductions Grickle interrupted.

"Brookers come on! You gonna make us stand out here all day waitin fer you to finish grillin us with questions or are ya gonna let us get off our weary claws? Come on Elmera, we best not keep this soon to be expecting lady otter on her paws lets get to someplace its easier to talk. The tavern perchance?"

Grickle smiled rougishly at Brooke. He had noted that unconcious movement she had made. Grickle had seen femmes make that same sort of gesture many a time. In truth he was very glad for her and hoped he'd get a chance to share a few drinks with Rockpaw. "Now lets get a-steppin' we ain't get any younger."

[Aryela Jade Secray]

[glow=red,2,300]Elmera Lemardee[/glow]

Elmera watched, amused, as the massive gates lifted in front of her very eyes. The fort was well protected. A warlord would be hard-pressed to take Emerald Bay, of course it wasn't impossible. No fort that Elmera knew of was able to repel all attacks. It was a pity when some of the mightier castles fall due to tyranny and sometimes betrayal. It only took one beast to sneak out the secrets that kept the fort protected.

The she-wolf lifted a paw and rubbed the back of her neck thoughtfully. Her gaze landed on Brooke as the otter approached and she let a pleasant smile touch her muzzle.

"How do you do Elmera Lemardee? Welcome to my Fort and of course. The tavern can always use some livening up. How long do you think that you will be staying?"

"Thank you for your hospitality," Elmera began as she stepped forward. She glanced at Grickle out of the corner of her eye then spoke to the ottermaid again. "I don't know how long I will stay at the fort. It partially depends on the jobs I find around the tavern and the courts. I may have family coming as well. I'll be certain to tell the gatehouse beast ahead of time."

"Brookers come on! You gonna make us stand out here all day waitin fer you to finish grillin us with questions or are ya gonna let us get off our weary claws? Come on Elmera, we best not keep this soon to be expecting lady otter on her paws lets get to someplace its easier to talk. The tavern perchance?"

Brookers? Elmera looked at Grickle in surprise. Wait....no it couldn't be! The she-wolf peered at the otter again then quickly bowed her head respectfully. "Milady, I apologize. I didn't realize I was standing before Brooke Briar Steeleye. I've heard of you....and of this fort through the songs of minstrels and bards. I'm honored that I was able to meet you upon my arrival."

She glanced at Grickle again and then chuckled. "I would appreciate a gander of the tavern, thank you so very much." Elmera held out her paw to Brooke. "Would you care to join us, milady? I can show you first hand what I can do." As she spoke, her gaze drifted to Brooke's stomach briefly. She had wondered if the she-otter was pregnant. Brooke just had a glow about her that betrayed the precious treasure she held in her belly. Elmera had never had children of her own, but she could recognize a mother's bliss. Call it a female's intuition.

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

All was going fine or so Brooke thought but then the newcomer turned around and began to treat her like royalty. Brooke was never accustomed to being put on a pedestal. She ate and drank with every one of the beasts in the fort. She wasn't afraid to get her paws dirty by working hard. But still she could see how her reputation could proceed her and she would blame no beast for thinking it a honor to meet her.

The femme simply laughed and then shook the she-wolf's paw and then as if on cue the usual hare that attended to the gates strolled up with a grin, but not before Brooke saw him, knowing what he was doing there, and then accepting Elmera's invitation. Who knew? Maybe they would see Rockpaw at the Tavern, not likely during the day but still Brooke could hope. He worked to long and to hard to not take a break. "Well it seems that my relief is here and so I would love to accept your invitation." Brooke smiled and then patted the gate-keepers shoulder as he passed her, heading immediately to the ladder that took him to the top of the walls.

The blond otter looked around after watching Spiffen climb completely to the top. Her emerald orbs though soon feel upon the female wolf. There was just something about her that Brooke liked. "That was Spiffin Bally. He can't seem to stay away from his assignment here at the Portcullis. I tried to make him go on vacation but he just won't hear of it." Brooke did note that Elmera glanced at her tummy but for now she wouldn't share that she was pregnant.

[Brooke Briar Steeleye]

This thread is continued HERE!