Chapter

There were times when we would be sitting around the
table in The Dragon. Famine would show up. He was
very quiet but if you asked, he would share one of
his wonderful songs with you. He never posted any
of them but he gave me permission to use them.
This and all material here, is protected by copyright.
-Prather

Morning Bywater

Ah! A wanderer worn
Comes to me this night!
Here, sit by the fire
Take my pipe and a light
Shrug off your cares
Drink of my wine
Regain you strength
In the small camp of mine
I ask for no gold
I need no return
Only that you hear my songs
While the fire still burns

A gay little house
I tell you of this day
A little further West
Down Hobbiton way
A place in Bywater
Green Dragon's the name
Where good beer and good people
Earn it great fame
There you can go
For a drink and a rest
And the company you'll have
Is none but the best.

Percy the Drunkard
Tell jokes and drinks beer
While Medved the Bitter
Will talk off your ear
Westar Unholy
Comes every once in a while
Ineluki the Kind
Offers free drinks and a smile

Littleone the Great
Reminisces with friends
And Famine the Rebel
Causes trouble again
Charizard the Righteous
Boasts of conquest
While the Eruhini all try
To teach, "Nice is Best!"

Lilc and Guvnor
Are there all night and all day
(Makes one start to wonder
If they've nowhere else to stay...)
Friends and enemies together
A fight is rarely found
All the patrons view the place
As mostly neutral ground.

So sleep now, my friend
I shall wake you early
We'll spend the day exploring
Adventuring till you feel surly
Then I'll take you to the Dragon
And buy the first round of ale
You'll spend your night there
Hearing many a tale
If Osse should appear
Tell him I said, "Hey!"
And then get yourself to bed
For tomorrow's a busy day.

That's all the time
I have to sing
And regretfully
I pack my things
I'm supposed to be at the Inn
I'm already late
For my date with Feiniel
Was supposed to be at eight!
So, farewell, my friend
I'll see you on the trail
And I hope I see you tomorrow night
For a mug or two of ale!

--Famine

Looking up into the sky   Smoking up a cigarette
Watching daylight break   Humming an unknown tune
Thinking back to what I've lost Thinking back to times I've had
Wondering what I'll take Wondering about my time with you

Looking down into the dirt    Sipping on a Tanguaray
Staring at the sea   Staring at the sea
Feeling like I'll die Thinking back to who you've loved
Thinking back to why I've laughed    Wondering why it wasn't me
Wondering why I cry

Looking out into the east --Famine
Waiting for the sun
Thinking back to when I started
Wondering when I'll be done

Barul seemed to be in trouble most of the time time. He
had a tendency to argue with the admin staff and while
many were shy about posting opinions on the main
MUD-wide board, he was not. His opinions were not
always well received. You should also read his story.
--Prather

Legend Departed Frie nds

dearly departed friends

In a town called Bywater, across the grassy plain
A lone Ivy bush grew forth, and began its lengthy reign
For years it was totally alone, growing free and wild
Until some hobbits tamed it and, again, it became a child

The Ivy bush grew again, unhindered once again,
Until a large hobbit came along, and its life he tried to end
A kindly ranger stepped forward and stayed the hobbits hand
For he protected all life and could not help but love the land

In time the bush grew again, unhindered and bold
And Erendir stayed by and would have until he grew old
But the bush was not a plant, as everyone soon came to see
But a beautiful maiden whose heart, the ranger had the key

On a summers eve, her cheers were heard round the land
It seems he had worked up the courage to ask for her hand
The date was set and all was good, or at least so it seemed
For there were those, who hated them and plots they did scheme

They were jealous of the ranger, and spiteful to the girl
So they darkened the holy room and gave assassination a whirl
They couple rapidly escaped, defended by their buds
The next ceremony was joyous and the room was filled with suds

They were always happy, to that, no one can contend
I remember them always smiling, until the bitter end
For they were too happy for life, and suicide they did abhor
So they requested of the gods to be sent to Valinor

It seemed there was no reason, and to the gods we all asked why
But the answer was brutally given, and to this I began to cry
They were both my friends and in my heart they leave a hole
I just hope they can return one day and repair my broken soul

We all miss you guys.
--Barul (Teller of Tales)

The Legend of Old

Since the opaque shadow of the moon
shrouded Arda, our fair land,
we knew the Dark Lord would be coming soon.
We had to move and take a stand.

Soldiers prepared for the slaughter.
The monks were always praying.
For peasants it was quite a bother.
Defenses they all were laying.

The Dark Lord sent his dark men,
to find his precious golden ring.
But the ring was safe, locked in a den.
Of Sauron's folly, the Bards did sing.

The bane of Isildur as it was known.
Or as a birthday present to another.
Through it the seeds of evil were sown;
It caused one person to kill his brother.

Once it encountered a reluctant hobbit.
Who gratefully took it as a stroke of luck.
He was happy he didn't have to buy it.
But upon his life force, the ring began to suck.

The hobbit gave it to his only heir,
to fulfill a great task with all due haste.
The heir was brave, brave as a bear.
The Nazgul hunted, no time to waste.

The heir traveled with his faithful friend,
to Mt. Doom, where the ring must fall.
The treacherous journey seemed to have no end.
Of the Dark Lord's fury, the people felt all.

But the pair lost their way, deep in the wild
For war, the people would still prepare.
Everybody was ready; every man, woman, and child.
Sam was scared, and even Frodo began to despair.

Some say the brave pair is still out there,
lost in the dreadfully feared land of dark.
Others talk of war, and help from a great bear.
Who knows? For I heard the tale from a lark.

--Barul (Teller of Tales)

Many of the residents of Arda had tried to create a
poem before Byshe and I started posting some of our
stories and verses. It was a real risk for them.
Stryfe was one of the first who took a chance and
posted some original lines.

-Prather

First Attempt The Tea Party

Upon wandering the forest one day,
I met a robin, feathers grey.
She sung with voices long unheard,
I couldn't believe t'was just a bird!

I followed her for nights on end,
Catching up with her around the bend,
I asked her, Bird whence came your gift?
She merely replied,
My voices own, do I but lift.

I smiled upon her, she peered at me.
I took a step closer, she flew into a tree.
Gazing up, I saw her no more.
Nor heard her song on the forest floor.

--Stryfe

The Tea Party
Mine eyes were glued to, To meet and greet a party set
And yet again I peer and stare and guess, Although to ready, I must fret
My hair, I combed and fixed, yet still a mess! and hope that neither one of us would know it yet,
But we both have enourmous debts,
Through eyes of others, magic great To our hosts, of whom we never boast,
I glanced upon myself, both love and hate For lack of pompous winds they breathe,
I wish in thought, but should I wait, Our hosts will never end to please.
My thought might turn, though I'll be late Of this party you must ask,
I know I would, for my quarrelsome date, From where or what takes place this task?
Of which I've planned so long... Why at a party, drinks we shall,
Invigorate of spices, smells,
And yet, the date which I belong, A bit of sugar, milk or cream,
Not weak nor strong, nor short nor long, Our hosts, their smiles endless beam
I shouldn't tarry for a song, Until at long last, we shall leave,

To bow our heads, say our goodbyes,
Speak of how fast the time did fly
But all of this shan't ever be,
If I don't leave the glass, looking of me!

--Stryfe

I am seldom affected by the songs posted by other bards as deeply
as I was by the following four posts by Dragoneyes. As one who lives
to sing and to tell tales, I recognize the golden notes of Dragoneyes and
I am proud to share them, here, with you. -- Prather

Tapping Wondering Assassin Lost

Silent whispers in your ear. Watching the laughter, anger, tears, and the lies.
Soothing words is all you hear. Day after day, you aways give me a surprise.
Silent words... flashing across the screen. Silent words... flashing across the screen...........
Wasting my time tapping these keys. DragonEyes--
Unbridled passions pouring from me.
Silent words... flashing across the screen.

Many minutes, sometimes hours passing by.
None of it real, all we do is fantasize.
Silent words... flashing across the screen.

Here I sit, the world revolving around.
Listening to you, yet not hearing a sound.
Silent words... flashing across the screen.

Looking out the window. Gazing up at the blue skies..
Checking out the scene.. Following the white clouds..
Watching the wind blow.. Tears stream down my eyes..
Falling of the leaves.. Thoughts not spoken out loud..

Thoughts drifting on you..
Wondering where you are.. Dragon Eyes--
Wondering what you do..
Emptiness in my heart..

Looking at all the trees..
Watching them sway in the wind..
Wondering if you think of me..
Wondering if I'll see you again..

The room suddenly goes dark, Sudden pain felt at your stomach,
hushed voices fill the place. a razor sharp cutting of flesh.
A thump of a beer mug sounds, Light creeps back into the room,
drink splashing onto the counter. exposing yourself to view......

Quiet shuffles heard throughout, Gazing down, gripping your stomach,
feet scuffling across the floor. attempting to stem the spurting blood.
Eerie feelings of dread overcomes, Entrails spilling from your guts,
evil presence permeats the room. a blood soaked blade on the floor.

Eyes peering about seeing nothing, Shock coursing through your veins,
no movements detected, silence.... blood coming to your lips.....
Creak of a door slowly closing, A final thought comes to mind,
turn of a lock, bolting door. gasping at your last breath, "Assassin!".
DragonEyes--

.

Another special friend lost... Trying to be strong...
Never knowing what it cost... Intending to prove them wrong...
I've pushed them all away... Still seeking a true friend...
Wondering why it must be this way... Knowing my heart will mend...

Body wracked with pain... DragonEyes--
The emptiness driving me insane...
Wanting to remove this despair...
Needing someone who cares...

Listening to all the lies...
They just don't realize...
What is, is that is true...
Why I am feeling so blue...