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A/N: So I found the Tavern Generator here, and after combining a few more paremeters from other tavern generators, I challenged myself to write something set in the tavern I generated, and this is the result.
"Song of the Staraptor"
The door of the Staraptor's Cave opened with a soft creak, but it was barely heard over the din of conversation and laughter inside. The brown haired boy carefully made his way inside the tavern that also served as the inn for those that traveled this road, with his faithful companion, a Persian named Kissa, by his side.
At first glance, many thought he was yet another traveler or adventurer stopping to rest for the night. But not many traveler's tunics were deep red, and fewer still had gold swirls. Excited whispers filled the air when they saw the vaguely flower shaped star on the case the boy carried--the marking of Amhran Hall, and its most famous alumnus, Marista Laire.
"A minstrel's here!"
"One trained under Laire should be a master of yarn spinning..."
"Haven't seen him here before...wonder what he will sing or tell tonight?"
"Looks like a fine young lad, if ya ask me..."
The boy paid no mind to the gossip of the travelers around him as he made himself comfortable at a table overlooking the counter. Before long, they were back to discussing various rumors about evil nobles attempting to spy on and arrest adventurers, a great mage's tomb sinking into the Great Marsh, or whether he would possibly sing of imprisoned companions, among other things. He was at least glad to get off his feet, as was the pale yellow furred feline sprawled on the floor by his chair. It was a miracle that no one had spotted the small silver tiara studded in jewels that Kissa wore--if any of the merchants present knew Kissa could speak the words of humans by way of an Archmage's Tiara, he would be bombarded with offers that would all be refused. Fortunately, they were all distracted by a weapon merchant--a ninja of Himachi, judging from the red headband and tunic she wore--and her fantastic array of handmade katanas, shurikens, sais, juttes, and other weaponry of the Kaiji Realm.
"What can I get you tonight, Sir Minstrel?" a waitress asked as a second waitress delivered yet another drink to the ninja.
"A Mata Daisy, to start..." the boy replied with a yawn--he needed something strong to perk up his sleepy demeanor, but would not cloud his mind. Any of the Daisy drinks got their punch not from alcohol, but from the nectar of the duster plant. Mages often used it to keep awake during long hours of studying or poring over books of lore.
He decided to prepare for his performance with a few minutes of humming and purring to prime his voice. Next, he opened the case and took the harp inside, acknowledging the waitress as she brought him a glass with a dusting of white mint powder on the rim and filled with a sweet smelling green liquid with millions of tiny silver bubbles scattered throughout. He slipped the waitress five gold coins--enough to pay for his drink with a generous tip included--before focusing on tuning his instrument. Once that was complete, he began a brief improvisation in C major to limber his fingers, getting the bartender's attention.
"Sir Brock, what a surprise!" she smiled as she left the mug of ale she had been brewing in the care of an apprentice. "and welcome back to you too, Kissa." she added when the Persian shot her an angry look. "What brings you here tonight? Are you going to the Marsh Festival in Pradera?"
"Indeed, Litana." Brock assured the raven haired woman before him. "The lady Kima, wife of Wake the fighter, bade me come there."
"I've heard you're making a name for yourself all across Yoso." Litana replied as Brock sipped the Mata Daisy before him. "Marista must be smiling on you from heaven."
"I know she is." Brock replied, pausing to brush a tear from his eye. "Would you object to a few tunes and tales this evening?"
"Not at all--do well, and not only will I give you a room, I'll give you all the drinks you want, free of charge." Litana replied before calling over the noise "Hear ye, patrons of the Staraptor's Cave! Sir Brock of Amhran has graciously agreed to provide us a few songs and stories this night!" Applause and toasts rang through the hall.
Brock acknowledged his applause, then began the song of Marista Laire to compose his thoughts and quiet the chatter.
When all was quiet, the ninja from Himachi pleaded "If you accept requests, geshou-san, I would like to hear the tale of the gold key."
"Very well then, Lady of Himachi." Brock smiled before playing a soft melody. "In a far away land, there was a high mountain no one dared climb, because of the thick clouds that obscured its peak. Now, nearby this mountain was a village, and in that village lived a boy--I will call him Souta."
Kissa yawned and listened as her master continued. "Each day, Souta passed the mountain, and longed that someone would part the clouds, so that the mountain peak could be seen." Seeing as Kissa was in no mood to perform voices, he went on. "One day, Souta was resting beneath a tree, when Anima came to him in a dream, and told him that a golden key lay at the top of the mountain, and if he could retrieve it, he would be blessed for all his days."
Piqued murmurs wafted through the crowd as Brock played an interlude. "So Souta went out and traveled for many days, untill he came to a strange black river. Suddenly, a Rayquaza sprung forth, surprising Souta!..."
Every ninja we've met on our journey thus far has asked for that tale... Kissa thought. This had to be the third time this trip that she'd heard the story of the boy that sought a gold key from the top of a mountain, and in the process slew a Rayquaza, parted a river with a Dragonblade, befriended a Braviary, slew many more unsightly creatures, each one more terrifying than the last, claimed the gold key, and shared its treasures with his people. But the people appeared to be enjoying it--they would gasp and scream as her master described each beast in painstaking detail, and cheer when it was slain.
Some applause filled the air at the tale's conclusion, which prompted Brock to tell the crowd "It is said that if you are fortunate enough to meet an archmage on the road, you receive something wondrous to commemorate your meeting." Cheers went up at this. "Well, if you are a guest of the aforementioned archmage, and you please him--or her--you receive something even more wondrous as thanks."
"And what might that be, milord?" a patron asked before dealing out cards for a game of chance.
"An item that allows your Pokemon to speak the words of humans, and possibly other powers." Brock replied. "But, before you attempt to get me to part with the tiara I received from the Archmage of Miranai, know this--its power will only work on the rightful owner." A few 'Aw's went up as some of the merchants slunk out into the night, saddened they couldn't hock the tiara adorning Kissa's head. "Kissa has also proven to be a fine singer as well..."
"Well, now that I've rested a little, I suppose I could sing for this fine crowd." Kissa replied as she got up from the floor and bounded onto her master's table, being careful not to spill what was left of the Mata Daisy. "If you would, please..."
Brock started a brisk melody before Kissa joined in. For many nights I've rested under Dorcha's silver dome,
With only the clothes upon my back and nowhere to call my home. Perhaps if I could slay the beast that brings horror to the northlands,
I can find where I belong.
But how to go about it, it has at least three heads
That all come back to life again as soon as it's thought to be dead.
So rather than go for the heads and fighting for all time,
I will take some other tact--the reward will be mine!
I could set a simple trap to lure it to its doom,
Or maybe leave its favorite food inside an empty room?
Not so! I will buy a singing bird and release it inside its lair,
The beast will be charmed by the song, allowing me to slay it before it can even stare!
When the song ended, one of the apprentices behind the counter asked "Is that all, Lady Kissa?"
"That is all I will sing of it for now." Kissa replied to some laughter as she leapt off the table and returned to her post by her master's chair.
"Thanks, Kissa..." Brock smiled before being bombarded by requests for a song of his own:
"Sing about the flute the Pidove brought!"
"The one where a man is only saved from hanging if his beloved can find a crystal before the first bell of dawn rings!"
"There are children here, and I don't see anyone here with a lute..." Brock cautioned, pointing out a few tables with families to prove his point.
"What about the girl sent into a monster's den on a dare by a drunken mage?"
"Don't ya know any happier songs for the minstrel to sing?"
"Course I do!"
"What about the one about a temple filled with gems at the top of the mountain?"
"I can play that one." Brock assured the man, but before he could play a note, another patron shouted "Doesn't that sound the same as the tale ya just told?"
"Everyone, please!" the ninja shouted, quieting the uproar. "If you all cannot decide on a song, then allow the <i>geshou</i> to sing or play a song of his choosing."
Thank you! Brock silently smiled as the ninja returned to her table. After signaling Litana for a second Mata Daisy, he began the reel "The Rowan Tree Girl", prompting many in the crowd to clap. Some even rushed out to the floor and danced, never mind that no other instruments were present save for the harp.
When the last note died, Brock took a swig of his new Mata Daisy, then began a tense melody. "Once a Raikou met a Buneary in the hills of the east lands. The Raikou was hungry, and told the Buneary that she was his dinner for that evening. But before the Raikou could capture the Buneary, the Buneary assured her captor that she had food, and there was no need to eat her. Piqued, the Raikou followed the Buneary into a valley, while Buneary gathered some rocks. Buneary lit the fire and began heating the rocks, saying that they tasted best when they turned colors. She instructed the Raikou to not touch the roasting rocks, while she went and gathered Berries. Now the Raikou was hungry, and the rocks were just beginning to become jewels, so he eagerly gulped down a ruby. The resulting heat was so bad, the Raikou couldn't eat for months. Ever since then, Raikou is very careful around Bunearies, lest he be tricked by one again." Laughter and applause filled the air at this.
A meow got his attention before he could begin another song. "What is it, Kissa?" Kissa just gingerly nudged a hand drum and stick to her master's feet, as if hoping her master would recognize the instrument. "Oh, I forgot I had my drum here...thank you." he smiled, petting Kissa as a waitress brought her a dish of milk. After setting the drum on the table for a moment, he plucked a single A note on the harp, humming the note as he switched the harp out for the drum. Once he got a steady beat going, he proceeded to scat the reel "Raikou on the Run"
"Not bad, but I think I can scat a dance tune better than you..." Kissa challenged over the applause. "Just give a note to start."
Brock nodded, and plucked an F# on the harp. With that, Kissa proceeded to scat the jig "Falling Rains of Spring". For a moment, everyone in the tavern--from Litana and her apprentices, to the ninja from Himachi, to a few children playing a game of cards--they all stopped and listened to the clear soprano wafting through the room, never mind that the singer was actually a cat.
"Amazing!" The ninja from Himachi was the most impressed. "Keep your pet close and her crown closer, geshou-san--I'm sure the hokage in my village would love to see you perform."
"If Marista Laire were here, she'd be proud of ya, lad!" a ranger agreed.
"Whatever you did to please the Archmage of Miranai, we got a taste of it here tonight." Litana agreed as a third Mata Daisy arrived at Brock's table.
"I did nothing more than what I was trained to do--tell stories, sing songs, and share the rich culture we have here in Yoso." Brock replied. "But I still have plenty more to share, if you are willing to listen."
"Another song!" a girl called. The chant began making its way around the room until Brock obliged with "The Twin Rescue"--the first of many tales and tunes told that night...
THE END
"Song of the Staraptor"
The door of the Staraptor's Cave opened with a soft creak, but it was barely heard over the din of conversation and laughter inside. The brown haired boy carefully made his way inside the tavern that also served as the inn for those that traveled this road, with his faithful companion, a Persian named Kissa, by his side.
At first glance, many thought he was yet another traveler or adventurer stopping to rest for the night. But not many traveler's tunics were deep red, and fewer still had gold swirls. Excited whispers filled the air when they saw the vaguely flower shaped star on the case the boy carried--the marking of Amhran Hall, and its most famous alumnus, Marista Laire.
"A minstrel's here!"
"One trained under Laire should be a master of yarn spinning..."
"Haven't seen him here before...wonder what he will sing or tell tonight?"
"Looks like a fine young lad, if ya ask me..."
The boy paid no mind to the gossip of the travelers around him as he made himself comfortable at a table overlooking the counter. Before long, they were back to discussing various rumors about evil nobles attempting to spy on and arrest adventurers, a great mage's tomb sinking into the Great Marsh, or whether he would possibly sing of imprisoned companions, among other things. He was at least glad to get off his feet, as was the pale yellow furred feline sprawled on the floor by his chair. It was a miracle that no one had spotted the small silver tiara studded in jewels that Kissa wore--if any of the merchants present knew Kissa could speak the words of humans by way of an Archmage's Tiara, he would be bombarded with offers that would all be refused. Fortunately, they were all distracted by a weapon merchant--a ninja of Himachi, judging from the red headband and tunic she wore--and her fantastic array of handmade katanas, shurikens, sais, juttes, and other weaponry of the Kaiji Realm.
"What can I get you tonight, Sir Minstrel?" a waitress asked as a second waitress delivered yet another drink to the ninja.
"A Mata Daisy, to start..." the boy replied with a yawn--he needed something strong to perk up his sleepy demeanor, but would not cloud his mind. Any of the Daisy drinks got their punch not from alcohol, but from the nectar of the duster plant. Mages often used it to keep awake during long hours of studying or poring over books of lore.
He decided to prepare for his performance with a few minutes of humming and purring to prime his voice. Next, he opened the case and took the harp inside, acknowledging the waitress as she brought him a glass with a dusting of white mint powder on the rim and filled with a sweet smelling green liquid with millions of tiny silver bubbles scattered throughout. He slipped the waitress five gold coins--enough to pay for his drink with a generous tip included--before focusing on tuning his instrument. Once that was complete, he began a brief improvisation in C major to limber his fingers, getting the bartender's attention.
"Sir Brock, what a surprise!" she smiled as she left the mug of ale she had been brewing in the care of an apprentice. "and welcome back to you too, Kissa." she added when the Persian shot her an angry look. "What brings you here tonight? Are you going to the Marsh Festival in Pradera?"
"Indeed, Litana." Brock assured the raven haired woman before him. "The lady Kima, wife of Wake the fighter, bade me come there."
"I've heard you're making a name for yourself all across Yoso." Litana replied as Brock sipped the Mata Daisy before him. "Marista must be smiling on you from heaven."
"I know she is." Brock replied, pausing to brush a tear from his eye. "Would you object to a few tunes and tales this evening?"
"Not at all--do well, and not only will I give you a room, I'll give you all the drinks you want, free of charge." Litana replied before calling over the noise "Hear ye, patrons of the Staraptor's Cave! Sir Brock of Amhran has graciously agreed to provide us a few songs and stories this night!" Applause and toasts rang through the hall.
Brock acknowledged his applause, then began the song of Marista Laire to compose his thoughts and quiet the chatter.
When all was quiet, the ninja from Himachi pleaded "If you accept requests, geshou-san, I would like to hear the tale of the gold key."
"Very well then, Lady of Himachi." Brock smiled before playing a soft melody. "In a far away land, there was a high mountain no one dared climb, because of the thick clouds that obscured its peak. Now, nearby this mountain was a village, and in that village lived a boy--I will call him Souta."
Kissa yawned and listened as her master continued. "Each day, Souta passed the mountain, and longed that someone would part the clouds, so that the mountain peak could be seen." Seeing as Kissa was in no mood to perform voices, he went on. "One day, Souta was resting beneath a tree, when Anima came to him in a dream, and told him that a golden key lay at the top of the mountain, and if he could retrieve it, he would be blessed for all his days."
Piqued murmurs wafted through the crowd as Brock played an interlude. "So Souta went out and traveled for many days, untill he came to a strange black river. Suddenly, a Rayquaza sprung forth, surprising Souta!..."
Every ninja we've met on our journey thus far has asked for that tale... Kissa thought. This had to be the third time this trip that she'd heard the story of the boy that sought a gold key from the top of a mountain, and in the process slew a Rayquaza, parted a river with a Dragonblade, befriended a Braviary, slew many more unsightly creatures, each one more terrifying than the last, claimed the gold key, and shared its treasures with his people. But the people appeared to be enjoying it--they would gasp and scream as her master described each beast in painstaking detail, and cheer when it was slain.
Some applause filled the air at the tale's conclusion, which prompted Brock to tell the crowd "It is said that if you are fortunate enough to meet an archmage on the road, you receive something wondrous to commemorate your meeting." Cheers went up at this. "Well, if you are a guest of the aforementioned archmage, and you please him--or her--you receive something even more wondrous as thanks."
"And what might that be, milord?" a patron asked before dealing out cards for a game of chance.
"An item that allows your Pokemon to speak the words of humans, and possibly other powers." Brock replied. "But, before you attempt to get me to part with the tiara I received from the Archmage of Miranai, know this--its power will only work on the rightful owner." A few 'Aw's went up as some of the merchants slunk out into the night, saddened they couldn't hock the tiara adorning Kissa's head. "Kissa has also proven to be a fine singer as well..."
"Well, now that I've rested a little, I suppose I could sing for this fine crowd." Kissa replied as she got up from the floor and bounded onto her master's table, being careful not to spill what was left of the Mata Daisy. "If you would, please..."
Brock started a brisk melody before Kissa joined in. For many nights I've rested under Dorcha's silver dome,
With only the clothes upon my back and nowhere to call my home. Perhaps if I could slay the beast that brings horror to the northlands,
I can find where I belong.
But how to go about it, it has at least three heads
That all come back to life again as soon as it's thought to be dead.
So rather than go for the heads and fighting for all time,
I will take some other tact--the reward will be mine!
I could set a simple trap to lure it to its doom,
Or maybe leave its favorite food inside an empty room?
Not so! I will buy a singing bird and release it inside its lair,
The beast will be charmed by the song, allowing me to slay it before it can even stare!
When the song ended, one of the apprentices behind the counter asked "Is that all, Lady Kissa?"
"That is all I will sing of it for now." Kissa replied to some laughter as she leapt off the table and returned to her post by her master's chair.
"Thanks, Kissa..." Brock smiled before being bombarded by requests for a song of his own:
"Sing about the flute the Pidove brought!"
"The one where a man is only saved from hanging if his beloved can find a crystal before the first bell of dawn rings!"
"There are children here, and I don't see anyone here with a lute..." Brock cautioned, pointing out a few tables with families to prove his point.
"What about the girl sent into a monster's den on a dare by a drunken mage?"
"Don't ya know any happier songs for the minstrel to sing?"
"Course I do!"
"What about the one about a temple filled with gems at the top of the mountain?"
"I can play that one." Brock assured the man, but before he could play a note, another patron shouted "Doesn't that sound the same as the tale ya just told?"
"Everyone, please!" the ninja shouted, quieting the uproar. "If you all cannot decide on a song, then allow the <i>geshou</i> to sing or play a song of his choosing."
Thank you! Brock silently smiled as the ninja returned to her table. After signaling Litana for a second Mata Daisy, he began the reel "The Rowan Tree Girl", prompting many in the crowd to clap. Some even rushed out to the floor and danced, never mind that no other instruments were present save for the harp.
When the last note died, Brock took a swig of his new Mata Daisy, then began a tense melody. "Once a Raikou met a Buneary in the hills of the east lands. The Raikou was hungry, and told the Buneary that she was his dinner for that evening. But before the Raikou could capture the Buneary, the Buneary assured her captor that she had food, and there was no need to eat her. Piqued, the Raikou followed the Buneary into a valley, while Buneary gathered some rocks. Buneary lit the fire and began heating the rocks, saying that they tasted best when they turned colors. She instructed the Raikou to not touch the roasting rocks, while she went and gathered Berries. Now the Raikou was hungry, and the rocks were just beginning to become jewels, so he eagerly gulped down a ruby. The resulting heat was so bad, the Raikou couldn't eat for months. Ever since then, Raikou is very careful around Bunearies, lest he be tricked by one again." Laughter and applause filled the air at this.
A meow got his attention before he could begin another song. "What is it, Kissa?" Kissa just gingerly nudged a hand drum and stick to her master's feet, as if hoping her master would recognize the instrument. "Oh, I forgot I had my drum here...thank you." he smiled, petting Kissa as a waitress brought her a dish of milk. After setting the drum on the table for a moment, he plucked a single A note on the harp, humming the note as he switched the harp out for the drum. Once he got a steady beat going, he proceeded to scat the reel "Raikou on the Run"
"Not bad, but I think I can scat a dance tune better than you..." Kissa challenged over the applause. "Just give a note to start."
Brock nodded, and plucked an F# on the harp. With that, Kissa proceeded to scat the jig "Falling Rains of Spring". For a moment, everyone in the tavern--from Litana and her apprentices, to the ninja from Himachi, to a few children playing a game of cards--they all stopped and listened to the clear soprano wafting through the room, never mind that the singer was actually a cat.
"Amazing!" The ninja from Himachi was the most impressed. "Keep your pet close and her crown closer, geshou-san--I'm sure the hokage in my village would love to see you perform."
"If Marista Laire were here, she'd be proud of ya, lad!" a ranger agreed.
"Whatever you did to please the Archmage of Miranai, we got a taste of it here tonight." Litana agreed as a third Mata Daisy arrived at Brock's table.
"I did nothing more than what I was trained to do--tell stories, sing songs, and share the rich culture we have here in Yoso." Brock replied. "But I still have plenty more to share, if you are willing to listen."
"Another song!" a girl called. The chant began making its way around the room until Brock obliged with "The Twin Rescue"--the first of many tales and tunes told that night...
THE END