The Thief of Songs

Hello. You are a bard. Your name is Lark. Please choose a starting skill: [[Lore]] [[Will]] [[Perception]]

"Oh no! Have they raised the price of beer?" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Stop with your jokes, y'pup! 'Tis no laughin' matter!" (set:$ToldHalfStory to 1)"Y'see, last night, after I'd sung my last ballad, a bard I'd never met—a smilin' fellow with a red cap—offers me a drink if I trade songs with him. Well, you know me. I'll not turn down a dram, and I've always an ear for a new tune. Of course I says aye." "So, I sing him three of my best as he scribbles 'em down in a little book, but when *he's* to share, suddenly he says he's too drunk, and off he pops."] [[“Eh? How is that the worst of things? At least you got a drink out of it.”]] {(if:$Lore is 0)[["And you call yourself a bard. That's the most pointless story I ever heard."]] (if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["'Tain't the first time I've heard such a tale. He's a thief, aye?"]]]} [[“Ha! Bein' drunk never stopped me from singin'! Speakin' of, I better get inside.”]]

"Uh oh. You're bein' serious. What's happened?" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Serious as the plague, cousin." (set:$ToldHalfStory to 1)"Y'see, last night, after I'd sung my last ballad, a bard I'd never met—a smilin' fellow with a red cap—offers me a drink if I trade songs with him. Well, you know me. I'll not turn down a dram, and I've always an ear for a new tune. Of course I says aye." "So, I sing him three of my best as he scribbles 'em down in a little book, but then, when *he's* to share, he says he's too drunk, and off he pops."] [[“Eh? How is that the worst of things? At least you got a drink out of it.”]] {(if:$Lore is 0)[["And you call yourself a bard. That's the most pointless story I ever heard."]] (if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["'Tain't the first time I've heard such a tale. He's a thief, aye?"]]]} [[“Ha! Bein' drunk never stopped me from singin'! Speakin' of, I better get inside.”]]

“No time for your troubles, Hav. I should be singin' already.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Aye aye, y'clot. Pay no mind to your old friend Hav, but take a warnin' all the same. Beware the bard with the red cap! He'll steal your songs."] [[“Who's the bard with the red cap?”]] [[“How can someone steal a song? Songs are free.”]] [["I'm off, Hav. Sorry."]]

“Eh? And how is that the worst of things? At least you got a drink out of it.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Young fool! I haven't finished yet!" (set:$ToldWholeStory to 1)"It's the worst because, when I went to sing them songs just now I...I couldn't remember 'em! Not even the names. They were just...gone. That cursed bard stole 'em from me! I—"] Havri freezes suddenly, desperate hope glittering in his eyes. (text-colour:yellow)["Wait! *You* know those songs. You can sing 'em to me! What do you say?"] [[“Sure I can. How about Crimson Glory?”]] [[“All right. I'll sing The Fairest of Them All.”]] [[“You're tellin' me you can't remember Gilly and the Duke?”]] [[“Ha! Come inside and I'll sing 'em all.”]] [[“Your memory stole your songs, old man. No need to blame a bard. I'm off.”]]

“Ha! Bein' drunk never stopped me from singin'! Speakin' of, I better get inside.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Pish! Go on, then! But take a warnin', y'clot. Beware that bard! He'll steal your songs."] [[“How can someone steal a song? Songs are free.”]] [["I'm off, Hav. Sorry."]]

"And you call yourself a bard. That's the most boring story I've ever heard." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Insolent clod! I haven't finished yet!] (set:$ToldWholeStory to 1)(text-colour:yellow)["See, I didn't think nothin' was wrong until I went to sing them songs just now and I...I couldn't remember 'em! Not even the names. They were just...gone. That cursed bard stole 'em from me! I—"] Havri looked up suddenly, desperate hope glittering in his eyes. (text-colour:yellow)["Wait! *You* know those songs. You can sing 'em to me. What do you say?"] [[“Sure I can. How about Crimson Glory?”]] [[“All right. I'll sing The Fairest of Them All.”]] [[“You're tellin' me you can't remember Gilly and the Duke?”]] [[“Ha! Come inside and I'll sing 'em all.”]] [[“Your memory stole your songs, old man. No need to blame a bard. I'm off.”]]

“Who's the bard with the red cap?” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Ha! Not in such a hurry after all, eh?" (set:$ToldHalfStory to 1)"He's a fellow who came in last night after I'd sung my last ballad and offered me a drink if I'd trade songs with him. Well, you know me. I'll not turn down a dram, and I've always an ear for a new tune. Of course I says aye." "So, I sing him three of my best as he scribbles 'em down in a little book, but then, when *he's* to share, he says he's too drunk, and off he pops."] [[“Eh? How is that the worst of things? At least you got a drink out of it.”]] {(if:$Lore is 0)[["And you call yourself a bard. That's the most pointless story I ever heard."]] (if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["'Tain't the first time I've heard such a tale. He's a thief, aye?"]]]} [[“Ha! Bein' drunk never stopped me from singin'! Speakin' of, I better get inside.”]]

“Your memory stole your songs, old man. No need to blame a bard. I'm off.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "My memory's as sharp as it ever was, y'greenstick sprout! Away with you!"] You enter the New Moon Inn and get the nod from Mari to take your place by the fire and sing. {(if:$Perception is 0)[[Look for the bard in the red cap.]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [[Look for the red-capped bard.]]]} [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

"I'm off, Hav. Sorry." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Fine, you fool! Go!" "But if you've no songs to sing come mornin', don't say I didn't warn you!"] You enter the New Moon Inn and get the nod from Mari to take your place by the fire and sing. {(if:$Perception is 0)[[Look for the bard in the red cap.]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [[Look for the red-capped bard.]]]} [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

“Hav, I told you. I've got to go sing. We'll talk later.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Fine, you fool! Go! But if you've no songs to sing come mornin', don't say I didn't warn you!"] Ignoring Havri, you enter the New Moon Inn and get the nod from Mari to take your place by the fire and sing. {(if:$Perception is 0)[[Look for the bard in the red cap.]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [[Look for the red-capped bard.]]]} [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

(set:$GooseAndGoat to 1)"I'll try. How about Cr... C...oh, what's the name of that tune? It's on the tip of my tongue. Something about a...battle? I... Huh." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "You...you can't remember either? Has he stolen it from *all of us*?"] {(if:$FairestOfAll is 0)[["Now, now, it's all right. I can still remember The Fairest of Them All.”]]} {(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Of course not. Just slipped my mind, is all. How about Gilly and the Duke instead?”]]} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

(set:$FairestOfAll to 1)"All right. I'll sing The... The...oh, what's the name of that tune? It's on the tip of my tongue. Something about a...girl? I... Huh." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "You...you can't remember either? Has he stolen it from *all of us*?"] {(if:$GooseAndGoat is 0)[[“Now, now, it's all right. I can still remember Crimson Glory.”]]} {(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Of course not. Just slipped my mind, is all. How about Gilly and the Duke instead?”]]} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

(set:$GillyAndDuke to 1)"You're tellin' me you can't remember G... G... Oh, what's the name of that tune? It's on the tip of my tongue. Something about a...love affair? I... Huh." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "You...you can't remember either? Has he stolen it from *all of us*?"] {(if:$FairestOfAll is 0)[["Now, now, it's all right. I can still remember The Fairest of Them All.”]]} {(if:$GooseAndGoat is 0)[[“Of course not. Just slipped my mind, is all. How about Crimson Glory instead?”]]} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

(set:$GillyAndDuke to 1)"Of course not. Just slipped my mind is all. How about G... G... Oh, come on. What's wrong with me? I *know* this song!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Oh, Lark. Not another one. This is bad."] {{(if:$GooseAndGoat is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten Crimson Glory.”]]} {(if:$FairestOfAll is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten The Fairest Of them All.”]]}} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "'Tis villainy is what it is. I learned them songs from my grandfather, and he learned 'em from *his* grandfather. They're as old as the land. They're part of us! As much as our blood is! And now they're just...gone? We'll not be the same people without 'em!" "Lark, I have to to find that blasted bard! I have to get my songs back! Will you help me?"] {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [[“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.”]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?”]]} [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

(set:$FairestOfAll to 1)"Now, now, it's all right. I can still remember The F... The... Oh, come on. What's wrong with me? I *know* this song!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Oh, Lark. Not another one. This is bad."] {{(if:$GooseAndGoat is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten Crimson Glory.”]]} {(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten Gilly and the Duke.”]]}} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Fine, you fool! Go! But if you've no songs to sing come mornin', don't say I didn't warn you!"] Ignoring Havri, you enter the New Moon Inn and get the nod from Mari to take your place by the fire and sing. {(if:$Perception is 0)[[Look for the bard in the red cap.]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [[Look for the red-capped bard.]]]} [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

“Ha! Come inside and I'll sing 'em all.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Thank you, Lark! Thank you. After you."] You enter the New Moon Inn and get the nod from Mari to take your place by the fire and sing. {(if:$Perception is 0)[[Look for the bard in the red cap.]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [[Look for the red-capped bard.]]]} [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

(set:$GooseAndGoat to 1)"Now now, it's all right. I can still remember Cr... C... Oh, come on. What's wrong with me? I *know* this song!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Oh, Lark. Not another one. This is bad."] {{(if:$FairestOfAll is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten The Fairest Of them All.”]]} {(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten Gilly and the Duke.”]]}} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

(set:$GooseAndGoat to 1)"Of course not. Just slipped my mind is all. How about Cr... Cr... Oh, come on. What's wrong with me? I *know* this song!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Oh, Lark. Not another one. This is bad."] {{(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten Gilly and the Duke.”]]} {(if:$FairestOfAll is 0)[[“Don't panic. Don't panic. I haven't forgotten The Fairest Of them All.”]]}} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

"Don't panic. Don't Panic. I haven't forgotten Cr... Cr... This is madness! I can't remember any of them!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Y'see? Somehow when he put my songs in his little book he stole 'em! Lark, I have to to find that blasted bard! I have to get my songs back! Will you help me?"] {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [[“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.”]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?”]]} [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

"Don't panic. Don't Panic. I haven't forgotten G... G... This is madness! I can't remember any of them!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Y'see? Somehow when he put my songs in his little book he stole 'em! Lark, I have to to find that blasted bard! I have to get my songs back! Will you help me?"] {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [[“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.”]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?”]]} [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

"Don't panic. Don't Panic. I haven't forgotten The F... The... This is madness! I can't remember any of them!" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Y'see? Somehow when he put my songs in his little book he stole 'em! Lark, I have to to find that blasted bard! I have to get my songs back! Will you help me?"] {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [[“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.”]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?”]]} [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: Well, earlier I asked Mari if she could remember the songs I'd sung to the bard, for she'd been washin' up while he and I had our drink. She couldn't recall 'em, and it scared her, for she knew they were the songs I played most. I...I fear they're gone, Lark. For everyone." "We have to stop him. What do you say?"] [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "And where do you think we'll find our thief? In every inn from here to Dalsegno, that's where! He'll be huntin' more songs to steal, and we'll be huntin' him!" "What do you say?"] [[“All right, all right. I'm in. But I'll keep my engagements just the same.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Thank you, cousin. Bless you. Let me just pack my harp and ask if anyone saw which road the bastard took. Maybe Mari knows." "This'll be a desperate chase, Lark, and dangerous too. A man who can pluck a song straight out of your head is a man to be reckoned with, so we'd best prepare. But maybe we'll find other bards he's wronged along the way. Maybe we'll have some help." "Ha! And maybe we'll all write a song about it after! Won't that be grand?"] [[The End]]

“How can someone steal a song? Songs are free.” (set:$ToldWholeStory to 1)(text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "'Tain't what I mean. Last night that bastard bard wrote my songs down in a book as I sang 'em to 'im, and tonight, when I went to sing 'em again, I couldn't remember 'em! He stole 'em out of my head, Lark! I swear!"] Havri freezes suddenly, desperate hope glittering in his eyes. (text-colour:yellow)["Wait! *You* know those songs. You can sing 'em to me! What do you say?"] [[“Sure I can. How about Crimson Glory?”]] [[“All right. I'll sing The Fairest of Them All.”]] [[“You're tellin' me you can't remember Gilly and the Duke?”]] [[“Ha! Come inside and I'll sing 'em all.”]] [[“Your memory stole your songs, old man. No need to blame a bard. I'm off.”]]

You sing songs you've learned in your travels, giving the crowd drinking songs, dirty songs, sad songs, and love songs. Later, after everyone goes home happy, Mari pays you out and tells you there's room in the stable loft if you want to sleep there tonight. {(if:$SpottedBard is 0)[As you cross the innyard, however, you see a man in a red cap leaning on the coping of the well. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.] (if:$SpottedBard is 1)[As you cross the innyard, however, you see the man in the cloak leaning on the coping of the well, his hood thrown back to reveal a red cap. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.]} (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Well sung, friend. Will you share a bottle with me, and a song or two?"] {(if:$ToldHalfStory is 0 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav told me you'd steal my songs, but if you're payin' in wine, you can take all you like.”]] (if:$ToldHalfStory is 1 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav said you asked to trade songs last night, then didn't share any. You goin' to try that with me?”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1 and $FairestOfAll is 0 and $GooseAndGoat is 0 and $GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Not sure I should trust you.”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1 and ($FairestOfAll is 1 or $GooseAndGoat is 1 or $GillyAndDuke is 1))[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Now they're gone from mine too. Give 'em back.”]]} [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} {(if:$Lore is 0)[[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]] (if:$Lore is 1 and $MentionedThief is 1)[::Lore:: [["No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole."]]]}

You see no one with a red cap. If he's there, he's hiding. [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

The crowd seems in a rowdy mood, calling for drinking songs and dirty songs, but you end with a last sweet sad ballad to calm them down and send them home crying on each others shoulders. Afterwards, Mari pays you out and tells you there's room in the stable loft if you want to sleep there tonight. {(if:$SpottedBard is 0)[As you cross the innyard, however, you see a man in a red cap leaning on the coping of the well. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.] (if:$SpottedBard is 1)[As you cross the innyard, however, you see the man in the cloak leaning on the coping of the well, his hood thrown back to reveal a red cap. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.]} (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Well sung, friend. Will you share a bottle with me, and a song or two?"] {(if:$ToldHalfStory is 0 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav told me you'd steal my songs, but if you're payin' in wine, you can take all you like.”]] (if:$ToldHalfStory is 1 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav said you asked to trade songs last night, then didn't share any. You goin' to try that with me?”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1 and $FairestOfAll is 0 and $GooseAndGoat is 0 and $GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Not sure I should trust you.”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1 and ($FairestOfAll is 1 or $GooseAndGoat is 1 or $GillyAndDuke is 1))[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Now they're gone from mine too. Give 'em back.”]]} [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} {(if:$Lore is 0)[[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]] (if:$Lore is 1 and $MentionedThief is 1)[::Lore:: [["No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole."]]]}

“Hav told me you'd steal my songs, but if you're payin' in wine, you can take all you like.” The bard smiles. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "If master Havri feels cheated, I'm sorry. Perhaps he didn't care for the vintage I gave him. Shall we begin?"] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] [[“Nah. You're givin' me the crawlies. I'll pass.”]] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Not sure I should trust you.” (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "He blames me for that? Not the wine? Well, I'll not press you, but this *is* a good vintage. What do you say?"] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] [[“Nah. You're givin' me the crawlies. I'll pass.”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} {(if:$Lore is 0)[[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]] (if:$Lore is 1 and $MentionedThief is 1)[::Lore:: [["No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole."]]]}

“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Now they're gone from mine too. Give 'em back.” (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "If you and master Havri are having troubles with your memories, I fail to see how that is my concern. Perhaps you've both drunk too much. Or perhaps you'd like some more?"] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} [["The songs. Now."]] [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Hav said you asked to trade songs last night, then didn't share any. You goin' to try that with me?” The bard chuckles. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "It's true! I drank while he sang, so when it was my turn...well, I was as likely to spew as to sing. I promise I will be more temperate tonight. Shall we begin?"] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] [[“Nah. You're givin' me the crawlies. I'll pass.”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Hav said he's forgotten the songs he sang to you, and now they're gone from my head too. What's goin' on?” (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm sorry, friend. I cannot guess the workings of your head. If you've forgotten some songs, perhaps slow your drinking for a time. But maybe after we have *this* drink?] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} [[“It ain't drink! Don't know how, but you stole them songs, and I want 'em back. Now.”]] [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Hav warned me you were a thief. How did you steal his songs from my head?” (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm sorry, friend. I cannot guess what goes on in your head. If you've forgotten some songs, perhaps slow your drinking for a time. But perhaps after we have *this* drink?"] [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} [[“It ain't drink! Don't know how, but you stole them songs, and I want 'em back. Now.”]] [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.” The bard's smile doesn't falter. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Ah now, that's a shame. Would a few coins change your mind?"] [["I told you. I'm off to bed."]] [[“All right, I'll not say no to coin. Let's sing.”]] [[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]]

“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.” The bard raises an eyebrow. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "What's this? Have I offended you, friend? We've only just met."] [[“All right, never mind. Open that bottle and let's sing.”]] [[“Sorry. Let's just forget it. You go your way, I'll go mine.”]] *Attack him* [[“Aye. And already I don't like you. Let's go!”]]

“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!” The bard grins and pulls the cork. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Excellent. To your very good health, then. Now please, why don't you go first. And I hope you don't mind if I scribble down the words as you sing. I've a terrible memory."] (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their abscence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

{(if:$ToldWholeStory is 0)[Since Havri is in the back, you decide to sing one of his songs just to tease him, but...you can't remember how it goes. You try another of his songs, but it's the same. The memory of them disperses like candle smoke. Unnerved, you switch to your usual songs for the rest of the night.] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1)[To prove to yourself and Havri that he's just imagining things, you decide to sing one of his songs, but...you can't remember how it goes. You try another of his songs, but it's the same. The memory of them disperses like candle smoke. Unnerved, you switch to your usual songs for the rest of the night.]} {(if:$SpottedBard is 0)[Afterwards, Mari pays you out, telling you there's room in the stable loft if you want to sleep there tonight. As you cross the innyard, however, you see a man in a red cap leaning on the coping of the well. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.] (if:$SpottedBard is 1)[Afterwards, Mari pays you out, telling you there's room in the stable loft if you want to sleep there tonight. As you cross the innyard, however, you see the man in the cloak leaning on the coping of the well, his hood thrown back to reveal a red cap. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine.]} (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Well sung, friend. Will you share a bottle with me, and a song or two?"] {(if:$ToldHalfStory is 0 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav warned me you were a thief. How did you steal his songs from my head?”]] (if:$ToldHalfStory is 1 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav said he's forgotten the songs he sang to you, and now they're gone from my head too. What's goin' on?”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1)[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Now they're gone from mine too. Give 'em back.”]]} [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} {(if:$Lore is 0)[[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]] (if:$Lore is 1 and $MentionedThief is 1)[::Lore:: [["No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole."]]]}

“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Well, if you won't you won't. I'm no hero neither, but I can't let that man steal the heart of this land without a fight." "If you change your mind, I'll be workin' my way up the Great Road toward Dalsegno. I just hope we still have songs left to cheer each other with when next we meet." "Farewell, Lark. Keep yourself in tune, eh?"] [[The End]]

Thank you for playing The Thief of Songs! To me, this is the first section of a larger game about songs, folk traditions, and the loss of them—but also about adventure, exploration, quirky characters, and musical combat!

“All right, all right. I'm in. But I'll keep my engagements just the same.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Of course! Can't deny a bard their livelihood! Now, let me just pack my harp and ask if anyone saw which road the bastard took. Maybe Mari knows." "This'll be a desperate chase, Lark, and dangerous too. A man who can pluck a song straight out of your head is a man to be reckoned with, so we'd best prepare. But maybe we'll find other bards he's wronged along the way. Maybe we'll have some help." "Ha! And maybe we'll all write a song about it after! Won't that be grand?"] [[The End]]

“Aye. And already I don't like you. Let's go!” As you advance on the bard he steps back and whistles a merry jig. Suddenly you're dancing and can't stop, even when he stops whistling. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Now then, Lark. No more mischief. Sing."] {(if:$Will is 1)[::Will:: [[Break free of the bard's control.]]] (if:$Will is 0) [[Struggle against the bard's control.]]} [[Give in to the bard's control.]]

The bard smiled sadly. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm afraid I can't allow that. Now sing or I shall dance you into this well with a song, and poor Mari will find you drowned in the morning. Melancholy, she'll say. Bards are always prone to melancholy."] [["Well, I don't feel like dyin' so...you win. Open that bottle and let's sing."]] *Attack him* [[“Nobody's goin' in that well but you, arse face!”]]

“All right, never mind. Open that bottle and let's sing.” The bard grins and pulls the cork. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Excellent. To your very good health, then. Now please, why don't you go first. And I hope you don't mind if I scribble down the words as you sing. I've a terrible memory..."] (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their abscence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

"I told you. I'm off to bed." The bard smiled sadly. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm afraid I can't allow that. Now sing or I shall dance you into this well with a song, and poor Mari will find you drowned in the morning. Melancholy, she'll say. Bards are always prone to melancholy."] [["Well, I don't feel like dyin' so...you win. Open that bottle and let's sing."]] *Attack him* [[“Nobody's goin' in that well but you, arse face!”]]

The bard grins and gives you some coins, then pulls the cork. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Excellent. To your very good health. Now please, why don't you go first. And I hope you don't mind if I scribble down the words as you sing. I've a terrible memory..."] (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their abscence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

“Nah. You're givin' me the crawlies. I'll pass.” The bard smiled sadly. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm afraid I can't allow that. Now sing or I shall dance you into this well with a song, and poor Mari will find you drowned in the morning. Melancholy, she'll say. Bards are always prone to melancholy."] [["Well, I don't feel like dyin' so...you win. Open that bottle and let's sing."]] *Attack him* [[“Nobody's goin' in that well but you, arse face!”]]

“It ain't drink! Don't know how, but you stole them songs, and I want 'em back. Now.” As you advance on the bard he steps back and whistles a merry jig. Suddenly you're dancing and can't stop, even when he stops whistling. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Easy, Lark. The more you fight it. The more it hurts. Now, sing."] {(if:$Will is 1)[::Will:: [[Break free of the bard's control.]]] (if:$Will is 0) [[Struggle against the bard's control.]]} [[Give in to the bard's control.]]

"The songs. Now." As you advance on the bard he steps back and whistles a merry jig. Suddenly you're dancing and can't stop, even when he stops whistling. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Easy, Lark. The more you fight it. The more it hurts. Now, sing."] {(if:$Will is 1)[::Will:: [[Break free of the bard's control.]]] (if:$Will is 0) [[Struggle against the bard's control.]]} [[Give in to the bard's control.]]

“Nobody's goin' in that well but you, arse face!” As you advance on the bard he steps back and whistles a merry jig. Suddenly you're dancing and can't stop, even when he stops whistling. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Easy, Lark. The more you fight it. The more it hurts. Now, sing."] {(if:$Will is 1)[::Will:: [[Break free of the bard's control.]]] (if:$Will is 0) [[Struggle against the bard's control.]]} [[Give in to the bard's control.]]

Your muscles clench with agony as you try to stop jigging and attack the bard, but it's impossible. The pain turns the world red around you, then purple, then... (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their absence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

“How is this possible? Where did they go?” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Into the villain's little book, right next to mine. Baldfaced robbery, and I won't stand for it. You and I learned our songs from our grandfathers, and they learned 'em from *their* grandfathers. They're as old as the land. They're part of us! As much as our blood is! And now they're just...gone? We won't be the same people without 'em!" "Lark, we have to find that blasted bard! We have to get our songs back! Will you help me?"] [["No one does to me what he did and gets away with it. Let's go. I'll gut him."]] [[“Aye, but not for what he did to me. For our songs. For our people. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring them back to me!” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I...I wish I could, cousin, but they're gone for me too. I can still feel that a song was there, but...I doubt I will for long." "Curse him, I won't stand for it! You and I learned our songs from our grandfathers, and they learned 'em from *their* grandfathers. They're as old as the land. They're part of us! As much as our blood is! And now they're just...gone? We won't be the same people without 'em!" "Lark, we have to find that blasted bard! We have to get our songs back! Will you help me?"] [["No one does to me what he did and gets away with it. Let's go. I'll gut him."]] [[“Aye, but not for what he did to me. For our songs. For our people. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Even one would be too many, cousin. The villain has wounded you. Wounded us all. You and I learned our songs from our grandfathers, and they learned 'em from *their* grandfathers. They're as old as the land. They're part of us! As much as our blood is! And now they're just...gone? We won't be the same people without 'em!" "Lark, we have to find that blasted bard! We have to get our songs back! Will you help me?"] [["No one does to me what he did and gets away with it. Let's go. I'll gut him."]] [[“Aye, but not for what he did to me. For our songs. For our people. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

(set:$MentionedThief to 1)"'Tain't the first time I've heard such a tale. He's a thief, aye?" (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Aye! And not of coins but songs!" (set:$ToldWholeStory to 1)Just now, when I went to sing the songs I'd sung to him, I...I couldn't remember 'em! Not even the names. They were just...gone. That cursed bard stole 'em from me! I—"] Havri freezes suddenly, desperate hope glittering in his eyes. (text-colour:yellow)["Wait! *You* know those songs. You can sing 'em to me! What do you say?"] [[“I'll try. How about Crimson Glory?”]] [[“Let's see. The Fairest of Them All?”]] [[“You're tellin' me you can't remember Gilly and the Duke?”]] [[“Ha! Come inside and I'll sing 'em all.”]] [[“Your memory stole your songs, old man. No need to blame a bard. I'm off.”]]

(set:$FairestOfAll to 1)"Let's see. The... The...oh, what's the name of that tune? It's on the tip of my tongue. Something about a...girl? I... Huh." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "You...you can't remember either? Has he stolen it from *all of us*?"] {(if:$GooseAndGoat is 0)[[“Now, now, it's all right. I can still remember Crimson Glory.”]]} {(if:$GillyAndDuke is 0)[[“Of course not. Just slipped my mind, is all. How about Gilly and the Duke instead?”]]} {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [["It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish."]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Hmm. Maybe he did steal your songs. This is eerie.”]]} [[“I've had enough of this. I'm off to sing.”]]

"It's just as I'd heard. The songs he puts in his book just...vanish." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Such villiany! I learned them songs from my grandfather, and he learned 'em from *his* grandfather. They're as old as the land. They're part of us! As much as our blood is! And now they're just...gone? We'll not be the same people without 'em!" "Lark, I have to to find that blasted bard! I have to get my songs back! Will you help me?"] {(if:$Lore is 1)[::Lore:: [[“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.”]]] (if:$Lore is 0)[[“Is it just us who's forgotten those songs, or...everyone?”]]} [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

You have an engagement tonight to sing at the New Moon Inn, but nearing it, you see old (text-colour:yellow)[Havri], another bard, on a bench outside, weeping into his hands. At the sound of your footsteps, he looks up, then sobs anew as he sees you. Havri: (text-colour:yellow)["Lark! A terrible thing has happened! The worst of things!"] [["Oh no! Have they raised the price of beer?"]] [["Uh oh. You're bein' serious. What's happened?"]] [[“No time for your troubles, Hav. I should be singin' already.”]]

(set:$Lore to 1)Good choice! You know a little bit more about local tales and legends than the average bard. Now it's time to start your adventure, which begins...[[at the New Moon Inn.]]

(set:$Will to 1)Good choice! Youm mind and willpower are a little bit more stronger than that of the average bard. Now it's time to start your adventure, which begins...[[at the New Moon Inn.]]

(set:$Perception to 1)Good choice! You notice and deduce a little bit more than the average bard. Now it's time to start your adventure, which begins...[[at the New Moon Inn.]]

“I fear it's not just us who's forgotten those songs, but...everyone.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: Maybe so. Earlier I asked Mari if she could remember the songs I'd sung to the bard, for she'd been washin' up while he and I had our drink. She couldn't recall 'em, and it scared her, for she knew they were the songs I played most. I...I fear you're right, Lark. They're gone...for everyone." "We have to stop him. What do you say?"] [[“What choice do I have? He's not just stealin' songs. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“How can I? I have engagements lined up in every inn from here to Dalsegno.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

(set:$SpottedBard to 1)At first you see no one with a red cap, but then you notice a fellow in the corner in a hooded cloak. When he lifts his eyes to watch you, you spot a flash of red beneath it. [[Dedicate a song to him.]] [[Sing your own songs.]] [[Sing one of Havri's songs.]] [[Take requests.]]

"This is for the fellow in the corner, tryin' not to be seen. It's called Nowhere to Hide." Everyone turns to stare at the man, and he walks out, very stiff, as they all laugh. {(if:$ToldWholeStory is 0)[Later, since Havri is in the back, you decide to sing one of his songs just to tease him, but...you can't remember how it goes. You try another of his songs, but it's the same. The memory of them disperses like candle smoke. Unnerved, you switch to your usual songs for the rest of the night.] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1)[Later, to prove to yourself and Havri that he's just imagining things, you decide to sing one of his songs, but...you can't remember how it goes. You try another of his songs, but it's the same. The memory of them disperses like candle smoke. Unnerved, you switch to your usual songs for the rest of the night.]} Afterwards, Mari pays you out, telling you there's room in the stable loft if you want to sleep there tonight. As you cross the innyard, however, you see the man in the cloak leaning on the coping of the well, his hood thrown back to reveal a red cap. He gives you a nod and holds up a bottle of wine. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Well spotted, friend. And very clever to drive me out with a mocking tune. Will you share a bottle with me, and a song or two?"] {(if:$ToldHalfStory is 0 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav warned me you were a thief. How did you steal his songs from my head?”]] (if:$ToldHalfStory is 1 and $ToldWholeStory is 0)[[“Hav said he's forgotten the songs he sang to you, and now they're gone from my head too. What's goin' on?”]] (if:$ToldWholeStory is 1)[[“Hav said the songs he sang you vanished from his head after you wrote them down. Now they're gone from mine too. Give 'em back.”]]} [[“Why not? Open that bottle and may the best bard win!”]] {(if:$Perception is 0)[[“Sorry, friend. Too tired. Good night.”]] (if:$Perception is 1)[::Perception:: [["A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass."]]]} {(if:$Lore is 0)[[“Start runnin', charmer, before I share that bottle with your skull.”]] (if:$Lore is 1 and $MentionedThief is 1)[::Lore:: [["No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole."]]]}

"No songs for you, thief. Instead, you'll give back the ones you stole." As you advance on the bard he steps back and whistles a merry jig. Suddenly you're dancing and can't stop, even when he stops whistling. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Easy, Lark. The more you fight it. The more it hurts. Now, sing."] {(if:$Will is 1)[::Will:: [[Break free of the bard's control.]]] (if:$Will is 0) [[Struggle against the bard's control.]]} [[Give in to the bard's control.]]

"A bard with no finger calluses? There's somethin' fishy about you, red cap. I'll pass." The bard smiled sadly. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "I'm afraid I can't allow that. Now sing or I shall dance you into this well with a song, and poor Mari will find you drowned in the morning. Melancholy, she'll say. Bards are always prone to melancholy."] [["Well, I don't feel like dyin' so...you win. Open that bottle and let's sing."]] *Attack him* [[“Nobody's goin' in that well but you, arse face!”]]

"Well, I don't feel like dyin' so...you win. Open that bottle and let's sing." The bard grins and pulls the cork. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Very wise, my friend. To your very good health, then. Now please, why don't you go first. And I hope you don't mind if I scribble down the words as you sing. I've a terrible memory..."] (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their abscence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

You scream in agony as you wrench yourself free of the bard's marionette jigging and throw yourself at him. Your fist connects with his mouth and he stumbles back, clutching bloody lips. (text-colour:red)[Red Cap: "Ha! You're more formidible than you look. Ah well, another day then. Farewell."] You start after him as he flees, but you're still not fully in control of your body, and you stumble to the ground, gasping. Footsteps slap behind you, and then Havri is kneeling at your side. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you arguin' with that bastard, and couldn't get down fast enough. At least you got free before he made you sing, eh? Are...are you feelin' well enough to go after him?" "You know he'll try this with other bards if we don't. What do you say?] [["No one does to me what he did and gets away with it. Let's go. I'll gut him."]] [[“Aye, but not for what he did to me. For our songs. For our people. He's stealin' who we are.”]] [[“I'm sorry, Hav. No denyin' it's a bad business, but I'm no hero. Find someone else.”]]

The agony of fighting the bard's marionette jigging fades as you unclench your muscles and let go of your will. As you start to sing the world turns purple around you, then... (text-colour:magenta)[∘⋆․⊹․∘⟡˖*⊹｡･:*˚:✧｡⋆˚₊‧⋆.⋆｡°✩] The next thing you know, you're lying in the dirt next to the well, with Havri weeping over you and Mari and a crowd of guests in nightshirts watching from a distance. (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "I'm so sorry, Lark. I was asleep in the loft when I heard you singin', and woke to see that cursed bard writin' in his book beside you. He ran off when I started screamin' bloody murder, but...but did he steal your songs?"] Looking inward, you find scores of songs, all waiting to be sung. But your favorites, your best, are gone, and you'd not even know it but for the ache of their absence—though even that is fading. [[“There are...holes in my mind, Hav. Only a few, but...”]] [[“How is this possible? Where did they go?”]] [[“Quick, Hav. Sing them. Bring 'em back to me!”]]

"No one does to me what he did and gets away with it. Let's go. I'll gut him." (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Aye, that's the spirit, cousin. Let me just pack my harp and ask if anyone saw which road the bastard took. Maybe Mari knows." "This'll be a desperate chase, Lark, and dangerous too, as you've just seen, so we'd best prepare. But maybe we'll find other bards he's wronged along the way. Maybe we'll have some help." "Ha! And maybe we'll all write a song about it after! Won't that be grand?"] [[The End]]

“Aye, but not for what he did to me. For our songs. For our people. He's stealin' who we are.” (text-colour:yellow)[Havri: "Thank you, cousin. Bless you. Let me just pack my harp and ask if anyone saw which road the bastard took. Maybe Mari knows." "This'll be a desperate chase, Lark, and dangerous too. A man who can pluck a song straight out of your head is a man to be reckoned with, so we'd best prepare. But maybe we'll find other bards he's wronged along the way. Maybe we'll have some help." "Ha! And maybe we'll all write a song about it after! Won't that be grand?"] [[The End]]