Amelia pulls out her lute and begins to play, quite aware that music can soothe and put people at ease unlike anything else.
Amelia has not been playing the lute very long and her instrument is cheap, often out of tune and flat, but she makes up for it with a beautiful voice.
For now she settles for a calm peaceful, yet pleasant song. She wants to make the villagers feel at ease.
Amelia finishes her song and retunes her lute. The revolting villagers have migrated to the tavern for drinks.
She tests her lute; making sure that it sounds better…
…then heads for the tavern.
Amelia enters the tavern and puts her plan in action. She will befriend Ysmay in order to find out who the peasants’ leader is.
Amelia is known for her good humor. Her work as a bard has exposed her to plenty of amusing situations.
It does not take long before Ysmay is laughing and enjoying herself.
Amelia continues with a few more jokes. She can tell that she has almost convinced Ysmay to trust her.
After a few goblets of drinks, the crowd is in the mood for dancing. Amelia pulls out her lute and fills their ears with a catchy foot stomping tune.
Amelia finishes and takes a bow. The protesting villagers seems particularly relaxed.
“Your music is very pleasing,” Ysmay says approaching Amelia once again.
“Thank you!” Amelia says. “Honestly, I have not played the lute long. I am still learning.”
“Well…you are a quick learner and a very down to earth person. And to think I thought you were working for the queen.”
Amelia feels guilty that she has deceived Ysmay and is in fact working for the queen. However, she was given a job and she is determined to do it.
Amelia feels guilty that she has deceived Ysmay and is in fact working for the queen. However, she was given a job and she is determined to do it.
“You really should meet our leader, Alvin…oops, I was not to mention his name,” Ysmay says, realizing her mistake.
Amelia is grateful for Ysmay’s little slip. She now knows who is leading this little revolt.
Amelia is grateful for Ysmay’s little slip. She now knows who is leading this little revolt.
Amelia plays it off by taking to the stage, rather than approach Alvin right away. She really does like Ysmay and does not want her to know that her whole purpose of befriending her was to find out who the leader was.
Again, the villagers dance and cheer as Amelia plays another tune.
While everyone is in great cheer having a grand time, Amelia approaches Peasant Alvin. “Good eve sir. I cannot help but notice that you all have set up a revolt. What is the purpose?”
“I am sure that my companions have already given the gist. We are here because we work so hard, yet we still cannot feed and clothe our children. At the same time, Queen Chalyela sits in her fancy castle and does nothing.”
He continues, “We have sent her petition after petition and are at our wits end. We know not what else to do.”
“Even just a little more money in wages would help.”
“You know that a revolt is not the right way to get something out of the queen. In fact it is considered treason,” Amelia warns.
“Aye. We understand the risk, but if you had crying children, begging for bread, you would better understand our plight.”
Amelia is sympathetic. She is not a stranger to hunger and poverty.
Amelia is sympathetic. She is not a stranger to hunger and poverty.
Having nothing else to say, Alvin walks away to rejoin the crowd.
Alvin’s words ring around in Amelia’s head, giving her inspiration for a poem. She writes down a few notes to use later.
Finally she migrates upstairs for a few moments rest, although the party continues downstairs.
