An Arcanian in Actar

I.
Was on day like any other,
Warlord Gruul had just discover
Empty space in pit of tummy,
Raise the cry for all sword-brother
Gather round and listen close.
Then in perfect pointed prose,
Twinkling eye and smile gummy
Gruul say, "Here's what I propose:
Someone with a speck of sense,
With more than a little influence,
Take a walk beyond the swamp
And find us all some sustenance!"
Then with grunt and several grumble
Bodyguard get all in jumble,
Point and swear and duck and stomp
Until out step a brute most humble.
"General Gruul, I acquiesce
To this display of your largesse.
It will bring me utmost joy
To garner you a proper mess."
Vlaam was name, short and stocky
Chiselled limbs but features blocky,
Other guards Vlaam much annoy
For reputation be so talky.
Tired guards lean back and smirk,
(Fighting Kx'Krah be hard work)
Urge Vlaam on with wave of hand
And sink into relaxing murk
Of Mannaseh cool, dark mud.

II.
Pachacacha swell with flood
And no was easy find dry land.
But water no as thick as blood
So Vlaam wade in up to mid-chest
And struggle to do very best
To fight the current moving East
And reach far shoreline unrepressed.
Through hot desert, over hills,
Up into the mountain chills,
Over snow peaks newly fleeced,
Follow Vashnar trickling rills
Into valley fresh and green,
Vlaam relieved by happy scene.
Here and there a milk-white goat
Sample pasture lush cuisine.

Vlaam head straight to simple tower
Under which see halfling cower,
Smile and nod and then clear throat.
Say, "My friend, I'll not devour
You, if that is your patent fear.
Though I am hungry as I appear,
I beseech you, if you will,
Look beyond this brash veneer."
Bodo give Vlaam sidelong glance
Wonder what be happenstance
That bring giant down from hill
And into Actar green expanse.
"We halflings here are simple folk,
But staunch defenders, if provoked!
This valley is our rightful place
From riverbank to yonder oak.
If you would like to stay awhile,"
Bodo say, with half-heart smile,
"I'll take you down the road apace
To Biba's modest domicile."
Vlaam agree to go with halfling
And before long both were laughing,
Idly stroll down country lane.
To see such pair was surely baffling.
Knock, knock, knock on Biba's door,
Vlaam no know what be in store
As glance inside through window pane
At dull and dusty hardwood floor.


Penned by my hand on the 3rd of Valnuary, in the year 447 AF.