“Goddamned crows,” he said.
He took a plastic bag out of his pocket and deftly bagged his dog’s poop.
I sang louder, a laughing arpeggio of croaking notes.
Being happy was better than not, I decided. And it was certainly better than scooping up dog poop. If I was ever to write a story the way that Christy did, it would be very short. And I’d only have the one story because after it, I wouldn’t need any more.
I must admit, I have had a blast playing Cantr the last year, year and a half. So many interesting stories, characters, opportunities, events. Madcappery, mayhem, mischief, moxie.
Lion - You'd know Lion to see him. Always smiling, always joking and joshing about, with occasional flinging of livestock around. Armed with that mightiest of weapons, the tradenote. Oh, so much time and love on those, he barely had time to steal a ship from Jasper (twice), plan to make a third time, forget to pay for one trade (after nudging the sleepy one several times with a fistful of rubies), drive around with his best friend and their friends, and help those who needed it, in whatever form they needed it (this could mean showing up with knitting needles and wool, gifts of more useful nature or just words. Loudly.). Once out of his spawntown, he bloomed and grew, and never looked back (well, once. And that was a gift that kept giving). And for all this, he spent his last few years furiously knitting, two words that don't generally go together.
Jessica West - She was part of an industrial dynamo, but knew where she sat in it, and treated her other parts like the people they were. Some good times, some saving times, some good friends, and some great opportunities to share. Nothing was beyond her, with the assistance of her true and steady leader. Some kerfuffles with a colleague, but any change will create friction.
Steve Snail - Eh, wot mate? You talking about me, guess it's better I pew this and table things for em, properly. Came here with a bounce, from merry old Engersland, donchaknow. One moment, a crew and kit, next there's burnt toast and a me here. Where here is, who knows. So, shook a few statues, and sailed away from statue-esque Dory in a longboat, loaded to the gills with much that wasn't, and toddled along to another town. Upgraded with a smirk, and the Sod sailed off. Then kept ajourneying, and greeting, and making friends and foes with aplomb. Some good times, and good memories, but the bounce back is a-coming. See which world is better, eh.
Kerrigan Swift - A humble forest dweller, happy to eke out a quiet life with some friends. The coming storm changed that, and drove her to find the man. At least, at first. Halted hard at the most wonderful, idyllic, pleasant, wonderful farm around, the rage left over time, and she appreciated what he'd done - given her the best reason to leave her dying forest. So, friends and family, and a chance to live. Not such a bad trade, for a few years work stolen. But she may have evened it out long before he arrived anyway, so all's fair. Lock your doors, people.
Claire 'Hat' Troubles - Spawned with an unfortunate name, but it suited. And she had many a chance to forget them, earn them, diminish them, fight them, conquer them. And with the aid of several friends, and their support, she did so. Some tilting at windmills, sleepy as they may be, but nothing earnt the satisfaction of stitching the radio back together, and finding out where true friends lie.
Withersnull - ahhh, the daringest scarecrow about. Truly, he masterminded his escape from doldrums, by attempting to steal a ship with someone still on it, then his own escape from those doldrums, by being awesome, and proferring his straw goods to all. Once away, and a daring escape that was too, he found he had no chance at a dull life, but to help those who needed it. An encounter with the Macgregors that ended in a startling fashion, and with a startling gain, and truly the stage was set for the revolution to come. It did, and rolled past. Instead, songs were sung and chanted, and lives saved, and problems solved.
Jack Least Bragonguard - in the prime of his strength and life, if he wasn't dead. Spawned on Noniwrok island, moments after breathing his first his hand was armed and armoured, and chased a kidnapper over the island. Sadly it wasn't a rescue operation, but it did shape him. Numerous other similar encounters occurred and each one he rose to with friends, and prepared for the next.
But the only shame he felt, was at living and contributing to such a stifling town. So, he made his plans to leave. One of the stifles, attempted to perform his nature, but the years of apathy on his side, and the years of action on Jack's, soon proved the difference. jack dragged him back to town, for his public humiliation, the town turned against the stifle and a new voice rang out. Time will tell if the new voice becomes an old voice. But Jack was gone already, sailing away to a land he'd never see, with the stifle's sheep and dough-roller as trophies of the day when reason triumphed again.
Lolarena - A simple, fey girl. Not shy, not bold, not quirky or dull. Essentially a drifter until she found a town that needed her love. And, her drawings. It was remarkable, how quick the pen flew with such subject material, ones she had never seen before, and loved in her own way. She decided to do more, and volunteer her arm to the order, but probably wisely, the door was gently closed. Still, she did what she could for them, and brought a smile or two
The one she treasured most, and never failed to bring a smile,
https://cantr.net/pictures/getimg.php?i ... r2hs8y.jpg
Kettle - A guard dog, watching and curious. Patient and grim, her mask held her fears away when duty needed to be done. But of all her life, it was the end that she blossomed. May all feel her blessing.
Alice Clear - The isle of Teregotha held much promise for the cult. And it did draw the eyes of they and they sent forth their emissary. Steadily moving shaking and living, and she'd put herself into a position to do her work. Then, something changed. Her heart, her life, her joy? Her pleasure at the world of land, not sea? Who knows. But she stepped down from power, before she could wreak her vengeance. The sea quaked, but it mattered not. Next wave, would sweep them clear.
Bjorn Cartrendersun - a simple man, who rarely had to introduce himself. Had a plan, and a vision, and an idea. Sadly, the target didn't prove itself worth the time or effort. But the friend he made, oh. That, was worth the world.
Thanks everyone, for your part in their stories. It's been real.
It would go like this:
Once upon a time, they all lived happily ever after. The end.
That’s a much better sort of story than the messy ones that make up our lives. At least that’s what I think.
But I wouldn’t want to live in that story, because that would be too boring. I’d rather be caught up in the clutter of living, flying high above the streets and houses, making a joyful noise.
Charles de Lint, "Make a Joyful Noise"
Sad that most of her pictures don't show up anymore.. she brought so much happiness!
