The Chit Chat Pub, A place to just hang out

[Dreamer1]

She gives him a long look, searching his eyes, then asks "How long has it been since you've seen one of your own kind, Sir? Which plane do you come from, that being here leaves you so far from those you love?"

[maisky]

My own kind? That depends. There are still a number of Reds, Greens and Browns around. I last saw a Gold 500 years ago. She was heading out exploring other planes. I come from THIS plane and, unlike many of my bretheren, chose to remain here as a friend and protector of mankind. Mostly I keep the form you see before you. As for being far from those I love, that is not the case. I love mankind and keep their company by choice. Few have seen my true form, and even fewer know what it is. That is as it should be, since few would not fear me in my native hide, not realizing what a gentle soul I am.

[Dreamer1]

"You didn't mention Silver, Copper, ...or Blue. This village is indeed Blessed by your presence, and by the love you have for it. I am grieved that you must remain disguised, unable to be accepted in your natural form, though I must admit that you are right to do so. We are often blinded by what our eyes tell us, and ignore what our hearts recognise as Truth." She takes another sip, then "Still, I see a good deal of mischief in your eyes, though merrily intended. You must keep people here on their toes!"

[maisky]

"Not only does my natural form startle and frighten most people, there isn't anywhere near enough room in here for it.
It's true that I didn't list all of the types of my kin, I didn't want to bore you with an extended list of my relatives.
As for keeping people on there toes, I try." The jester's eyes, for a moment, become golden cat's eyes, glowing with an inner fire.
"Other than acting as a bouncer for Hamm on the rare occasion it is needed, I transport anybody who over-indulges safely to their home".

[Dreamer1]

She blinks at the sudden glow in his eyes, then chuckles softly. Raising her glass to him, she says "I can see that being escorted home by you, Sir, would be quite the experience! I am very glad that you have chosen to remain here with us."

[maisky]

The jester lifts his glass in salute. "Thank you for your kind words, Milady. Good company and the best ale in the land are enough reason for anybody to be here. The fine music and excellent food are added value."

[Dreamer1]

She laughs, "So they are! Speaking of music, is there anyone here who can play a lively tune? I don't think I've ever heard Hamm play."

[maisky]

The jester looks puzzled. "I don't think I have ever heard Hamm play or sing, either. That's ok. He makes up for it with his beer and his wife's cooking."

[Dreamer1]

Smiling, she nods and says "They are gems, aren't they?" After a moment she asks him "Has this village changed much over the years? I almost feel that I've stepped back in time a bit, though I wondered if I only imagined such a thing. It is a comfort being here."

[maisky]

The jester smiles fondly: "Sometimes it seems like this village exists outside of the stream of time. The villagers, and those who come here and stay, like the village the way it is. They resist change. This is a 'protected' village, so change cannot be imposed from outside. While the King (in his castle) technically has dominion here, I only have to discuss any attempt to IMPOSE control here with him once, for each new king. When held suspended thousands of feet in the air, people listen VERY carefully to what I tell them. They can't know that I wouldn't drop them." The jester's smile becomes a grin.

[Dreamer1]

Laughing!! "I'd imagine that they really don't appreciate the view, no. Such a conversation would definitely tend to remind One to acquire a new perspective. You are, indeed, a wonder, Sir!"

[maisky]

The jester blushes and looks down. "Gosh Milady, you flatter me. I have never gotten used to praise from a beautiful lady".

[Dreamer1]

Blushing a bit herself, she says " Sir, you are kind and imaginative, and you have a gift for putting folks at ease. I would find it surprising if others did not recognise those qualities also. But I have no wish to cause further embarrassment." She pauses a moment, sips her drink, and smiles at the twinkle in his eyes. "Perhaps you would be willing to tell me just a little about the other folks who frequent this Haven? You must have some marvelous tales to tell!"

[maisky]

The jester smiles. "Well, there are a number of regulars, including some very talented muscians. Also, there is handsome Martian gentleman, a beautiful young witch, who recently got married, and a very large raven. Also, another of my kind, a green, comes in here sometimes. I think the local villagers enjoy the rather colorful patrons who appear from time to time."

[Dreamer1]

She nods, and looks into the fire. " I felt this was an Exceptional Place, and it's good to know I was right. I'll be very comfortable here. You certainly do have some interesting friends, Sir!" Hamm quietly appears and replaces their drinks, barely taking a moment to do so. As he leaves she catches his eye, and smiles her thanks.