Rhiannon - Child of Twilight
Chapter 4 - Page 1
The Singer's Gift

It was early in the morning when Taliesin, the Chief Bard of Lord Sean's Court in Powys, came to the large open room where the Sacred Singers and Dancers were practicing a work that was intended for Mabon rites in the early Fall. As this was a fairly large and strategically important Court of Cymru, there was a full compliment of Sacred Dancers, Singers and Musicians of about six each (three men and three women were the preferred amount) that had permanent housing as well as a Player's Troupe that consisted of another six or so. Each had their own leader, sometimes referred to as a Chief, though they may or may not have true status as such. However, in the Troupe, that role was always filled by a Bard or near-Bard and at this Court, not only were they a Bard, but they were someone of nearly the same status as a Court's Chief Bard. As some Courts were lucky to have even a small Troupe of three or four and one or two of the Sacred Singers, Dancers or Musicians, Taliesin worked hard to see that his Court continued to deserve the compliment that they were bestowed.

Sitting comfortably on a short stool a little ways from the Dancers, Singers and Musicians, Taliesin watched them work with a look of pleasure in his eyes. Being fairly warm yet as Summer was only beginning to draw to its' end, the Dancers worked in the morning before the first lights glinted in the sky, still ending up stripping off nearly every piece of clothing on them by the time they stopped for the day. Taliesin was simply clad as well in trousers and a short, loose tunic belted with a wool and leather belt of gold-yellow and green as he listened to the singing in words he had written and melodies he had composed, being greatly and pleasantly pleased by their rendition. He closed his eyes and gently swayed to the sounds, sending out a gentle wave of energy that caught up in the Dancers' pattern without interfering with it. When the group had finished its practice, he nodded and smiled to them, showing he approved of their efforts. The patterns were strong and well balanced; it would bode well for the Fall Harvest. As Taliesin rose to attend to other business, the Chief Musician, who truly was a Chief, came up to him, “Lord, so what do you think?” she said, her light blue eyes sparkling like pale wine, her long yellow hair hanging free about the shoulders of her willowy frame.

Smiling, Taliesin pressed her shoulders, “Lovely... I'm very pleased, Kelyra... Would you like to come to my quarters to dine with me this evening? You've co-coordinated it well, though there are a few small things I think we still might discuss.”

She looked at him shyly, then cast her eyes to the floor, “Brother... there is still much work I must attend to.” Were her soft words as she drew away from his grasp.

“I see...” he said politely, “Perhaps some other time?... I think you are extremely Gifted. I had hoped we might spend a little time together. I know you've only been here but a Season or so, but you've really made a great difference.”

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