33 The Baa Hoofsn Hoedown (2/2)
The music and casual talking stopped.
”Follow quietly for now. You should be able to hear what Lux is hearing in a bit. We are near the satyr's territory so keep your guard up. They like to employ ambush tactics.”
The group quietly continued forward listening for what Ken had told them to listen to.
♫… to Baa Hoof'n Hoedown…♫
Princess's eyes lit up. ”The words are a bit different, but isn't that…?” She started to say.
Jericho pulled out his guitar and started strumming and humming in perfect sync with the song. Princess starting to dance a familiar old line dance as they walked.
Ken and Lux heard whispering sounds as they drew closer to the encampment. The pre-teen watched the movements closely to see if he could pick up the pattern.
Soon the sight of a large number of satyrs dancing, playing instruments and singing came into view.
Princess, seeing the familiar movements unabashedly jumped into the line and started dancing right next to these normally hostile monsters.
Ken joined in, albeit a bit more awkwardly than his friend.
The song came to a close. Princess, Jericho and Kenneth received a notification. [You have joined in the ritual of the Baa, Hoof'n Hoedown. The satyr god Arglwydd y Ddawns is pleased. You have received his blessing.]
[Blessing of Arglwydd y Ddawns: You are recognized by one of the satyr gods as a mortal of culture. The satyrs that worship him won't attack you or your allies without provocation.]
The satyrs paused and stared awkwardly at the group like they were looking at something impossible in their minds to exist. ”A human, an elf, and a beast with culture? Am I really seeing this right? Pinch me. I want to make sure I'm not dreaming. Ouch! I didn't mean literally.”
”They are blessed by The Great Arglwydd y Ddawns. They knew our ritual. None of the others were like this.”
One of the elderly satyrs who had been playing some panpipes came forward. ”Greetings strangers.” The old goat gave a light bow.
Jericho returned the bow. ”Greetings. My name is Jericho the Bard. That is Dancing Princess and Huntsman Ken. The three behind me are Purai, Lillith, and Lux.” He pointed to each of them as he said their names.
”It is nice to meet fellow cultured people. I am Carn. What brings you to our woods?” The old satyr inquired.
Jericho pointed to Purai and Lillith. ”We came to help lead these two out of the forest northward. However, there aren't many routes that lead in the direction they need to go.”
The satyr frowned. ”They are ignorant creatures. Why should we allow them passage through our sacred grounds?”
Purai and Lillith frowned as they were insulted.
Jericho held out his hand to stop them from doing something they would regret. ”Purai is a healer and Lillith is her friend. That cultured lynx over there? He was heavily cursed and she was able to break those curses. Maybe an exchange then? Your tribe can escort them past your sacred grounds in exchange for helping out your people?”
The old goat baa'ed in laughter. ”Gafr, Cyrn, you heard our friend. Take these two and see what they can do to help our sick comrades.”
Two younger satyrs appeared. ”Follow us.” They lead Purai and Lillith away to task them with things.
Carn coughed. ”Now then, from what I have seen, you are a musician, the elf a dancer, and the beast, a creature that has recently learned about dancing. So excluding the two beasts you and the dancer must prove yourself on The Alter of Arglwydd y Ddawns.” He swung his arm dramatically to reveal a large stone stage. ”Do you dare take the challenge? Our god will judge your music compared to our own and her dancing compared to ours.”
Princess walked over. ”I'm being challenged to a dance off? I accept!”
Jericho gave a light nod. ”I would love to, however wouldn't it be best if I used the same instruments you use?”
The old goat raised both his eyebrows. ”You know how to play our sacred instruments as well?”
Jericho nodded. ”The instrument you are holding is called the panpipes and I am sure you have a variety of them. That instrument she's holding,” he pointed to another satyr, ”is called a fiddle is it not? And that over there should be one of the many styles of a drum. I'm familiar enough with them. Do you have others as well?”
”We do, we shall bring you out a full set.”
”Can you bring out a pair of each instrument instead of just one?” Jericho asked splitting himself into two. ”I can play two instruments at the same time.”
Excited baa-laughter was heard. ”Wonderful! This will be a great showdown! Now we can fight on even terms instead of odd ones!”
[You have accepted the quest: Arglwydd y Ddawns's Battle of the Bards]