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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Feb 1, 2012 18:52:31 GMT -5
Of course Arthur wouldn't be familiar with poetry, but that did not stop Francis from hoping. Yet he wasn't too disappointed when he found his expectations confirmed; that only meant that Francis had the honor of introducing the beauty of poetry to Arthur.
"Haven't you ever felt so strongly that seemed close to bursting out of you?" Francis smiled brightly. "Or loved so fiercely that you needed to shout it to the world? That's what poetry is."
Francis clasped his hands together, feeling more lively by the minute. "Surely you wouldn't mind if I shared a little bit of it with you?"
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Feb 1, 2012 19:00:06 GMT -5
Arthur can't help but return a bewildered expression. He.. hadn't, really. His own emotions weren't something to discuss or disperse to anyone but him, really. Doing such a thing was seen as pathetic and 'unmanly' as a Pirate.
"N-No.. but.. but I tell stories.. and.. I guess I know a few songs..." He murmurs, not feeling too comfortable all of a sudden.
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Feb 1, 2012 19:12:28 GMT -5
The sudden image of Arthur singing flashed in Francis' mind, warming his heart. He beamed at the pirate and moved to sit beside Arthur. This close to Arthur, Francis felt little flutters in his stomach.
"Really?" Francis didn't bother hiding his delight. "Can you sing me a song?"
Now Francis was curious. He wondered whether Arthur had a good voice; he always admired talented singers, and even if Arthur wasn't the best, Francis was sure he would sound charming anyway.
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Feb 1, 2012 19:23:20 GMT -5
The Pirate suddenly flushes, feeling put on the spot.
"O-Oh no, I don't know--- I--- I guess there's one---"
He mutters to himself, before shyly starting to sing, something he was taught when he was much younger.
"Early one morning,
Just as the sun was rising,
I heard a young maid sing,
In the valley below.
Oh, don't deceive me,
Oh, never leave me,
How could you use
A poor maiden so?
Remember the vows,
That you made to your Mary,
Remember the bow'r,
Where you vowed to be true..."
He cuts himself off, shaking his head. He wasn't the best singer in the world.
"I'm-- uh, much better with stories -- I-I only tend to do this for the kids I look over--"
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Feb 1, 2012 19:31:53 GMT -5
As soon as Arthur opened his mouth, Francis was under his spell. Francis watched Arthur, completely enraptured by his voice, the melody, and most of all, the way each word was lovingly imbued with emotion. The song was a bit sad, but the romantic in Francis savored it.
The song ended much too abruptly, which jolted Francis back. He frowned. "Why did you stop?" he asked softly, the song still echoing in his ears. "That was lovely."
But the mention of stories appeased Francis slightly. He tilted his head, his expression curious. "What sorts of stories do you tell?"
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Feb 2, 2012 18:55:53 GMT -5
"Um-- I guess -- Fairy Stories -- " He remarks, before launching into one to avoid the embarassment. Not to mention, it's obvious he seems a lot more at easy telling a story than singing.
"Uhm -- Once upon a time, there was a great land upon a which a city was beheld. the rulers of this City were corrupt, but many of it's inhabitants were heroic and great people.
One day, a woman was being robbed. She was rather poor and had just managed to sell some belongings in order to buy food for her family, so she was fighting for her life in this alleyway. She cried out for help several times, but alas, it was quiet and no one wanted to come to her aid. The thief robbed her of her money and left her on the floor, weeping.
Eventually, someone came across her and quietly helped her up, taking her to a nearby bar to help calm and settle her nerves. They paid for a drink, and sat and listened to all her worries. The female was very grateful for this kind stranger's help, and wanted to know the person's name. However, they refused, and insisted they would continue to help her as much as they could.
They went away, and that night went to the ball, for the person who had robbed the lady had been a rich man, who was greedy and had desired the woman's attention. When that had failed, he sought to rob her of everything she had attained.
During the middle of the ball the stranger sought out the man, and killed this wicked noble, before taking more treasures than she could ever wish for and returning them to her, promising her a happy and wealthy life in the process. The woman fell for the stranger, and so they married, and lived happily ever after."
Arthur's lying back on the back, arms behind his head. He gazes up at the ceiling.
"... I usually have better ones to tell than that. It depends on the audience, I guess."
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Feb 3, 2012 15:18:39 GMT -5
Throughout the story, Francis was gazing at Arthur, hopelessly captivated by the tale and the way Arthur spoke. More than once, Francis found his eyes drifting down toward Arthur's lips, only to pull himself back to the story.
The ending particularly gladdened Francis, who had been feeling sorry for the poor woman. As immature and silly as it was, Francis had always loved fairy tales and wished for one to be his story. Without taking his eyes off the pirate, he shifted to lie on his side, resting his head on his hand.
"Do all your stories end with love and happiness?" asked Francis in a whisper.
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Feb 3, 2012 15:30:14 GMT -5
Arthur sighs. His eyes fluttering closed.
"I gather round the homeless kids who live in Granor and tell them stories. They need to find hope in something, even if just a fairy tale. They like happy endings. Sometimes I tell them stories of things I've gotten into, but change the ending."
An embarrassed flush hits his cheeks a moment later.
"You've featured in them before."
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Post by Francis Bonnefoy on Feb 3, 2012 15:46:42 GMT -5
Francis lit up. He couldn't help smiling widely, almost foolishly. So he had crossed Arthur's mind after all, if only to find his way into Arthur's stories. Did that mean he had a chance at Arthur's heart?
"Really?" Francis' voice was breathy, thrilled to the core. "I am one of the good characters, I hope? More importantly, the most beautiful one?"
With a soft laugh, Francis nudged Arthur with his foot. "Well, go on," he urged. "Tell me one of the stories I've starred in."
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Post by Cpt. Arthur Kirkland on Feb 3, 2012 16:07:01 GMT -5
"Hmmm."
Arthur sat up, resting his elbow on his knees. He racked his brains for a moment.
"There once was an incredibly vain man...." He snorts, before shaking his head. He starts.
"Not everyone in Granor is evil. People have privileges they perhaps should not have, there are selfish and greedy people; evil people who just look out for themselves. But it isn't the case everywhere, and the best people are found in perhaps the most surprising of places.
One of these was a Noble. A well known man, known for his wealth and prosperity, but held a dark past within him. However, he held strong, for his own purposes -- to teach the evil people a lesson.
One day, during a mission to bring these corrupt people down, he came across a man, who was clearly dying. This man had been attacked by many people and had been left to die in the street. It was very risky, but he took the man back into his own home and nursed him back to health.
It was all well for the man, for he had lost his memory in the process and did not know who he was; and was terribly lonely and frightened. However, the noble was compassionate and reassured him, showing him a kindness that he had never experienced before. He fed him, bathed him and even clothed him.
However, it was very sad when the injured man remembered who he was, for he could not believe anyone could show him such kindness. He took the clothes and the food and left the other, without so much as a thank you. And while the Noble was very hurt, he did not lose hope. For his compassion was greater of that than any pain, and never turned bitter in his ways, and remained loved by all.
So let it be a lesson; not everyone in this place will hurt you; in fact, many are willing to help, and are wonderful and kind people -- in places where you least expect them to."
Arthur fell silent.
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