Performer Notes:

You are a wandering bard and messenger. You travel widely, and enjoy the rambling life, but are feeling the effects of solitude. Tonight you are playing at a tavern in the small farming town of Greenwood. After your set you spot an intriguing stranger (the listener) and strike up a conversation, looking for some companionship. I imagine the character as warm, confident, and enthusiastic. She's had setbacks, but the more she sees of life the more she wants to see.

The script provides opportunities to sing at the beginning and end, but it's certainly not required. Similarly, the setting implies sound effects (drinks, tavern chatter, etc) but can be performed without.

Feel free to improvise as much as you like.

*Emphasis*
<Tone>
{Physical notes, optional sounds}
// Pause

--

{A crowded tavern in the evening. You are a traveling bard just finishing your set.
Optional soundscape: Muffled conversations, clinking dishes, pouring drinks}

{You may sing here. A capella or with acoustic guitar would be appropriate. Could be something like a drinking song, old folk song, or an anachronistic pop song. It's all good.}

Thank you, everyone.

If you enjoyed my music tonight, my purse is open.

//

It's... right here.

//

In front of me.

//

It's the purse without coins in it.

//

<Sigh, to self> Typical farmers.

Ugh, time to hit to the bar. I need a drink.

{Dejected, you head to the bar, where the listener rests after a long days' travel. You're intrigued by his bearing and foreign clothes, and decide to approach.}

Hello, traveler. Mind if I sit with you?

Thanks.

So, um... did you enjoy the music?

//

<Warmly> Thank you. Yes, that was me. Call me [your preferred name]. Wandering bard, storyteller, and messenger.

I *thought* you would like my music. I can tell you're not from around here. The locals rarely appreciate my work.

Not enough songs about cows, I think.

I have nothing against cows! Some of the best listeners I've ever met were cows. But I can only sing about farmer's daughters and prize bulls for so long before I have to move on to something more interesting.

//

Oh, you know, daring adventurers, unfaithful wives, *mysterious travelers*... that kind of thing.

//

<Laugh> What can I say? I'm always looking for inspiration. You certainly look like you have a story or two.

So... is now a good time to ask if you'll buy me a drink? Or do I have flutter my eyelashes a bit? Lean forward and touch your arm?

//

Well... Can I touch your arm anyway?

//

Ooh, that's nice. I don't know if you got those from swinging swords or tilling fields, but it's working for me.

Normally I'd buy the drinks, but I've been singing for two hours and I have... let's see... eight bronze hawks and two iron kings. And you *don't* want to taste what that will get you here.

{The listener gives you a valuable coin}

A silver star? Thank you, stranger! Then drinks are on me.

{To the bartender} Amelia! Two cups of Dragon Honey Ale.

Yes, I can afford it! There's a patron of the arts here tonight. And I know your tricks! No leaning over the bar so your top hangs open or spilling beer on his breeches so you can "clean it up." He's with me tonight.

{Amelia pours the drinks}

{To the listener} Have you had this before?

Me neither, but it's the most expensive drink here, so it must be good, right?

To... mysterious strangers. Cheers!

{You and the listener take deep drinks.}

Ooooh... this is actually... really good. I wasn't sure at first, but it has a sweet aftertaste. Mmm.

{Drink more. Your tone can change now: quieter, more intimate. You're relaxing.}

Wow. I needed this. Sharing drinks with a handsome stranger... Feels good. I've been on the road too long.

//

Sure you're handsome. I mean, your boots are covered in mud, your cloak is a little damp, and your face still has dust from the road, but under all that... I like what I see.

//

Me?

<Laugh> If you like this, you should see me in a gown. But thank you. Compliment accepted.

What brings you to Greenwood?

//

I figured. Last stop before the city.

From the state of your clothes, you must have traveled a long way already.

//

That far?

No, I've never been so far north. I've heard it's beautiful, though. You must be on an important journey to leave.

//

Yes, I travel a lot. Mostly east, south. I love traveling, but it can get lonely. Which makes meeting someone like you so pleasant.

Hey... Before I embarrass myself, you don't have anyone at home, do you? Or anyone you're going to see?

//

You know *exactly* what I mean.

//

<A small laugh, or "mmm"> Good.

//

Me either. Obviously.

I'm really glad I met you tonight. I think we're going to have fun.

//

Well, I'm done with this drink. What's next?

//

Oh, that's a good one.

Amelia! Two Blackrose lagers.

{Amelia serves the drinks}

Cheers, again. To travel, the road, and seeing as much of the world as we can before we go.

{You and the listener drink.}

You want to know about me?

Well, I travel to play music, but I earn my living as a messenger. I carry letters from town to town. A lot of folk here can't read or write so I take down their words for them and read them to their intended.

It's actually incredible. It's a gift to hear everyone's thoughts and share them.

Hey, you can keep a secret, right?

See that old woman, there? For years she's been trading love letters with a jeweler near Staghead. She's got a whole family here, two sons, six grandkids, everything. But every time I come through here she wants me to write something new to deliver to her.

Sure it makes me sad. Makes me feel a lot of other things too. I try to put it into my music, but... I'm not there yet. I'm better at writing down other people's stories than making my own.

<Excited> Oh, and Amelia?

{You stop yourself} Well... I shouldn't tell you about Ameila's letters.

But yeah. Everyone has a story. Even dairy farmers who never leave their town. I think it's important to remember that.

You could spill your drink on anyone here and that person would have have an inner life you can hardly imagine.

//

Well, not him. That guy's an asshole. If you're going to spill your drink, aim for him.

Glass is empty again. Are you staying here tonight?

Oh--there's no room? You're going to try to make it to the city?

<Worried> That's still another two hour journey. And it's already dark. I'm not sure the last time you came through this way but the roads aren't safe at night.

Look. I have a room here.

//

"Good for me?" <Laughing> You ass. I'm saying you should stay with me.

//

Definitely. There's plenty of room, and there's no way I could let you go out this late. You're my only fan for miles. What if something happened to you?

And besides... It's not every day you meet a charming stranger. Are you really ready for the night to end?

//

Good. Me either.

Come on. I'm just up the stairs.

{You and the listener retire to your room above the tavern. Perhaps a door closes. If there were ambient sounds, they're silent now.}

Not bad, right?

They say two hundred years ago a duchess' cart broke a wheel on the road near here, so the tavern prepared a room specially for her, which is why this room is so nice.

I wouldn't believe it. Every tavern has some old legend about why their rooms are the best.

But I admit, this bed is awfully soft. Come feel.

<Laugh> Wait, you can't get on the bed in those dirty clothes.

A duchess might have slept here! Would you shame her memory by getting the sheets filthy? Do you want to be haunted by her fancy ghost?

Here... may I?

{You undo the listener's top layers}

Untie your cloak...

Unbutton your jacket...

Lift off your shirt...

//

Well... I was right. You really are handsome.

Can I... kiss you? Here, on your neck?

{Slow, firm kisses}

And your chest?

{More kisses}

Mmm...

Sit down. I'll take off your boots.

//

Your feet must be sore. Let me rub them for you.

//

<Small laugh> Sorry my fingers are so calloused. But it feels good, right?

//

{Now you're speaking warmly, gently}

I'm glad.

Forget about the long day you've had...

Forget about the bad weather and muddy road...

Forget about the tavern outside the door...

The drinks...

The people...

Just focus on this.

On me.

My hands.

My voice.

Focus on how nice it is to have nothing to think about but feeling good.

Feeling good is a skill.

It takes practice.

When you're on your own for a long time, like we are, it can be easy to forget how.

That's what I want for us tonight.

I want us to remember how to feel good.

How to be admired.

<Kiss>

And touched.

<Kiss>

And cherished.

<Kiss>

So right now, just focus on my strong fingers.

<Kiss>

My lips on your skin.

<Kiss>

And feel good.

{Maybe some humming or gentle singing here}

//

There, you look so relaxed now.

But you're not ready for sleep yet, I hope.

There's a lot more I'd like to do with you.

Can I take off your breeches?

Mmm, good.

{You take off the listener's pants, revealing his erect penis.}

Mmm... What a beautiful cock.

I'm glad you're excited. I am too.

But I'm not touching you there just yet.

I want to kiss up your legs first... Make you anticipate it...

{Slow kisses as you travel up the leg}

Here we are...

Let me get you wet.

{You spit or dribble saliva on the listener's cock and start to stroke. Could have wet handjob sounds. Feel free to improv and sexy/encouraging lines throughout the sex scene.}

<Moan> You feel so good in my hands.

I was dreaming of this while we were downstairs.

//

<Laugh> About halfway through the first drink, yeah.

I started thinking about your cock. Everything I wanted to do with it. And what I wanted it to do to me.

But it's so much better in person.

Hard.

Hot.

Throbbing in my hands.

My hands feel good, don't they?

I love making you feel good.

I love the feel of your cock.

Pumping your strong shaft in my fist.

Rolling my palm over the head...

You don't have to be quiet, you know.

I don't plan to be, when you get this inside me.

Ohh, that twitch! You like the thought of that, hmm?

So do I.

I want to be face down in those pillows while you plow me from behind.

Your hips pressing into my ass.

My pussy gripping your cock.

Moaning so loud people really do think this room is haunted.

But not quite yet.

First I want to taste you.

{You take the listener's cock into your mouth. Starting slow and getting more intense, though not to deepthroat/gagging levels unless you want to.}

Mmm, that's good.

Look into my eyes while I suck you.

Enjoy my hot, wet tongue.

I love the way you fill my mouth.

{Sucking sounds as long as desired, then:}

Gods, you are ready for me. I need you too.

Lie on the bed for me.

I'll take off my clothes and join you.

{You get undressed and climb on the bed, displaying yourself to the listener.}

It's been a long time since someone has seen me like this.

Could you hold me a moment?

Kiss me?

Mmm, your warm body against mine is so nice. Hold me tight.

{You kiss for a while, and then:}

I'm ready.

I need you inside me.

<Giggle> I promised I'd be face down in the pillows, right?

Here you go. You must have a perfect view of my pretty pussy and ass.

I really do love to be taken from behind.

<Moan> I'm so wet.

Be gentle, mmm? At first.

<Loud moan as he penetrates you>

Oh, oh, oh that is amazing.

Yes, keep going.

All the way.

Fill me.

Fill me up completely.

Fuck that's good, that's so good.

Yes, move now.

As much as you want, I can take it.

<Moan> Yes, I love feeling you thrust into me.

Here, I can rub your balls between my legs.

They must be so full for me. And I want it all tonight.

{Improv any other moans/encouragement you like, until:}

You're close?

Then don't hold back.

Come inside me, I want to feel the warmth of your seed fill me up.

I want to be sticky and dripping with you.

Thrust as hard as you want. As hard as you need.

I need it too.

Please come. Come for me.

Fuck, I want to feel it.

Oh, I'm going to come. I'm going to come too.

{Improv to orgasm}

Oh, fuck, that was so good... That was amazing. Come here, lay beside me.

<Laugh> I think we might have gotten the bed dirty after all. Sorry, ghost duchess.

Mmm...

{Some time to breath, giggle, calm down...}

Wow. I can't believe how much I needed that.

I feel so good now.

Just... completely relaxed.

Lean into me. I want to feel you close.

I've been traveling a long time. But tonight? This is home to me.

{You and the listener snuggle, breathing together.}

You said you were heading into the city? I have business that way. Maybe we can travel together for a while.

You'd like that?

Me too.

But now, just rest.

Hold me tight.

And rest.

{You could hum or sing a song or lullaby here.}

-=End=-