Dear friends, 

It gives me great pleasure to share the events that transpired at an intimate 
gathering hosted by the bard Issus this evening on a grassy hill on the isle 
of Aesry Surlaenis.

The beautiful surroundings were an appropriate match to the mood of the 
evening, as Issus premiered his song "Latirah's Song." I specifically 
commissioned Issus to prepare this song, a reflection on the Eluned Feast, 
held recently on the Merelew Island.

I'd like to offer this for you all to see now. It gives a lovely glimpse of 
the Feast for those who missed it, and it provides a gentle memory to those 
who were there to enjoy the event for themselves.

By the way.. I am endeavouring to be a Patron of the Arts. The gods have 
gifted me with a small fortune, and as I want for nothing, I would like to 
contribute that money to helping Bards in their artistic endeavours--songs, 
dramatic performances, dance, writing, and so forth. I welcome Bards to 
approach me for funding. All I ask is a chance to view the piece of art, and 
appreciate it.

Now, I offer you, Issus' Song, as sung to us this eve.
-------------------------------

Issus says, "Here we go. This is called 'Latirah's Song'"

(Issus hopes this works.)
A Merelew puppet exclaims, "Hello there, fair Land Dwellers, and welcome to 
the Feast of Eluned!"
A Merelew puppet waves a miniature fin dramatically before bowing.
(Issus sways back and forth slowly and rhythmically while blowing through his 
tan and lilac shell.  The shell creates a light, indistinct sound, remarkably 
like the sound of waves heard from a distance.  At the same time as he is 
creating this constant drone, Issus also manages to interject a few 
high-pitched notes on the shell, sounding much like the music of a flute 
carried upon a light breeze.)

Issus blows into his tan and lilac shell and effortlessly produces a 
sustained resonant tone that fills the air around you.

Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "With the sun in the sky, smiling on the land,
      The flowing blue waves, crashing on the sand,
     A breeze from the east, carrying a song,
      One that had not been heard for so very long..."


(Issus covers his eyes with his hand, as if shading them from a blazing sun, 
and stares off into the distance.  As he gazes towards the horizen, his 
expression of confusion and curiosity is suddenly replaced by one of 
excitement and joy!)

Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "The Merelew had returned, with their island full of fun!
      Merchants and activities that catered to everyone,
     No matter what one hoped to find on this island new,
      Expectations were blown away by the Merelew."

(Issus gazes in amazement around the room, eyes large as saucers and mouth 
wide open!)

Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "The sea folk had gathered with them many merchants from afar,
      As well as many of their own we had not seen before.
     No matter how much money you had with you to spend,
      Every person that I know was broke (and happy!) by the end..."

Issus says, "Well, except maybe Phangor."
Issus rolls his eyes.


Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "In addition to these goods that astounded every eye,
      The Merelew had games to make our spirits fly!
     Jousting, gambling, bumper boats (and dont forget the racing!),
      There were games to amuse the mind and keep our heartbeats pacing!"


(Issus leans forward against a table and pushes several coins forward.  He 
looks towards an imaginary dealer eagerly and fidgets nervously, the whole 
time not taking in a single breath.  All of a sudden he glances down at the 
table, and his look of excitement turns to a tragic look of loss before your 
eyes.)
A Merelew puppet says, "As you can probably guess, Issus blew plenty of coins 
at the gambling tables."
A Merelew puppet punches Issus in the nose!

Issus says, "At least I became quite popular with the dealers."
(Issus sniffs haughtily.)
Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "But not all was well on Andreshlew, not all was what it seemed,
      We found some halfling bones, which had been of all flesh reamed...
     The Merelew seemed taken aback at the land dwellers accusations,
      They denied that they liked to snack on those of olvi persuasion."


(Issus leans forward, a serious look on his face.  He begins shouting streams 
of gibberish at the Merelew puppet, while the puppet seems to gesture 
furiously as it shakes its head.)
A Merelew puppet punches Issus in the nose!
Issus slaps a Merelew puppet so hard that its head pops off!  Quickly he 
scoops up the head and plops it back on to the body.

Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "After vicious accusations flew, the guards appeared corrupted...
      We met several guards in the dungeon, and a fierce battle erupted!
     When things calmed down and we took stock, a Merelew guard lay dead,
      We asked his spirit why he did it, and this is what he said"


Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "He said he was an Ocular, to which we again inquired...
      The guard said he was of a race that changed shape when they desired.
      The Ocular sought to overthrow the kingdom of the Merelew,
     And if it weren't for us meddling kids, their wish would have come true!"

(Issus leans forward and lets out a triumphant cheer at the defeat of the 
Ocular!)
Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "Two Ocular had escaped the island, to our great dismay,
      And we believe they hide in Arthe Dale to this very day.
      But rest asured that when the surface they wont escape again,
      Next time that they appear, it will mean their ends"

(Issus glances around soberly and cracks his knuckles.)
Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "After the threat was over we returned to our revels,
      For why should we stay our joy for a pair of changeling devils?
     The merchants went about their business and the games commenced,
      Until a shudder signified the ocean was calling the island hence..."

(Issus begins dancing hand in hand with his Merelew puppet, the whole while 
babbling joyfully!)
Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "The Merelew saw us off with a great display,
      Flames and images in the sky which made night as bright as day!
     The beauty of these works of fire were a true delight,
      And as the island finally sank fair dolphins helped us take flight."

(Issus looks upwards and suddenly covers his head with a shriek and dives 
under a nearby table.  He peers out from under the edge cautiously, then 
slinks out without taking his eyes off the ceiling.  After a few minutes of 
staring in wide-eyed wonder, he starts applauding loudly and jump about 
cheerfully.)
Issus sings in a countertenor voice:

    "Twas a Feast of Friendship, as well as fun,
      A feast near the oceans call!
      Three cheers for the Feast of Eluned,
      May Eluned bless the Merelew, one and all."

Issus blows into his tan and lilac shell and effortlessly produces a 
sustained resonant tone that fills the air around you.
A Merelew puppet says, "Safe travels, Land Dwellers! See you in a hundred 
years..."
A Merelew puppet waves a miniature fin dramatically before bowing.
Issus bows.