"Not exactly why I did it...more sharing a bit of the wealth." Rimeera replied with a grin, taking a pull of her cider as she gathered her thoughts.<br/><br/>Sitting back slightly, she began, trying for a rolling cadence. "Near dawn this morning light, a pair of young maidens ventured into the swamp to earn coin so bright. The smells nearly drove them away, but their determination was enough for their course to stay. And in the shadow of the marsh a haunting presence did follow. A creature all of white, its fanged maw truly a fright! Goblins green did fireworks bring, chortling with glee rather than choosing to wisely flee. Their leader should have stayed abed, to avoid from losing his head."<br/><br/>Sipping the cider again, she continued with a grin. "Deep in the briny marsh, they found the abode of Walthus. Proudstump knew the swamp well, or so others did tell. And there the halfling did stand, his blood splashed across his hand. A tall tale he did tell, of how his pets turned fell. But through his lies they did see, for no halfling did this be! For her blood did the faceless beast thirst, yet the maidens struck first. The monster fell to the earth, while the true halfling appeared in poor health. With a reward for their aid, he directed them to goblin whence to raid."<br/><br/>"Stowing rewards in their pack, they found footprints they did track. Tracked to its lair, they slew a Soggy Monster there." She spoke almost soberly at this last, glancing at Ameiko tellingly. "To the Licktoad Palace they did hurry, where goblins did scurry. The creatures were afright, for a monster had set many of them alight. Seeing those that could bleed, they yelled that they could feed. Their glee did fade as they fell upon a blade. At last they did say, 'Time to run away!'"<br/><br/>"The chief they did face, a true epitomy of his race. One who gorged himself full, his head was fit to roll. Collecting his head, they found a chest of brilliant red. They expected a trap, yet found instead a map!" Taking yet another sip, Rimeera knew she was straining to keep to the style she'd chosen, but was determined to finish. She could always give<em>details</em>afterward. "Taking an old road they did go, as they despised swimming so. At the end of the road they found a humble abode. Where a woman once did stitch, they found the dead Swamp Witch. A rat monster within, the two did in."<br/><br/>"Finding a cave, the two felt brave. Within they found dead of only bone, but the bones did groan! Laying them to rest, they put their courage to the test. A guardian they did face, which made their pulses truly race. They found a chest of treasure, which they took with pleasure. A day's work done, the returned with what they had won."<br/><br/><hr/><br/>Perform (oratory) 17+4+2=23