The Land of Grimney - The Illustrated Adventures of Cora Pearl, aged 12

Greetings Urat. The boy is now safe with the doctor, they are not hopeful though. There and back in an hour, I told you the kelpie was fleet of foot. I've bought a few nice young men with me. Between you and me, I think I might keep the tall blond one for a week or two, he's very handsome. Anyway, a jug of ale for the lads and a wine for me. Can someone take a bucket of mead out to the kelpie?

So no Silas yet? Bet he's enjoying himself at some bawdy house somewhere.

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No. I fear you are right, he may not survive, we've done all we can my dear, that is all we could do.

No Silas, he's not been in yet, I'm looking forward to seeing him, it's been so long!

Glad you are back safe and sound. I'd better pour you a glass of wine on the house, and yes a jug for your guests. Hopefully this night will be less eventful.

The kelpie is very fast, I've heard that their hooves spit fire as they gallop. Is this true?

Yes, I can see that you have indeed brought some men back with you! Surely you did not find them in the mire?! I'll send Sweeney Green out back with a bucket of mead. Although he's a little nervous around wild animals, he's been known to run away from chickens, poor lad!

Certainly not in the mire! Look how clean their clothes are. I met them in Toraz. They we kind enough to help me carry the wounded boy when I got there and once we got talking they said that they had always wanted to visit your tavern. I'm not sure they'll be able to return tonight. Do you know where they could find a room! I suppose I could send them to Mrs West.

I must say that human men are much better company than mermen. I have given up on them forever. They are so vain and grumpy. They take twice as long as mermaids to do their hair and if you forget to compliment them or if your scales are shinier than theirs, the kick up an enormous fuss and cause storms that rage for weeks. No wonder the ocean floor is littered with shipwrecks. No, human men for me, they are far more amiable.

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It was sweet of them to help, very polite and eager. They will be pleased to hear about the rooms. I think I will take the blond one home with me though, such a charming man and such lovely eyes that follow me wherever I go. I really should learn his name.

It's quieter in here tonight. People are frightened by last night's attack I suppose. I wonder if Hoggy will be let out to play again tonight. He was in such trouble last night!

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My goodness you mermaids are very forward! Yes, I guess it would be polite to ask his name.. His eyes, can't say I've looked into them... I'm afraid I'm a tad old fashioned, not used to the ways of modern mermaids. I got the impression that the lizard with a toothache rather liked you too!

It is quiet tonight, and still no sign of Silas, if it keeps on like this I shall close early, and get my beauty sleep, maybe spend a bit of extra time combing my beard!

Hogstance, oh yes, never met his wife before, delightful ogret, trollop, whatever you call them... I tend to get muddled, can never work out the differences between those two species.

Not very impressed by the police investigation, they said they'd call in again. Same as they were with Willow... It would've been very different if someone of high rank had gotten clobbered. The authorities just down care about ordinary folk anymore. Between you and me when the next election comes, if it ever does that is, I'm going to vote against Grimwood Scribes I reckon.

Oh have I embarrassed you Urat? We mermaids can be a little naughty by human standards I suppose. Still what is the use of waiting? Humans grow old so quickly, fleeting pleasures should be enjoyed while they can.
Do you think that Scribes will let that happen? Would be good for many people if there were a change. Maybe certain outlaws would be pardoned and the harassment of non humans will stop. That would be good news indeed.

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Greetings and blessings Urat, Philomena and all!

Mr Urat sir, would you kindly give me a tiny cup filled with your lovely honey mead? I've been sat in your beams listening to the discourse for hours but my thirst has now overcome my shyness! I have all these shiny buttons that I found on the roadside in this delightful red bag...I believe you take them.

I've been thinking very hard about all the tales I have heard and I must confess that I am a little fearful of all these strange goings on in Grimney - that poor boy, it made my wings tremble to see him being carried out. My dear sister and I moved into our little dwelling - munchkin manor, lovingly nicknamed! You will know it when you see it as it has the sweetest little plaque decorated with a robin - but we havent felt quite safe!

Philomena how kind of you to take him all that way on your kelpie - I've been fascinated to see it ever since I heard tell of your endeavours to capture the beast.

I hope you don't mind if I cosy up high every now and again and listen, I do find you all so fascinating!

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All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts...

Ah Eve how nice to see you here. I have seen you and your sister skim the waters of Grimney lake. Once you have finished your drink you must come and meet my kelpie. He is much better with fairies than humans.

Grimney can be a dark place indeed but us creatures of love can bring a little light into it I like to think.

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