Just a Bag Part 5

Oh dear… this is not at all what I had been expecting, if truth be told!  While I dreamt of the scene we would be encountering, I had not anticipated things to look so different, once we arrived.  This is an absolute mess!  The cart has been smashed, along with the crate that has been resting at the back.  Whatever was inside the crate has either been crushed or strewn about the area.  What a waste…

Chris, would you be kind enough to collect the note lying near the cart, yes, there underneath that broken fruit basket…  Thank you, you are looking cheerful this morning, by the way.  You always seem to be smiling at people; ready and willing to jump in and lend a hand.  Though you do not say anything with words, I often know what you are thinking.  When I look into your eyes, there is an ocean of gentleness.  Always eager to love and give of yourself, sometimes sacrificing a bit too much… leaving you unable to speak.

 The strange thing is though, I have heard you singing when you thought you were alone on the path.  I heard you singing softly to yourself just the other day, in fact, and it was the sweetest sound.  Once others approached you, however, only silence and a bright smile greeted them.  I think you are with us for a special purpose, perhaps to locate where you voice went, perhaps not… we shall see. 

According to the note, the cart had been bound for a small village, further to the west.  Due to an unforeseen injury, the carts’ owner had to be rushed to the village for immediate medical attention…. (murmering) … oh bother…

Here!  It would simply be easier to show you the note, instead of reading it out loud…

To Whomever finds this note,

I must leave this message in hopes that it finds its way into the hands of an honest soul.  I was en route to deliver these supplies, when my cart hit a rock on the path, splitting the back wheel of my cart.  From there, things went from bad to worse.  When the wheel snapped, it startled Noclue, my pony, sending him running off down the trail.

With a shot, he was off… pulling the reins along with him, as he went.  This sudden bolt yanked me from the cart, before I had the good sense to let go of the reins, and landed me in the dirt.  I lay there for some time, unable to move, until a passerby took pity on me, loading me onto their cart and transporting me on to the village, where there is a physician for mending my injuries. 

Unfortunately, there was not enough room for the crate of supplies, so it had to be left behind.  It is of the utmost importance that these supplies be delivered here for the villagers, as they are rebuilding everything, after a devastating attack by bandits.  The crops were burnt, homes were crushed, and the larders were pillaged by the attacking horde.

I beseech you, whoever you may be, make haste with these life saving supplies. If you would gather the crate, and deliver it just down the trail here to the village, I will happily reward you for your efforts.  I do not have much gold, but I will give you all that I have, if only you would lend your aid.  This simply must be done, in order that healing can begin within this valley.

Sincerely,

Abbot Belfrey

P.S.  You may have also noticed the basket of costumes within the crate… ummm… I forgot to mention, the villagers are terrified of outsiders, and with good reason.  The only way one can enter, is by donning a costume and carrying on as if one belongs at a party, a traveling party… with a cart… a bright, colorful, and fun looking cart.  The villagers, you see, are Otterfolk!  Yes, this old man has compassion for all the living creatures of this valley. These folk love anything musical and/or funny… by gollie, it does the trick every time.  I have faith in you… I know you can do it… Good Luck!

So, while you were reading the note, I took it upon myself to look around at some of the things strewn about on the ground, around the cart and near the broken crate.  There is not a lot to go on, so we are going to have to brainstorm as to what a village of otters might need. Thank goodness we all have our bags, because I have a feeling they will be needed to fill this order.

And any suggestions regarding who wants to do what, in our little ensemble would be greatly appreciated.  I for one vote Chris to lead the singing part, so as to keep our musical performance on key.  Use your bag to touch base with me on the lyrics, and assigning places. Oh, Crocket, do you think you could repair the wheel of the cart?  You should find any tools needed, again, within your bag. Liz, I was also hoping that you and Willow, could both work on stitching together a new colorful canopy, for the top of the cart?

What else might I be overlooking before we set about getting everyone put together for this, ummm, Troupe? My guess is that we have fun, but also be respectful to these small ones… I know they will be short and playful, but other than that, I don’t have a clue how we should do this…