An Interview with Gage Colinsgrove by David Itamae
As a reporter or an interviewer, there comes a time when a challenge can offer growth and insight, which can make for a better interview and more possibilities beyond one’s comfort zone. Gage Colinsgrove, a man that I had no real dealings or much personal recognition presented such a challenge. Mind you, it was not in terms of a battle of wits and words, but to bring together a report with substance that readers could get glimmers of the person behind the mask, behind the songs, and most importantly share an incredible story about an incredible man.
There had to be a focus as two bards in a room can be comparable to two hungry lions surrounded by fresh raw meat. One could easily get overwhelmed by the other or get along famously and share the wrappings of words in strings of sentence ropes. In Gage Colinsgrove I was happily satisfied it was of the latter variety and I came away with a better knowledge and a greater respect for the man, his craft and proud to call him a bardic brother. So, these are the words spoken, as I have recorded diligently to bring an accurate account of what happened and what was said.
David Itamae enters the room and finds Sir Gage sitting by the fire. With a quick glimmer of a smile, David reaches down into his pouch and folds out some parchments, "Sir Gage, I was hoping to find you and it is an act of fate I found you here instead of looking all over the realm. I was tasked by Lord Dishan to do an interview and I selected you because I wanted a challenge, that and you are a bard of high standing."
Gage Colinsgrove looks up as you enter, letting his hands fall to rest on the arms of the comfortable but well-worn chair. He raises one eyebrow "Gage... just Gage. You may dispense with the "sir" here in this Bard's … sanctum, if you will. It's David, isn't it? I have heard much about you." He pauses for a moment as he reaches for his Tea, now cold.
David Itamae smiles, "at least we share that common theme, Gage. I am not fond of a 'Sir' title either." May, I sit? and yes, I am David .... the rest of titles and awards can be told about in some epic song some place.
Gage Colinsgrove takes a sip and grimaces. He sets it on the fender by the fire to warm up, too tired to get up for the kettle. "An Interview, eh? From a bard of high standing?" he smiles wryly, "Well I suppose that depends on who you ask. I have had some success, in my own way. Have at it with your questions then, Bard - But I shan't promise a full accounting. There are some secrets a man guards jealously, though they might seem silly to some. But I will be as forthcoming as I can."
David Itamae takes a seat and rests comfortably in the chair. The fit was a bit tight, but he used a bit of magic to make the chair less stressed at the sides. He keeps the parchment in hand and then unfolds it to letter the words become readable from the fire, "secrets are all we have to spare when we decide what to share. But I tell you this day that of high standing to me because you are not dead, and none have told me anything ill against your character. The way to prove yourself low is to show me through your actions. I will make the questions as simple as I can and with knowledge that you may not give me accurate or any information to the questions proposed. I think Lord Dishan would be quite pleased either way.”
David Itamae reads the first question as to not waste too much time over pleasantries, "When was it you desired to be part of the bardic path?"
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Ah, the Golden Question! Figured that might be what you led with." He sighs and picks at a non-existent bit of lint on his scarlet and black trousers, eyes unfocused as he recall, "The answer is complicated, as you might expect. I didn't really *choose* to become a bard - well, that's not accurate. Let me start over.... I was always going to be a bard. If I believed in fate, then such a fate is mine. From an age younger than I recall myself I was musical - and mischievous," He chuckled, "and had a thirst for knowledge. To hear my mother tell it, I was willing to risk my head for a hat pattern." Running his fingers through his silver-gilt dark hair, he sighs "I think My father thought I'd be something a bit... darker. But I chose to pursue formal training when most men do.. when I was around 13 or so."
David Itamae smirks, "Fate is an interesting thing whether we believe in it or not. The gifts we possess often tell us our station in life long before we pick them. Being a bard could be dark, so your father could be partially right, depending upon the circumstances."
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Bards are by their very nature averse to... Law. Creatures of chaos, or at best neutrality else we lose 'the Gift' and become mere entertainers and scalawags. Whether we walk in the light or in the shadows or the line in between... that is another matter. In that you are most correct… the circumstances... and the bard in question. But you were saying?
David Itamae: You said you were musical when you were young, what instrument did you feel most comfortable with or did you find your voice to be the most musical feature about you?
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Ah, the chicken or the egg. I am well-versed in most stringed instruments, reeded and unreeded flutes, and rhythm on Skin and wood, bone and stone. And 'the Voice' - well that's the thing, isn't it? For we can sing and speak from a very young age, even a squalling babe commands attention!" He winks... "But if you wish me to select from among the hand-made instruments the one I am most fond of, I would have to say the Lute." He pats the simple but finely made instrument at his knee "This lovely lady and I have been through much together."
David Itamae nods approvingly as his eyes dart to the instrument and the exquisite details upon it. he notes the special touches looking over the journey of the lute as if it was its own separate entity. The unspoken journey only written by the notes it played and the ears it reached, "I dare say that is a fine instrument. I was often fond of the flute or the tin whistle. It might seem small but can pack a nice house when played right."
Gage Colinsgrove retrieves his tea from the edge of the fire and carefully sips, nodding with approval. He looks over its rim as he blows on it... "what else, He Who Asks Questions?"
David Itamae: but as instruments and talents go, your tastes are quite excellent, did you train under anyone or were you a self-taught man? I know of many bards that have come and gone in these parts and wondered if you had tutelage or if you were trained from one(s) unnamed?
Gage Colinsgrove: "I have been taught by many in Sylvhara, and I learn more every day. I learn from every Bard I play with, even my students. I first learned from an old Bard in my youth that none in these lands would know - and therein lies a story I will tell you one day. To some degree I am also self-taught. I practice, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice... to PLAY, and to listen, and to train just as the warrior trains with their weapons. One day I shall be as good as I wish to be... and on that day Death would be welcome for I will have achieved perfection, a Coda, if you will.”
David Itamae claps his hands at the sound but not at the expense of his parchment, "your words are quite correct in the ideal of continuous learning and playing, for a bard is never finished with their song until they can no longer do a tune with their life beat. I only say it as Kaminari states that he is often a healer you would not wish to be healed by. Now moving along to what do you feel is your greatest ability and what would you say is currently your weakest?"
Gage Colinsgrove slowly shakes his head, eyes twinkling. Then he takes a sip of tea and smiles pleasantly "I make the BEST geranium tea. I am a terrible liar. Of course, if I was a really good liar then that could be a lie. Would be? I'm sorry, what was the question? OH... Yes... I have heard that Kaminari is not the best healer. "He smiles winningly.
David Itamae: Bards can be quite the terrible liar but then again, they may or not be bards much long after depending on the lie told and to whom. As for tea, I may have to buy some. I just need to know where to get some of your stock or the price you ask. Leading to my next question what has been the craziest incident you were witness to? As a bard, you must have seen something quite extraordinary or positively hilarious and even sad.
Gage Colinsgrove: "well there was the Sinking of Atoll Tel Ma'at, and the astonishing efforts made by the Bard Darth' in his attempts to forestall the inevitable. I have seldom - if ever - seen such desperate and beautiful power in music." He cocks his head, "Then, there was that time the Queen sat in a pie.
Gage Colinsgrove then leaned back in thought, stroking his beard... his eyes showing sadness from behind the grin.
David Itamae: stories for another day, as the details would seem to imply a great deal of laughter? You alright Sir, something amiss? ...err Gage?
Gage Colinsgrove: "Oh the Pie was hysterical, but there's not much to the story. I could embellish. The sinking of Atoll Tel Ma'at is epic poetry and would take many days to recite. … "I was wondering if you would ask... no, there is not a "Miss" or Mrs. at the present... I am single, in fact."
David Itamae: A bard's best weapon could be being single, as the home may not be so happy if the significant other wonders too much.
Gage Colinsgrove: “Significant others always wonder when you wander, or are wary and worry."
David Itamae laughs, "as a true bard, a way with words and with some other bard’s purses, and or lovers. Now that we know you are available, someone might perk to that challenge. However, let's talk more about your time in Sylvhara. I could ask you if you would like to be creative and possibly give a quick limerick or if not, something so formed, perhaps, what you feel is your best contribution to this great kingdom?
Gage Colinsgrove coughs, then recites with great dignity and gravitas:
The Queen in her Castle's high tower
Did pace 'cross the floor and did glower,
"If I can't give a snort when I'm reading reports
then why be a Lady in Power?"
Gage Colinsgrove then bowed slightly when he finished.
David Itamae puts one hand near the fire and slowly begins to let a quick bit of energy flow from him to bring it down as the heat was beginning to heat the clothing near his leg, "a most wonderful way of telling that someone needs to be a bit more forgiving about formal reporting. well done, Gage.”
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "well, as for what I have to offer...."
David Itamae: this is your stage and I am your audience, until the time when this becomes a publication, and everyone may know a bit more about you, Gage The Bard.
Gage Colinsgrove: "... and thank you, by the way. But I serve Her Majesty, Tari Comet. I will do what I can to protect her interests and her Kingdom. In the meantime, if I can bring some joy to her people, or solace, or inspiration, or encouragement... Well, then I'll call it a good day. A little madness now and then is also good. But not True Chaos... that we must guard against, and be ever watchful."
David Itamae: and speaking of contributions, bards can have a horrid time putting food in their mouths monetary wise, are you able or do you have another venture you are into aside from reports and playing music?
Gage Colinsgrove "I am the Tavernkeeper at the Lion's Head here in Sylvamir... by Her Majesty's grace and my good fortune."
David Itamae: a grand place for a bard to be, a knowledgeable bard is quite the most sought and dangerous of its kind Speaking of knowledge have you ever done any traveling beyond the borders of Sylvhara and if you had what made you come back here?
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "True enough. I do go "A-barding" as they say, from time to time abroad. I have travelled extensively, and enjoy doing so when time permits. I daresay I have played in every Tavern between here and the sunset."
David Itamae: I would have asked about the rumors of the black market but I will not want to put anything you know in jeopardy.
Gage Colinsgrove: If there is a black market, it would be illegal, and therefore it would not exist for long. Surely, I would know about it if such a thing dared to exist. " He looks appalled... but his eyes twinkle. "But you were saying about travel... Among the more interesting places I have visited beyond Sylvhara are the Isle of Whispering Pines in the Sea of Greenhaven, Atoll Tel Ma'at before the cataclysm, The Isle of Shadows, The Kingdoms of Lundene, Steelwood, And Easthaven, the Moors of Elmandria, even the various shadowed lands of Taure Ru and the magical and maddening Realm of Vana."
David Itamae gives a slight look at the appalled gesture and reestablishes himself, "I meant no disrespect about your knowledge or lack thereof, sometimes, a bard dares not show a hand or how it was shown. I do have one final question as I am thirsty for tea. Since you brought up the Lion's Head, I may go there and see if they have any of your private stash or if it is on sale. But, if you had anything to say to your mentor today, what would it be and why did you feel that was what you would say?
Gage Colinsgrove looks very grim... "I would tell the old bastard that he owes me 70 Gold coins of the realm and he better pay up. He had quite a bar tab when he died with no warning, and as I always say... 'Everybody pays.' "He growls a he says these words, a guttural sound that does not sound human at all. But, his eyes are glassy, and his face is flushed, and his breath is ragged for a moment after, before he regains his composure. "And on that fine note, David the Bard, I think we are just about out of time." He coughs and drains his tea....
David Itamae places his hand out to have Gage shake it, "I had a most wonderful time, I do feel the same would be said of your old mentor and as for the places you traveled they were and sound like areas of true beauty. The best times, I had been with the winds on my back and when I would land, the soft forest grass around my feet. It has been a true pleasure Gage, I look forward to sharing this with others as you have shared with me."
Gage Colinsgrove grips David’s hand, the vestiges of his tears for his beloved mentor fading as he smiles and says quietly "It was a pleasure to talk about myself. I shall make you return the favor, Bard. Mark my words!" He releases your hand "I think I will seek a quiet spot in the moonlight and play a while. I've just thought of a new stanza for the piece I’m working on. Until we meet again."
David Itamae gets up from the chair and begins to walk out of the room, tired but glad at the new information he gathered and ready to place it in a folder to hand in, “Until we meet again.”
Gage Colinsgrove rises and, calling his lute to its customary spot at his back, exits.
At the interviews conclusion and sometime after, there were many pressing thoughts about the lore contained in one man’s mind that could forever be lost if never written. The key stroke was and had always been about learning and Gage was right on how one learns from every being we come across. A fae could provide a new dance, a queen could provide humor in pie, and the memories of those we love may not all have to be happy to be fond of. Gage the Bard, a talent Sylvhara is blessed to have and a treasured story to those who, or might, meet him.
There had to be a focus as two bards in a room can be comparable to two hungry lions surrounded by fresh raw meat. One could easily get overwhelmed by the other or get along famously and share the wrappings of words in strings of sentence ropes. In Gage Colinsgrove I was happily satisfied it was of the latter variety and I came away with a better knowledge and a greater respect for the man, his craft and proud to call him a bardic brother. So, these are the words spoken, as I have recorded diligently to bring an accurate account of what happened and what was said.
David Itamae enters the room and finds Sir Gage sitting by the fire. With a quick glimmer of a smile, David reaches down into his pouch and folds out some parchments, "Sir Gage, I was hoping to find you and it is an act of fate I found you here instead of looking all over the realm. I was tasked by Lord Dishan to do an interview and I selected you because I wanted a challenge, that and you are a bard of high standing."
Gage Colinsgrove looks up as you enter, letting his hands fall to rest on the arms of the comfortable but well-worn chair. He raises one eyebrow "Gage... just Gage. You may dispense with the "sir" here in this Bard's … sanctum, if you will. It's David, isn't it? I have heard much about you." He pauses for a moment as he reaches for his Tea, now cold.
David Itamae smiles, "at least we share that common theme, Gage. I am not fond of a 'Sir' title either." May, I sit? and yes, I am David .... the rest of titles and awards can be told about in some epic song some place.
Gage Colinsgrove takes a sip and grimaces. He sets it on the fender by the fire to warm up, too tired to get up for the kettle. "An Interview, eh? From a bard of high standing?" he smiles wryly, "Well I suppose that depends on who you ask. I have had some success, in my own way. Have at it with your questions then, Bard - But I shan't promise a full accounting. There are some secrets a man guards jealously, though they might seem silly to some. But I will be as forthcoming as I can."
David Itamae takes a seat and rests comfortably in the chair. The fit was a bit tight, but he used a bit of magic to make the chair less stressed at the sides. He keeps the parchment in hand and then unfolds it to letter the words become readable from the fire, "secrets are all we have to spare when we decide what to share. But I tell you this day that of high standing to me because you are not dead, and none have told me anything ill against your character. The way to prove yourself low is to show me through your actions. I will make the questions as simple as I can and with knowledge that you may not give me accurate or any information to the questions proposed. I think Lord Dishan would be quite pleased either way.”
David Itamae reads the first question as to not waste too much time over pleasantries, "When was it you desired to be part of the bardic path?"
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Ah, the Golden Question! Figured that might be what you led with." He sighs and picks at a non-existent bit of lint on his scarlet and black trousers, eyes unfocused as he recall, "The answer is complicated, as you might expect. I didn't really *choose* to become a bard - well, that's not accurate. Let me start over.... I was always going to be a bard. If I believed in fate, then such a fate is mine. From an age younger than I recall myself I was musical - and mischievous," He chuckled, "and had a thirst for knowledge. To hear my mother tell it, I was willing to risk my head for a hat pattern." Running his fingers through his silver-gilt dark hair, he sighs "I think My father thought I'd be something a bit... darker. But I chose to pursue formal training when most men do.. when I was around 13 or so."
David Itamae smirks, "Fate is an interesting thing whether we believe in it or not. The gifts we possess often tell us our station in life long before we pick them. Being a bard could be dark, so your father could be partially right, depending upon the circumstances."
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Bards are by their very nature averse to... Law. Creatures of chaos, or at best neutrality else we lose 'the Gift' and become mere entertainers and scalawags. Whether we walk in the light or in the shadows or the line in between... that is another matter. In that you are most correct… the circumstances... and the bard in question. But you were saying?
David Itamae: You said you were musical when you were young, what instrument did you feel most comfortable with or did you find your voice to be the most musical feature about you?
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "Ah, the chicken or the egg. I am well-versed in most stringed instruments, reeded and unreeded flutes, and rhythm on Skin and wood, bone and stone. And 'the Voice' - well that's the thing, isn't it? For we can sing and speak from a very young age, even a squalling babe commands attention!" He winks... "But if you wish me to select from among the hand-made instruments the one I am most fond of, I would have to say the Lute." He pats the simple but finely made instrument at his knee "This lovely lady and I have been through much together."
David Itamae nods approvingly as his eyes dart to the instrument and the exquisite details upon it. he notes the special touches looking over the journey of the lute as if it was its own separate entity. The unspoken journey only written by the notes it played and the ears it reached, "I dare say that is a fine instrument. I was often fond of the flute or the tin whistle. It might seem small but can pack a nice house when played right."
Gage Colinsgrove retrieves his tea from the edge of the fire and carefully sips, nodding with approval. He looks over its rim as he blows on it... "what else, He Who Asks Questions?"
David Itamae: but as instruments and talents go, your tastes are quite excellent, did you train under anyone or were you a self-taught man? I know of many bards that have come and gone in these parts and wondered if you had tutelage or if you were trained from one(s) unnamed?
Gage Colinsgrove: "I have been taught by many in Sylvhara, and I learn more every day. I learn from every Bard I play with, even my students. I first learned from an old Bard in my youth that none in these lands would know - and therein lies a story I will tell you one day. To some degree I am also self-taught. I practice, and I cannot stress enough how important it is to practice... to PLAY, and to listen, and to train just as the warrior trains with their weapons. One day I shall be as good as I wish to be... and on that day Death would be welcome for I will have achieved perfection, a Coda, if you will.”
David Itamae claps his hands at the sound but not at the expense of his parchment, "your words are quite correct in the ideal of continuous learning and playing, for a bard is never finished with their song until they can no longer do a tune with their life beat. I only say it as Kaminari states that he is often a healer you would not wish to be healed by. Now moving along to what do you feel is your greatest ability and what would you say is currently your weakest?"
Gage Colinsgrove slowly shakes his head, eyes twinkling. Then he takes a sip of tea and smiles pleasantly "I make the BEST geranium tea. I am a terrible liar. Of course, if I was a really good liar then that could be a lie. Would be? I'm sorry, what was the question? OH... Yes... I have heard that Kaminari is not the best healer. "He smiles winningly.
David Itamae: Bards can be quite the terrible liar but then again, they may or not be bards much long after depending on the lie told and to whom. As for tea, I may have to buy some. I just need to know where to get some of your stock or the price you ask. Leading to my next question what has been the craziest incident you were witness to? As a bard, you must have seen something quite extraordinary or positively hilarious and even sad.
Gage Colinsgrove: "well there was the Sinking of Atoll Tel Ma'at, and the astonishing efforts made by the Bard Darth' in his attempts to forestall the inevitable. I have seldom - if ever - seen such desperate and beautiful power in music." He cocks his head, "Then, there was that time the Queen sat in a pie.
Gage Colinsgrove then leaned back in thought, stroking his beard... his eyes showing sadness from behind the grin.
David Itamae: stories for another day, as the details would seem to imply a great deal of laughter? You alright Sir, something amiss? ...err Gage?
Gage Colinsgrove: "Oh the Pie was hysterical, but there's not much to the story. I could embellish. The sinking of Atoll Tel Ma'at is epic poetry and would take many days to recite. … "I was wondering if you would ask... no, there is not a "Miss" or Mrs. at the present... I am single, in fact."
David Itamae: A bard's best weapon could be being single, as the home may not be so happy if the significant other wonders too much.
Gage Colinsgrove: “Significant others always wonder when you wander, or are wary and worry."
David Itamae laughs, "as a true bard, a way with words and with some other bard’s purses, and or lovers. Now that we know you are available, someone might perk to that challenge. However, let's talk more about your time in Sylvhara. I could ask you if you would like to be creative and possibly give a quick limerick or if not, something so formed, perhaps, what you feel is your best contribution to this great kingdom?
Gage Colinsgrove coughs, then recites with great dignity and gravitas:
The Queen in her Castle's high tower
Did pace 'cross the floor and did glower,
"If I can't give a snort when I'm reading reports
then why be a Lady in Power?"
Gage Colinsgrove then bowed slightly when he finished.
David Itamae puts one hand near the fire and slowly begins to let a quick bit of energy flow from him to bring it down as the heat was beginning to heat the clothing near his leg, "a most wonderful way of telling that someone needs to be a bit more forgiving about formal reporting. well done, Gage.”
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "well, as for what I have to offer...."
David Itamae: this is your stage and I am your audience, until the time when this becomes a publication, and everyone may know a bit more about you, Gage The Bard.
Gage Colinsgrove: "... and thank you, by the way. But I serve Her Majesty, Tari Comet. I will do what I can to protect her interests and her Kingdom. In the meantime, if I can bring some joy to her people, or solace, or inspiration, or encouragement... Well, then I'll call it a good day. A little madness now and then is also good. But not True Chaos... that we must guard against, and be ever watchful."
David Itamae: and speaking of contributions, bards can have a horrid time putting food in their mouths monetary wise, are you able or do you have another venture you are into aside from reports and playing music?
Gage Colinsgrove "I am the Tavernkeeper at the Lion's Head here in Sylvamir... by Her Majesty's grace and my good fortune."
David Itamae: a grand place for a bard to be, a knowledgeable bard is quite the most sought and dangerous of its kind Speaking of knowledge have you ever done any traveling beyond the borders of Sylvhara and if you had what made you come back here?
Gage Colinsgrove smiles "True enough. I do go "A-barding" as they say, from time to time abroad. I have travelled extensively, and enjoy doing so when time permits. I daresay I have played in every Tavern between here and the sunset."
David Itamae: I would have asked about the rumors of the black market but I will not want to put anything you know in jeopardy.
Gage Colinsgrove: If there is a black market, it would be illegal, and therefore it would not exist for long. Surely, I would know about it if such a thing dared to exist. " He looks appalled... but his eyes twinkle. "But you were saying about travel... Among the more interesting places I have visited beyond Sylvhara are the Isle of Whispering Pines in the Sea of Greenhaven, Atoll Tel Ma'at before the cataclysm, The Isle of Shadows, The Kingdoms of Lundene, Steelwood, And Easthaven, the Moors of Elmandria, even the various shadowed lands of Taure Ru and the magical and maddening Realm of Vana."
David Itamae gives a slight look at the appalled gesture and reestablishes himself, "I meant no disrespect about your knowledge or lack thereof, sometimes, a bard dares not show a hand or how it was shown. I do have one final question as I am thirsty for tea. Since you brought up the Lion's Head, I may go there and see if they have any of your private stash or if it is on sale. But, if you had anything to say to your mentor today, what would it be and why did you feel that was what you would say?
Gage Colinsgrove looks very grim... "I would tell the old bastard that he owes me 70 Gold coins of the realm and he better pay up. He had quite a bar tab when he died with no warning, and as I always say... 'Everybody pays.' "He growls a he says these words, a guttural sound that does not sound human at all. But, his eyes are glassy, and his face is flushed, and his breath is ragged for a moment after, before he regains his composure. "And on that fine note, David the Bard, I think we are just about out of time." He coughs and drains his tea....
David Itamae places his hand out to have Gage shake it, "I had a most wonderful time, I do feel the same would be said of your old mentor and as for the places you traveled they were and sound like areas of true beauty. The best times, I had been with the winds on my back and when I would land, the soft forest grass around my feet. It has been a true pleasure Gage, I look forward to sharing this with others as you have shared with me."
Gage Colinsgrove grips David’s hand, the vestiges of his tears for his beloved mentor fading as he smiles and says quietly "It was a pleasure to talk about myself. I shall make you return the favor, Bard. Mark my words!" He releases your hand "I think I will seek a quiet spot in the moonlight and play a while. I've just thought of a new stanza for the piece I’m working on. Until we meet again."
David Itamae gets up from the chair and begins to walk out of the room, tired but glad at the new information he gathered and ready to place it in a folder to hand in, “Until we meet again.”
Gage Colinsgrove rises and, calling his lute to its customary spot at his back, exits.
At the interviews conclusion and sometime after, there were many pressing thoughts about the lore contained in one man’s mind that could forever be lost if never written. The key stroke was and had always been about learning and Gage was right on how one learns from every being we come across. A fae could provide a new dance, a queen could provide humor in pie, and the memories of those we love may not all have to be happy to be fond of. Gage the Bard, a talent Sylvhara is blessed to have and a treasured story to those who, or might, meet him.