Cricket continued his tale after another long drink of his wine. His usually excitable energy was replaced by a rare pensiveness.
"I spent many years performing tricks in dark warehouses where my kind of servitude was not allowed, and in open fields where laws were more… flexible. I was never mistreated, and often was the star attraction. I was fed and sheltered. Met many interesting people. Even learned to hone my agility and fighting skills. But I longed for freedom, to escape my shackles."
He paused for a moment, a distant look on his face.
"I was far from home, sure. But more importantly I had an entire new world to explore. New stories to hear and be part of. As I neared adulthood I felt strong enough, smart enough, and sure enough to escape. I used a classic ruse, faking an injury during a performance."
A mischievous gleam came to Cricket's eyes now, and his whiskers twitched at the memory.
"And by the whim of the Cat Lord they actually fell for it! They took off my shackles so the healer could examine me! I used my claws to climb the center post of the massive tent I had been performing in. A skill I had kept hidden from their ignorance. Ha ha! Before long I had run out into the wilderness, fleeing my masters!"
He waved his hand down his body, gesturing at his cloths.
"Unfortunately I had only the simple cloths on my back. No supplies and no shelter. I fled into the Dragonspire mountains in hope of finding shelter or a place to hide. Instead I just wound up lost. After a few days I was hungry, tired, and nearing exhaustion. Once more I faced death by the elements."
Fat Mar looked at him with bated breath, eager to know what happened next.
"Obviously I survived." Cricket added with a grin.
"Luckily I was found by dwarves living in the mountains. Even luckier I had never actually met dwarves before, though I had heard tales of them while in captivity. They were monks living in a monastery, calling themselves the Brotherhood of Steel. They took me in, taught me their ways. I learned dwarven and how to work metal. I spent many happy years with them as an acolyte. When my training was completed I felt wanderlust begin to creep in. My need for new sights and stories urging me to wander once more."
He looked to the ground and spoke an old dwarven farewell.
"I said my goodbyes and they sent me on my way with supplies, tools and weapons, and a strength I had not previously known I had. It wasn't long until I made my way to this area, and Phlan. Where I met all of you fascinating friends and companions."
He rose his once more full glass of elven wine toward Mar and the rest of his friends.
"Here's to a much earned couple days of quiet!"
Dedicated to Fat Mar. He will be missed.