Herbeasts Love Music
Posted on Wed Jun 11th, 2025 @ 6:27pm by Master Craftman Mari & Master Craftman Cohan
Mission:
3531 AL
Location: Kymos Hold herdbeast pastures
Timeline: M2 D28
Experience had taught Mari that a ten minute walk from the hold was far enough that she wouldn’t disturb anybody. This usuallly put her near the runner stables or the barns where the hold’s herdbeasts lived. It seemed that South wasn’t much different from North in that respect. In this case, s he found herself near the back of the pasture, furthest from the barns. She could see a few herdbeasts up nearer the barn, but paid no mind to them. They usually enjoyed hearing music. So, here is where she stopped.
Her pipes were already in position; the best way to carry them on a hike was under her arm, right where they needed to be to play them. A quick adjustment and she was ready to go. She put the blowpipe to her lips and made sure the bag was properly inflated before unstopping the drones and taking the chanter in her fingers.
As soon as she began playing, she noticed several of the herdbeasts pick up their heads and look her way. She grinned, knowing that before long, they would wander her way. She didn’t mind the audience, of course. She loved animals. Had her life started just slightly differently, she might have been the one in the barn this morning gathering milk and some other piper may well be out here serenading the beasts. The thought made her grin as she continued her practice, quickly becoming oblivious to the pasture beside her.
In the barn, Cohan, the Master Beastherder, heard the distant sound of pipes and his humming stopped. His milking did, too, and the herdbeast gave a snort to remind him what he was supposed to be doing. “Impatient,” he told her. “I’m sure the piper will still be here when you’re dry.”
And sure enough, as he finished milking her and gave her rump a gentle slap to send her on her way, he could still hear the piper. Before he took the milk up to the hold, he intended to go see who this piper was. Was it the hold’s new Master Harper? Could be. He hadn’t met him yet. Her. Was it a man or a woman? He could not remember.
Carefully setting the bucket aside with the others, he followed the herdbeast he had so recently been milking outside, where he found the other herdbeasts- along with caprives and ovines- gathered at the far end of the pasture, eyes glued on the piper. A woman, he thought, though at this distance it could just as easily be a small man. As he drew closer, he realized it was definitely a woman. And a pretty one, too. Not that it mattered, of course, but after all, he was a man and men noticed these things.
As he reached the herdbeasts gathered near the fence, she finished her practice and finally seemed to notice her admirers. “Well, hello,” she said to the assembled menagerie. “What did you think? Does it sound good enough for the gather? Does it need more work?”
”Definitely good enough for Gather,” Cohan said, announcing his presence.
Mari started a bit, but then grinned. “I didn’t see you there,” she told him.
”How does a man as large as I am sneak up on someone?” he wondered aloud.
She grinned. “I think I was just distracted by the herdbeasts,” he explained. “I’m Master Mari, the hold’s new Harper.”
”Master Cohan,” he introduced himself. “Well met, Master Mari.”
”Well met, Master Cohan,” she replied.
“Is your mastery in pipes?” he asked, hand automatically coming to rest on one of the nearby herdbeasts; she keened softly, a sound of affection.
“One would think, but no,” Mari replied. “Instrument making and repair. But I never stopped playing my pipes from the day they were put in my arms. Doubt I ever will.”
“Playing like that, I should hope not,” replied Cohan with a grin. “Pern would be deprived for sure.”
Mari afforded him a small grin. “Thank you,” she said. “Although I’m sure there are better pipers than me.”
“I certainly haven’t heard any,” Cohan replied. “Granted, I’ve only heard three pipers in my life- and that includes you.”
“It’s certainly an uncommon skill,” Mari replied. “They’re not easy.”
“Could’ve fooled me,” he laughed. “You make it look as natural as breathing.”
“I suppose it is at this point,” she mused. “I got my first practice pipe at five turns. I must have played that thing all day for three sevendays straight.”
“I’m sure your mother appreciated that,” laughed Cohan.
”I distinctly remember her telling me that it sounded wonderful,” she replied. “But I suppose all parents tell their kids that when they first start. Encouragement, you know.”
”Guitar was my instrument,” he told her. “And yes, my parents did the same. Oh, I know I’m a beast herder now, but I was nearly a Harper.”
”What made you change your mind?” asked Mari, genuinely interested.
“An incident with a spooked horse,” answered Cohan. “I was able to calm it down with a few soft words and a lullaby. My parents felt I might be better served in the Beastcraft. And I agreed. But, I still sing- mostly to my animals. They seem to enjoy music, as you can see.”
”Yes, I had noticed,” laughed Mari. “I’ve got a bit of an affinity for animals myself. I think it’s because they never criticize. If I make a mistake, they don’t mind.”
”They are certainly forgiving,” he agreed. “Well, Master Mari, it has been a pleasure making your acquaintance, but I have milk that needs carrying up to the hold proper. If you’ll excuse me,” he added with a nod of respect.
“Would you like some help?” she offered. “I know I don’t look it, but I’m strong.”
”No, no,” insisted Cohan. “That’s what apprentices are for. Besides, I believe your audience demands an encore,” he added, gesturing to the patiently waiting beasts.
Mari grinned. “It sure seems that way, doesn’t it?” she replied. “All right, then, I supposed I’d better give them what they want. It was a pleasure meeting you, too, Master Cohan.”
He gave her one last grin and a half solute before turning to return to the barn.
“All right, girls,” said Mari, repositioning her pipes slightly. “How about a jig this time?” And she replaced the blowpipe in her mouth and began a new song for the animals’ enjoyment.
