Music: Kristoph Klover

(Skif: Arrows of the Queen)

What’s the use of living if you never learn to laugh?

Look at me, I grew up down among the riff and raff

But you won’t catch me glooming ’round without a hint of smile

And when I have to do a thing, I do it right, with style!

Chorus:

’Cause if you’re gonna be the one to take that tightrope walk,

And if you’re gonna be the one to make the gossips talk,

If it’s your job to be the one who always takes the chance,

And if you have to cross thin ice—then cross it in a dance!

Now take the time when I was “borrowing” a thing or two—

The owner of the house walked in—well, what was I to do?

I bowed and said, “Don’t stir yourself,” before he raised a shout,

“Thanks for your hospitality, I’ll find my own way out!”

I’d just come up a chimney, I was black from head to toe—

Climbed to the yard to find a watchman—wouldn’t you just know!

But in the dark he took me for a demon, I would bet,

’Cause when I howled and went for him—I think he’s running yet!

Take my Companion—did you know I thought to steal her too?

This pretty horse out in the street, no owner in my view—

I grabbed her reins and hopped aboard, I thought I was home free,

Until I looked into her eyes—and now the joke’s on me!

’Cause now I’ve got to be the one to take that tightrope walk

And now I’ve got to be the one who’ll make the gossips talk,

And it’s my job to be the one who always takes the chance—

But when I have to cross thin ice, I’ll cross it in a dance!

LAWS

Lyrics: Mercedes Lackey

Music: Leslie Fish

(Skif: Arrows of the Queen)

The Law of the Streetwise is “grab all you can
For there’s nothing that’s true—nothing lasts.”
The Law of the Dodger is “learn all the dirt—
The most pious of priests have their pasts.”
The Law of the Grifter is “cheat the fool first
Or the one who’ll be cheated is you.”
But the Law of the Herald is “give all you can
For some day you will need a gift too.”

The Law of the Liar is “there is no truth
It is all shades of meaning and greed.”
The Law of the Hopeless is “never believe
For all faith is a hollowed-out reed.”
The Law of the Empty is “there’s nothing more,
Life is nothing but shadow and air.”
But the Law of the Herald is “Seek out and find.”
And the Law of the Heralds is “Care.”