Songs of the Forest (2)

"Yep, yes sir!" The toad tipped his hat
He hammered down each card and croaked, "Beat that."
With a sigh and a shrug, Vintr dropped each card
Three kings beat two aces, "Nay, too hard."
Between two winks he finished his beer
Then raised his mug, "One more pardner, while I'm still here."
The coin was exchanged and Vintr turned tail to pour
"How about two then? Surely you can handle more."
The toad flicked up his hat, taking the bait
"Son. Only thing I do better'n cards is ale. I ain't no lightweight."
With a chuckle and a moment, Vintr returned with four mugs
The mouse sneered, "Careful now. I don't want you on my rug."
The games continued and the ale was banished
But after some time, the moonlight vanished.
The toad squinted, he lost track of time, "Say,"
He began, wavering in his seat, "How much longer 'till day?"
Vintr staggered and stood up, "Lesh shee..." He peered over the toad
With a head shake, he saw the mist had rolled in, "Can't shee the road."
Beyond the tree, the darkness mounted
Leaving the poor creatures astounded.
Without any worry, Vintr pointed above, "You can stay here, free of charge, friend."
After a sloppy handshake the toad retreated to the loft, leaving Vintr a table to tend.
In a blurry scurry, he spent the rest of the night cleaning
When morning came, Vinti found Vintr asleep at the table, smiling and leaning.