Muted Mayhem and Merrymaking

Previously

…Jon stood by the brook, the faint strains of Morris pipe music drifting on the breeze, the faint scent of damp earth and defeated ambition in the air. He hadn't found the Giggle Gem. He'd been attacked by a badger, accidentally joined a troupe of Morris dancers, and witnessed the spectacular, mud-splattered downfall of a pompous rival. It wasn't quite the triumphant, laughter-filled beginning he’d envisioned. But as he looked at his nettle-stung arms and his mud-splattered trousers, a genuine, unforced smile spread across his face. It was, he had to admit, rather funny.