Musical Enchantment

[Northen Light36]

Flame rubbed at her eyes as she wandered slowly toward the temple with Secret at her heels. She'd had another nightmare last night, but it hadn't seemed as bad as the last. Maybe because Libre had been there to comfort her.

In any case, she felt better and less tense then she'd felt since the attack on Johan, though she still wished she didn't still have so far to travel. It was nice, seeing the world, but she was starting to miss her clan.

As she was thinking about Fira, a faint strain of music caught her attention. That sounds like the music at home... Wondering if maybe another Naurorite was in the city and might provide her with a little companionship and a taste of home, she turned and began to follow the music.

[Skittlebug]

The familiar sounding music eventually leads her to a solitary bard. It seems he's fairly popular as he's got a small crowd of admirers, most of them fairly young, and all listening raptly. He looks as familiar as the music sounds, though to be fair anyone who sees or hears the demon would think the same, it's all part of his game. The only constants are his height and size, he's very tall and slight. His instrument of choice is a finely carved flute which he plays skilfully.

As Flame approaches he glances up at her without pausing, his eyes smiling as he winks. The more the merrier his expression seems to say, which of course was true. All he needs in order to feed is to catch a mortal in his music, which turns out to be much easier with children. All the easier to glut himself on a good crowd too.

[Northen Light36]

Flame smiles back at the 'man' and sits down at his feet, looking up at him happily as she tries to figure out why he looks so familiar. Someone from Fira, perhaps? She'd ask, but it would be rude to interupt. And besides, the music is so beautiful and comforting. It'd be no trial to sit here and listen to it. She can ask questions when he's finished playing for the day.

Closing her eyes, she lets herself be drawn into that music that sounds so much like a part of her home. Yes, she'd be happy to stay here all day.

[Skittlebug]

The music is soothing, and brings about very pleasant daydreams, inviting the listener to stay and enjoy as long as they want. The listeners barely notice the time pass until the song draws to an end, the demon feeling quite full. When the music end, the gathered children find themselves wanting to hear more. He tucks away the flute and gives a bow with a flourish and a grin. "Thank you all for your rapt attention."

[Northen Light36]

"Oh, you're done?" Flame asks, blinking in surprise and disappointment. "That was wonderful. Are you sure you couldn't play just a little more? Please?" She looks hopefully up at the demon. "You play so well."

[Skittlebug]

A few of the other children speak up, agreeing, and the demon raises a brow at them at before his gaze settles back on Flame. "I can hardly play on an empty stomach, can I? You wouldn't happen to know somewhere decent to eat around here, would you?"

[Northen Light36]

"Starlight's really nice," Flame suggests. "But it's kinda expensive too. I've heard that Nymph's Nook is nice, but I've never been there. Um... Oh! The Apple Barrel is really, really nice. I had a little apple pie from there with my lunch. They're the only places I know. I'm just visiting here with my brother and we haven't been here long."

[Skittlebug]

"Well, if you recommend it so strongly, perhaps you'd be willing to show me the way to the Apple Barrel? Perhaps after I eat I'll feel up to another performance." Actually eating certainly wouldn't hurt him, and who knows, he might feel like a small sack sooner than expected. It will be nice to have something on hand. "The name's Hamelin, what's yours sweetheart?"

[Northen Light36]

"I'm Flame," Flame replied with a grin and offered Hamelin her hand. "Come on, it's this way. I wouldn't mind another apple pie myself," she added with a giggle.

[Skittlebug]

Hamelin suppresses a chuckle as he lets her lead him along by the hand. Yes, she would do nicely, already snared enough by just half a mark's playing to be an easy target. Once they get there and find a seat he orders for them and offers to pay. "So you haven't been here long, where are you visiting from?"

[Northen Light36]

"From Fira, in Naurorod," Flame replied. "My brother lives in Sensatia though, where Daddy came from." Even semi-ensnared, she knew better then to tell the truth about why they were in the city. "I've always wanted to travel though and my brother needed to talk some people as part of his work, so he said I could come with him. I'm enjoying the trip, but I miss home a bit. That's why it was nice hearing you play. It sounds like the music from home."

[Skittlebug]

Hamelin smiles at that and nods. "Ah yes, I've been through the desert a few times, not for some years now though. I enjoyed the music there and I supposed I've incorporated some of it into my own music."

[Northen Light36]

"Have you visited Fira?" Flame asked curiously. "You look familar, but I can't quite place you. Or Sensatia maybe?" She smiled at him. "You're very talented. How long have you been practicing?"

[Skittlebug]

"I have, yes. That's where you're from? A long way from home." He grins. "I've been practising as long as I can remember, do you play anything?"

[Northen Light36]

Flame shook her head. "No," she replied. "I wish I did sometimes, but I don't really have the time to learn. I'm a scout, or well, learning to be. I'm not fully trained yet, so my lessons take up a lot of my time. Other then that, I do a lot of sign and riding practice. My mother used to say I was one of the best riders my age in the clan."