Distraction [Close companions]

[Northen Light36]

(Talen'sul, Spring 1018)

Aria would rather have been playing with the guild children and trying to learn the skills required to finally impress her aunt and uncle. But instead she was running errands. Her mother needed some shopping done and her father needed her to chase up on an order of training weapons for the merc guild.

So she found herself in the markets, browsing a little before she got to work. Hearing music, she decided to check it out and headed towards the sound. Maybe it was one of the bards she knew.

[Kender Bard]

A street bard, with a gittern on his lab, was strumming out some basic chordes. People stood around and dropped coins and bits into the hat at his feet, but one young boy, after depositing two bits, burst into an impromptu song along with the lyrics.

"Oh a Wind in the wind is fair at the faire!" he sang out, not too shabbily either. But then he stumbled for a couple moments before picking it up again with just as much enthusiasm, "And a lord with a board thought it was a sword!"

[Northen Light36]

Aira giggled and listened for a moment before tossing two coppers to the street bard and, just for fun, tossing another coin to the young boy singing. "Not bad," she called with a laugh.

[Kender Bard]

Astrophel caught the coin with a look of surprise. Blushing, he walked over to Aria and tried to give it back. "Oh, I'm not really a bard," he protested. "I was just having a bit of fun. Here, you should have this back. A few silly verses aren't worth it."

[Northen Light36]

Aria grinned and shook her head. "Worth it for cheering me up," she replied with a grin. "And you might not be a bard, but you're pretty good. I should know, I've grown up around bards my whole life. I'm Aria. What's your name?"

[Kender Bard]

Astrophel's eyes widened a touch. Ah ha! "I thought you looked familiar!" he exclaimed. "You're the Maestra's daughter! I've see you at the guild sometimes." He gave a theatrical bow. "I am Astrophel, son of Bard Nathan Leannán, at your service."

[Northen Light36]

Aria blinked, surprised, then grinned. "Well, that's a first. Hardly anyone recognises me! Well, unless I'm with my parents." She grinned. "Nice to meet you Astrophel. I think I've met your father on occassion."

[Kender Bard]

"Possibly," Astrophel agreed. He flipped the coin and caught it. "How about a compromise, since you won't take this back? Let me buy you a treat."

[Northen Light36]

Aria hesitated for a spilt second, then decided her errands didn't need to be taken care of right now. She smiled and nodded. "Sounds good to me."

[Kender Bard]

"Anything in particular catch your fancy?" Astrophel asked. "I think there's a cart selling lemon tarts." His mouth watered just thinking about it.

[Northen Light36]

Aria grinned. "Ooh, I love lemon tarts. Lead the way."

[Kender Bard]

Astrophel led her deeper into the market, hunting down the push cart he saw earlier. "So what are you doing out today? I was bored, myself."