_{by jaymamma.}

Downtime 

 After our running excursion, we opted to take a break for a few days before moving to Wyvern Tor or Cragmaw whichever we decided. The first day I knew I wanted to clear out the weeds and brush and plant a garden in the back of the manor. I thought about doing the front, but if i was to sit and enjoy the gardens in piece it would be better in the back. More private. I invited the others to join me if they had a free moment. Droop of course joined me. Mercarri followed us out a few minutes later, unsure where to go or what to do, being new to the town.

“I’m not very good at gardening, I could say a prayer to bless our plot?”

“That would be fine” I replied

Droop snickered

“What was that goblin did you have something to say Mercarri asked

I turned around and glared at her.

“He has a name Cleric, call him by it, no need to be rude.”

“I-I she stammered. I’m sorry I am not used to acquainting with goblin–“

I cut her off.

“How about demons do you usually acquaint with them? See the horns, yes demon is that a problem for you, would you address me by name or just demon”

“No, I would never, I meant no offense-I”

“Cleric it matters not if you mean to offend or not You certainly have”

Droop chimed back in “It, ok droop used to it”

“No droop its not ok don’t accept that garbage from anyone”

He looked at me.

“So angry Lil”

“Lil I asked”

“I’m sorry, I meant no offense”

I smiled. “its ok my adopted mother called me Lil that’s the first time anyone has called me that in years”

“It’s ok then” he asked

:yes its fine Droop, your common go so much better there for a second”

“He smirked and blushed slightly”

“Mmhmmm, Interesting Droop” just then I realized Mercarri was still standing there unsure what to do.

“I’m sorry I forgot you were still there Mercarri did you want to address droop again by name this time perhaps?”

She sighed “Yes I’m sorry being stuck in a church tower most of my life hasn’t endeared well to my social abilities.” Droop why did you scoff at my praying?

“His expression changed and he spoke the clearest common I had heard him speak thus far, and couldn’t help the idea that maybe he had been shining us on just a little. I smirked inwardly, he may be more cunning than most of us , most of us.

“Everyone turn to gods for answers, say they have a plan. What kind of a plan involves seeing my village destroyed, see my friends and I taken as slaves not for work but torture and amusement. I don’t even know what happened to my brothers and parents. Where were gods then.

Se looked at him with what was initially maybe contempt. But here gaze softened. She knelt down next to him.

“Maybe they can’t look out for us all, all the time. I am sorry that happened to you”

“It didn’t just happen to me”

“Maybe Droop I said As horrible as it is bad things have to happen to good people to empower them to do something about it, I know it sounds horrible but maybe your loss will lead you to prevent even larger loss”

“he looked at me tears in his eyes “You really believe that?”

“I smiled “Yes, I think I do” I stood up “give me second droop”

“Mercarri I think I have a job for you if you accept it”

She looked worried. “what job” I gave here some silver pieces and a few loose gems. Go see the sites in town spread the word of your god. Make friends and talk to the people that need us to protect them, and most importantly I paused.

“yes?”

Everyone you meet and have discussion with, weave in That what you don’t understand since arriving is how Halia Horeton has her own band of men that couldn’t be bothered to do something about the redbrands. Say that it also made you wonder, considering her interest in the note between glass staff and the black spider maybe she had been working with them.

“I actually had been wondering that”

I smiled “Good, then it will be genuine” Have a good time Mercarri keep an eye out for the others and try to keep them out of trouble I’ll becoming into town later for supplies and to visit Sildar maybe I will see you then.

I waited and watched as she left.

Rumors would be entertained more from a cleric I thought.

Than from a scantily clad half demon and her goblin at least. 

I turned back to droop who continued to work the soil.

I knelt beside him and continued to sow.

“What will these grow to be he asked”

Different colors of flowers a menagerie I just asked for flower seeds not a particular flower, I like some mystery and surprise, maybe we can make a business out of it Lil and Droop’s Flowers nothing wrong with a side hustle.

“Did you really mean what you said about gods before?” he asked

“Which part?”

Bad things happening to good people to in the end make it better for even more people.”

“I really do Droop.” 

“Why would believe that?” 

I looked at him for moment I would have to prove it to the goblin. Just saying it wasn’t enough, he actually cared what I thought.

“I can tell you a story, but it stays between us always, not the others just you and I”

I told him a long story about a half demon who had horrible things happen to her and in turn done horrible thigs to many more”

Most of the story his jaw hung loose mouth agape. 

“Yes droop it was horrible and it led me to become what I am, but I have wrought good and will do as much as I can to balance the scales although I am not close.”

“your powerful, and angry but I never imagined. You saved my life and the way you play the lyre with the girl”

I was young, and hurt, and naïve, and half demon not a good combination. Point is as many holes as you dig, as long as you breathe you can fill them back in.

I think I know how you can do that. 

“how?”

Make a choice I enjoy your company and would have you near for as long as you are willing. For that to happen, or even if you decided to go your own way, you need to be able to protect yourself. Take up the bow, the sword, magic whatever. I worry about you here in this manor alone, that’s kind of why I bring you around town, trying to get people used to your presence to enjoy it so they at least would aid you if something happened to us.

    You have a scary amount of different battlefield experience in the house, I can sway the others to assist you. You fancy being a fighter I’m sure if you can suffer them Ajax or dare could instruct you, or Mystic could tell you of her druidic powers. You may not be into gods at the moment but even the religious life of a cleric may bring you piece. I can not teach you though, maybe some magic here and there, but I would not enslave you to some being from another reality, they for the most part are worse than gods, and in some cases more powerful. Plus, droop I know our holding out on us, you survived many years of torture , slavery, captivity. That is not the work of a dumb goblin, but of a smart and cunning one and true student of the game, so to speak.

He just stared at me and for a second I though I lost him.

He smiled his big goofy grin. “I think you have given me much to think of, may I take leave to do so? He stood and bowed

Proper this one. I must get him a little suit and a monocle perhaps, adorable.

“Of course, I will head for town in probably a few hours, should I look for you at the manor then?

“Yes, that would be wonderful he replied See you later Lil” and he skittered off skipping as he went

Why o why did I feel like I was somehow being duped by a Droop….still a suit and a monocle that amused me greatly.

#

 My flower planting was now complete. The sun was getting low and twilight trickled in. I really had been out here most of the day. I had not seen the others, Mercarri was still gone as well, and I seemed to be missing my usual companion of the goblonic variety. He must have really been contemplating hard.

    Either way it was time to get cleaned up and make my jaunt into town. I figured I’d visit Sildar and see if he had anything for me. Then hop over to the tavern, where I would be sure to find Dare and Ajax drinking, and Mystic probably still moping over her lost flute.

    My usual downtime apparel was now ruined. Why I gardened in white I could not tell, lack of judgement perhaps. I grabbed a bucket of water from the well to clean myself with, and decided to come back and grab another to be sure. I sat down in my room in front of my vanity mirror. When I say vanity mirror, I mean a decent sized piece of a broken mirror that had been here in the ruins when we assumed the place. I used a steel gauntlet to shove it into a cracked dilapidated old dresser that had been here as well. When I said chair, it was again a chair that had been left, but droop had replaced the bad leg with a good leg from a worse chair for me.

    My patron has been very quiet as of late. Maybe she did not approve of my adoption of Rydolfs idea of making better decisions to offset the bad already rendered. I would fulfill my duty as always, that was a decision I at least for now had to abide. How I fulfilled such duty was my choice.

    I studied my reflection, as beautiful as ever. My horns were barely visible, I could almost pass for a human maiden. I always ascertained that my fiend or devil heritage must be from that of a shapeshifting variety. My horns grew larger the more agitated and angry I became. The reverse was true when I was happy or content. They would diminish by the magic that coursed through my veins along with the demon blood. I had not remembered them being this miniscule since, well I didn’t know. Far before I became a warlock. That shocked me. Was I content, happy? I did just have a whole day to myself doing something both I and what I was enjoyed. Was it that simple? Had I been depriving myself of these moments in silent subconscious punishment of myself?  In doing so wasn’t I just setting myself to doing even more horrible things, that led to further punishment? Did my deprivation make me more depraved? Relax girl I whispered you just planted some flowers”

    Still, I felt wonderful and I had a thought. I went to the chest in my corner, when I say chest it was a bunch of spare boards the boys nailed together along with a latch and hinges. They bitched the whole time they were doing it. Mystic however would not make her famous rosebark stew of which we were all so fond, had they not completed some tasks she did not feel we needed to suffer. Droop of course did so happily, and so received the biggest portion. The other two sulked, but suffered the indignity knowing they had no other option. In the chest I stored a few items that I had arrived with, and with some I had secretly appropriated since arriving. 

    I don’t know why I had fancied it so much. Actually, I do it reminded me much of my noble background, and the tattered lower half of my gown. I pulled it from the chest and unfolded the evening gown. The seamstress in town had it on display when we arrived and it caught my eye. We traded services I got the gown she lost an abusive husband. It was a beautiful green, and had earthy toned armlets with matching gold stones stitched in, along with lacing that ran the side of the dress. Now that we were fighting a political battle of he said, she said and rumors and espionage, I would make more use of my subtly, grace, and cunning. I would wear it to town. It took me longer to don the dress than my armor, it had been awhile. Now what to do with my hair, and eyes, skin tone? Ahh, being a warlock, demon female so many options. A simple batch of cantrips, and my eyes matched the dress and my hair complemented the armlets. The last cantrip matched my skintone to my hair and all was well. I appreciated my work in the mirror. Dam I could make anything work. Hair down, or hair up? Hmm, up. Just as I finished putting it up I heard the pitter patter of approaching goblin feet. I stood as he came through the doorway. He stopped maybe a bit suprised.

“Lil?” 

“yes droop”

“What happened to you, that’s a lot of clothes?”

I threw a spell regeant at him.

“That’s your takeaway?”

Just then he did the damdest thing and not what I would have expected he put two fingers in his mouth and whistled and then smirked

“Did you just catcall me Droop”

” I know manners ladies don’t like that, but despite how lady like you look, I know you no lady and you like the catcalls”

I changed my eye color to a far redder shade to mock intimidate the goblin

“I seen that trick, you do all the time I know its an illusion” and he smirked again

My eyes reverted and I smiled 

“It was funny Droop, and I am glad you are not afraid, you have nothing to fear from me.

“You are most beautiful though if that was what you wanted my takeaway to be”

“You know me too well”

“Why all dressed up? going to see Sildar?

“Yes, and I intend to mingle with the townfolk and I will always have to upstage that frump Halia Hore-Ton from now on”

“I sill accompany you?”

I realized exactly what he was asking, especially with the no small amount of sadness in his eyes.

“Why would you not?”

“My goblin presence would take away from your look?”

I laughed “Oh, no no no I have a plan for you droop, I had the seamstress come up with something truly special, and seriously look at me. I gave him a twirl and he gave me another whistle” “I could march an army of trolls through town and all the eyes would still be on me”

“Ok, I’m ready when you are, but this idea you speak up has me worried?”

I gave him back a goblin tooth filled smirk of my own. ” Oh you should be worried”

“Where have you been all day anyway?”

“That a secret”

“Really droop leaps and bounds in manners speaking common, strategy, and now secrets? You have something you want to tell me?

“Nope he smiled then wouldn’t be secret”

“Oh goblin I am so going to punish you, its already done and waiting at the tailor” I held out my hand come droop let us go.

He stepped next to my leg and hooked his arm around my wrist like he was going to lead me into a dance. 

“Oh my patron look at you Droop a fine gentleman you will make.

He smiled “Manners…. yes”

#

We skirted along the side streets, to the seamstress. She looked at me hard before her gaze softened and she recognized me. 

“Wow that dress really suits you and you matched yourself to it. Its perfect like I made it just for you” One question though”

“What is it” I replied

she bent down and looked me over mainly beneath the waist.

“Give me a fashionable twirl girl”

I smiled and obliged.

“Ok where the hell is your tail”

” Tail is more fur than anything it ties up nicely, and tucks rather nicely under my uh cheeks”

She laughed

Droop shook his head

“To much” he said

“Do you have what I asked for?”

“Yes, I certainly do she smiled at the goblin she has told me much about you a smart and personable goblin who’d a thunk it”

“You are kinda cute” 

I always wondered if a goblin could blush. Now I knew red and green make brown, made sense I suppose

“Follow me I’ll do the final fit

He looked up at me fear in his eyes

“Its ok droop would I let you down?”

“Your not smiling at me, your smirking he replied “that makes me worried”

“Come now don’t be shy” She took him by the hand and dragged him past the counter and into a room in the back.

I waited anxiously. I was surprised how really excited I was for this. A few minutes past and I heard the seamstress

“Oh my lord you are so adorable, stately even.”

I heard Droop mutter something in goblin. 

“Come Lilvari come see”

I turned the corner into the little dressing room and there he stood just as I imagined he would. 

I think the corners of my mouth touched my ears.

His perfectly fitted black with white stripes slacks, shiny little shoes, and an overcoat with big brass buttons. His little bow tie adorned the top of his purple button down shirt, atop his head a small top hat with a brass buckle, and of course a glass monacle in his right eye. 

“AWWWWW I said its is perfect what a fine adorable little gentlemen you make Droop”

Droop looked himself down and stepped to where he cold actually see himself in the mirror. I stood behind him to guage his expression when he could take in the whole outfit. He put his hands in the over coat and gave it a tug, then both hands into his pockets and then looked back to the mirror. He tilted the hat from various angles, in inspection. Finally he then looked up at me and grinned.

“You do like It yes?”

“Yes very much he said proudly and stood up extra straight.”

“It’s perfect we will take it how much”

“Hmmm, well the last job you did for me bore extra fruit she motioned out the window into a small garden plot. He grew into something better” She then winked at me

“I don’t want to even know what that means” Droop said.

“I’m glad the garden worked out for you, melons do tend to like um that kind of fertilizer, knock some cost off the top then?”

She looked at droop

“Honestly, on the house you did me a great service, and he is just so adorable in it, I just can’t even, tell you what you tell everyone who asks where you got the dress, perfect advertisement.

“Thank you so much, it is a deal”

“Thank you mam” droop said as he bowed.

“Your welcome droop come and see me again when you need personal decor, both of you”

“We will I said as we waved and headed out towards town hall. 

“Well droop shall we”

    He again looped his arm around my hand and led me towards town hall. We got lots of attention on the way and slack jaws. The children marveled and giggled in delight as they admired droops snazzy get up. Wives smacked their husbands, and others asked where such a lovely dress came from which I of course told per my deal. Many did not recognize me at first. Who would have thought putting on more clothes, would get me so much more attention. Interesting indeed.

We finally arrived. Sildar was so deep into his paperwork he didn’t notice us come in. Droop cleared his throat in impatience. 

Finally Sildar looked up.

“Yes mam may I help- Lilvari?”

He stood up from his chair and came around the desk.

“That’s a lot of clothes”

Droop erupted in rioutess laughter “I said that to same thing”

I frowned my disapproval.

“Wait I didn’t mean it like that I just am not used you look so different I was surprised is all.

My frown turned up. “SOOO, do you like it” I gave him a twirl.

He looked mesmerized which was what I was looking for.

“Your beautiful I love it”

I lowered my head and eyes in a slight bow “Thank you”

“To what do I owe the honor?”

“We were just swinging through on the way to the tavern” I looked down at my dress. “I just I don’t know felt better than I have in a while and wanted a change I suppose”

He smiled “It’s a good change”

I leaned in and whispered. If you want to see it come off my room is finished at the manor. You could stop by later if I’m not there wait for me.

I leaned back quickly. 

“Uh I I may do just that”

“I thought you would say that and I batted my eyes.

I knew without seeing that droop was rolling his eyes.

“And would you not compliment my fine companion”

He finally broke his eyes from me to take in the goblin.

“Cute he muttered in a way that implied he did not mean it, or outright disapproved.

“I believe the word is dashing replied Droop

“I don’t know Lilvari most people in town don’t approve of g-“
“Oh I’m sorry have you actually been out in town lately? Enough to know that he is a hit and I will have you know if not for him your buddy the wizard may have escaped.  It was Droop that led us to him and saved Mystic’s life” You know mystic who everyone adores and brings in more business into that tavern than the alcohol, or did before her flute was stolen”

“Oh wait go back further didn’t she save your life as well cause you were captured?”

His brow furrowed like he was angry but said nothing. 

“I’m sorry Sildar. I said I didn’t mean to snap at you it just offends me when people disparage Droop, just like the town no doubt did when I initially arrived just because of my horns and tail and maybe a little because of my bad attitude admittedly, a little. Now I tuck my tail hide my horns put on a pretty dress and they would eat from my hand if asked. I conformed and am accepted here, he deserves the same opportunity.

He sat back down and pulled a bottle of whiskey from his drawer and pulled out two glasses I cleared my throat and nodded towards droop and he pulled out a third glass.

Thank you I replied 

“yes thank you good sir Sildar Droop said and smiled”

That last bit broke him and I could tell he felt guilty and knew I was right and he wrong. He poured us all a drink.

“Have you come up with anything on the Halia front I asked before it turned my cup up.

“Well I did hear that she likes to um blow goats?”

I spit my drink out all over and could not help the eruption of laughter that came from my gullet. I nearly doubled over trying to contain it. When I finally managed to suck air into my lungs all I could think to say was “Mercarri, I can’t believe she actually repeated that, I continued to laugh so hard I had to squat down. 

Droop realized before I that this would not please Sildar and knew I was gonna be in trouble. He held it in but the tears in his eyes from holding it only made me laugh harder.

“Wait, are you responsible for this, answer”

I looked up weakly the laughter subsiding. “would you believe me if I said no?”

“Why would you spread such a horrible rumor”

Droop then I guess thought he could help me by uttering “Maybe she really does blow goats and shrugged”

I was then on the floor literally rolling around laughing and praying to any god that would listen that my dress wouldn’t get dirty.

“Wait Wait” I said. ” In my defense that was not the rumor I intended to spread that was just a joke I made amongst my comrades, how it became full blown rumor I know not”

I did though kind of.

I finally pushed the laughter down and stood back up and brushed my dress off.

Sildar despite his evident anger helped. I grabbed his wrist and held it on my upper arm.

Don’t be angry I blinked once or maybe twice and widened my eyes.

“A rumor like that could ruin a women” 

“I think that bitch is already ruined, the moment she threatened us”

“Stay away from Halia, Lilvari let me look more into things”

I sighed “Fine I will not seek confrontation, but I will not shy from it either. I think we will take our leave now, if your going to be sour about it. We will be at the tavern probably close the place I’m looking for a little fun this evening. Seriously finish whatever it is you do in here and meet us. Get out actually look  around the town for once. You can even walk me home after, maybe carry me I smiled.

He smiled back. He looked around his desk at the stacks of documents he had. I’ll see what I can do. Don’t have to much fun now, Droop is that your name look out for our lady here.

Droop smiled “I will manners…yes”

With that we walked to the tavern in the moonlight.

As we got near the door I paused “Did you want to give it to Mystic” he practically jumped out of his suit 

“YES, please can I” 

My tail peeked out from underneath the dress by my feet and presented Droop with the flute Droop struggled opening the heavy tavern door with one hand while delicately protecting the flute with the other.

I held up the bottom of my dress fearful to drag across the floor. I knew what went on in here and the though repulsed me. Ajax and Dare sat at our normal table with Mercarri leaning against the wall behind them as if babysitting. She learned quick. Mystic was at the bar stirring her drink absently. I motioned Droop towards her and away he went. He tapped her on the leg and held the flute behind his back.

She turned around and at seeing his clothes, the frown immediately went upside down. The light just flicked on in her eyes. He then held out the flute and her jaw dropped as she accepted it and turned it over in her hands. She blew into it once and I felt the magic take hold as the beautiful sound drew  everyone’s attention she threw her arms around Droop and squeezed him tight. When she let go he shook his head and pointed to me still watching from the doorway. 

She looked dumbfounded, and she just said “Lilvari?”

The others finally saw me then too. Dare said something that rhymed with duck, Ajax just continued drooling onto the table. Mercarri couldn’t hide an emotion to save her life and her jaw just dropped. She apparently loses control of her volume, and just yelled loud enough for everyone to hear. “Holy crap are you wearing clothes!!”

Droop led Mystic over the same he had led me around town which greatly amused her. 

“Wow Lilvari what the hell happened she circled me. I love the green” Your more stunning with clothes on who would have thought?” 

” I’m glad you like it , and the flute? I know it does not replace yours but its something this is one is magical it can never be destroyed or stolen you can just summon it back with a thought. 

“Its beautiful Lilvari.” As she said it she threw her arms around me and squeezed. I gave a gentle squeeze in return”

“Dare yelled “now make out, take off your clothes”

We both sighed then laughed. They been drinking all day?”

“yup” 

“kinda empty in here”  “

Yes, the owner was a little upset people left when they realized there would be no flute, but thanks to you now there is. I wouldn’t think you would dabble in music magic”

“Demons are highly musical creatures its in the blood”

“Oh, she said. I have never seen you play, do you play?”

I started “No I –“

Then Droop just blurted out “She plays the Lyre”

I narrowed my eyes at him”

“What I say something wrong, was it secret”

“Operative word was Droop, its ok you didn’t know”

“Mystic’s eyes narrowed “Why keep that a secret”

“Cause whores play Lyres shouted dare even though we were like two feet away”

“I don’t know image maybe”

“We know your a bad bitch playing the Lyre does not change that” She smiled

Ajax finally broke from his drooling spell and looked over.

“Yea you is a bad bitch a killer bitch, you my favorite. Then his head was on the table in the puddle of drool”

“Can we get a cure poison spell over here so we can drink some more Mercarri Dare yelled”

“Yes right away”. Mercarri replied

“What a crew we got huh Mystic said”

“yea, is that how they have been able to literally drink all day Mercarri is a drinking cleric now?”

“Nah she just got her a little before you, think she stopped at the church after running your errands?” I smiled I can’t believe she repeated about the goats.” Mystic looked shocked “Oh that supposed to be a joke, I told a bunch of people.

Dare chimed in “We were playing a drinking game call blows goats, I would like take a shot and then go outside and yell as loud as I could “Halia Blows goats!!” Then ajax would go”

“Thats not a game you idiots thats just you yelling and drinking?

Ajax’s head popped back up the cure poison kicking in”

“I like yelling , I like drinking, and I like yellin “HALIA BLOWS GOATS!! and then drinking some more and I love you guys can I get another round over here.”

“It was just a joke that is so funny that you all repeated it”

Mystic nudged me. 

“What I asked” I looked down and saw droop covering his mouth while he talked up to mystic.”

“What are you saying down there?”

Mystic nudged me again and held up her flute, smiled and nodded towards the stage”

“He says you just summon your Lyre almost like your weapons. Summon it, play with me”

I looked around the bar I didn’t play for an audience maybe one or two, I’d play for horses for the forest but never for a crowd I didn’t know I could.

She nudged me again “come one”

Dare yelled “show us your boobs” 

“Do you really want to sit with them is that your idea of fun, live a little.”

I was taken aback Mystic was telling me to live a little” I felt a tug at my dress and looked down at Droop.

“Play Lil Play” He smiled. I realized then the dam goblin lured me and set me up.

I sighed.

“Play Lil? Dare said followed by Ajax “Play it play it wahoooo play what?” and fell off his bench.

Mercarri started a chant, what the hell was happening.

Droop started to help up Ajax. 

“I like you little guy, I know I always bust your balls but you alright I’m gonna pour you a drink you want some little buddy sit here next to me.”

“I don’t drink with green people” dare said.

Ajax looked at him. “You are green you flarking idiot you pour him a drink now too, give up some of yours or so help me. He belched loud and disgustingly I will fire breath you. 

“Fine fine droop here drink I don’t hate you cause your green I’m green to”

idiots all of them I thought.

Droop hopped up the bench sat nicely tucked his monacle into his breast pocket and set his hat on the top of the table.”

“I will drink now yes, If you will play?” he smiled Oh this goblin, I thought. Just then Ajax leaned in my direction like he was going to throw up.

“I swear if you puke on this dress, I will shove Cursebringer up your ass and pick your teeth with it.” He turned around and threw up on Mercarri’s boots.

“What the hell Ajax” 

“Welcome to the party, sit drink forget about boots where we going you won’t need them.” dare said as he pulled her into the seat next to him and put his arm around her and slammed a mug of ale in front of her.

“Drink it or I punch your boob hard” She blushed at the word boob but drank the whole mug and slammed it down they all cheered.

     All this while the “PLAY” chant had grown loud, more now like a wave than chant. Mystic took her spot on the stage and began to play. The sound was beautiful, peaceful, serene, happy. The barkeep put a stool next to her and she paused and stepped over and motioned for me to join her. I then felt something touch my arm I look over and Dare stood there with a shot of something.

“Drink he grunted “For confidence. I smiled and drank it “Now go play” Just then he threw up and it would have gotten all over me and my dress and well Dare would be dead.

Thankfully, I got a shield spell up.

“You are so dam lucky sit your ass down you are cut off” he staggered into his seat, and would have fell if Mercarri didn’t catch him. 

“She not serious, give me more to drink” Mercarri passed him another and refilled her own and chugged, all whilst mystic continued to play. 

    I reached out to that space where My weapons resided emboldened by whatever it was I just drank.  From there my Lyre took shape and it took its place in my right hand. Mystic then did one of her famous stage tricks. When she shifted forms her clothes and equipment became part of her new shape, she could also do partial transformations with her star form. Only her worn items shifted and blended into a dress similar to mine only much shorter and it was made from whatever it was that she shifted into. Stars and constellations glowed in the dim tavern from her dress. She then motioned to the top of my head and pulled up. “I didn’t know what she meant” 

“Let your hair down its part of the performance.”

“So I did I pulled the pin holding it up and as I sat on the seat and began to play it almost floated as hers did when she played, I had always found it perplexing how she did that when the air was as still as death in here. Now that she had extended the effect I knew it was some weird druid forest child magic.

“It’s not weird she said” then I realized she hadn’t stopped playing when she said it.

“Careful I Can hear your thoughts” harmony magic helps us sync up our talents and play as one.

    I brought the lyre to its position and my hair flowed around it and I played the sounds of two master players, with two hex, and demon magic instruments along with druish magic. The sound flowed from my strings in a way I never though possible, her flutes notes suffused every pluck of the strings, every pluck of my strings emblazoned every blow of the flute. The tavern had filled up and more were entering as if being sucked in by the sound, but there was no other sound than ours.

     Mesmerizing, the sound permeated the tavern and everyone in it. Peaceful meadows and serene forest rolled across the air shooting stars danced from her dress and then danced across mine. A small ball of light leapt from her dress and shone its brilliant light down on us from above. We only played for a few minutes but It felt like hours, not tiring but peaceful like being carried along on a gentle wave. When we stopped I realized I had been playing so fast that I had broke a lite sweat I looked over at her and she gleamed in starlight  smile form ear to ear. The silence was broken by screams and cheers. She motioned me towards the center of the stage

“Now we take our bow” we joined hands and we bowed and the crowd kept chanting bow so we kept bowing till I felt dizzy, Mystic however kept pulling me up and down.  She lived for this, the performance now I knew how horrible it was for her to lose her flute. When I almost fell over she realized it was enough and pulled me in tightly and whispered.

“See tell me that wasn’t worth it”

“It was amazing I didn’t know you could do such things”

“You aren’t the only amazing one in the group”

“Guess its just you and me then I guess’

We looked at our drunks”

“Yes she laughed probably the only amazing ones but that wasn’t all me you could easily be the best music partner I’ve ever had, we should do this again we could make a killing”

“I may be persuaded in the future” I smiled.

As if on que her statement proved true the tip cups began to ting with accepted coin. The tavern owner had the biggest smile of all as the taps began to really run and the bottles popped.

I gestured and my Lyre returned from whence it came.

Mystic looked amazed by it.

“Just imagine it going where you want it”

She did and it poofed from existence and then back and then away again.

“Yes that is a wonderful trick”

I noticed Sildar just then who must have snuck in while we played.

Mystic nudged me.

“Not yet, lets drink” she smiled

I motioned Sildar to sit next to Dare he frowned but complied.

I looked at Mystic. “yes lets do that” 

So we did. The owner put us and the others on free for the rest of the night and why wouldn’t he.

Droop was a drunk gamer, he was mopping up at cards, dice, cups any drinking game, he seemed to excel at. 

I would have beaten everyone at darts but apparently a hex blade dart is some how not legal. We drank we danced we partied and not cause i was using a party as cover to assassinate someone. I truly at this moment loved everyone in the room, and knew I was wasted.

    It was a little surreal I suppose as we all sat around our usual table. Sildar had his head down and had pretty much lost all the money he came with to droop who just grinned happily, and maybe I sensed a small amount of sinister in that grin. Mercarri was in Dares lap drunk as a skunk and tweaking the tips of his tusks and giggling. For some reason Ajax was sitting in the dwarf barmaids lap that usually served us when we were here. I didn’t know where Mystic was and for a second I was a little nervous, oh wait found her. Flirting with young man at the bar, then I saw his girlfriend get in between them shouting, ouch strikeout Mystic. It was a bigger party than when we crushed the redbags. Finally, there was no one left to drink many littered the floors and outside. Passed out, puking, it was great. Sildar and Droop steadied me on the walk back I was pretty drunk, I looked over at the rest of the party walking alongside. Mercarri and Dare were hand in hand thick as thieves all giggly and touchy. Ajax was half conscious and maybe I really was totally smashed, or quite possibly he was being piggy backed by a short but very stout dwarfish bar maid. We made it home safely and Sildar led me up to my room, Droop bid me good evening and departed to where I dunno his bed is in my closet. Sildar helped me out of my dress and I noticed he even folded it nicely for me but the last dam thing I recalled before passing out was the most confusing thing of all. Looking back , what was that, that  I had seen when I was being led through the doorway of the manor. Oh yes ,why and the hell where that guy mystic was flirting with, and his girlfriend riding a horse towards our house? Breakfast tomorrow would be strange and downright hilarious, that brought a smile to my face as drunken darkness swallowed me whole.