Muses Minutes before Midnight [P]

It was hardly the most conventional of places to be for her, but Surrechis didn't really mind the job. She'd taken up the job offer from a poster in town. The local band at the inn normally performed at the inn but their singer had gotten sick enough to not be able to come in. She'd only been given a few, scant hours to learn the songs but most of the patrons probably wouldn't even notice that the usual singer wasn't the one performing, as long as they had a few drinks in them. The songs weren't even that complex either and although it wasn't quite a perfect fit, she thought that the band and her worked well enough.

It had been quite a long time since she had started and her throat was starting to get strained. Luckily, it seemed like things were winding down, she could certainly use a quick break. After discussing with the rest of the group, they decided to take a few minutes to refresh themselves before the final, few songs. Making her way to the main counter, Surrechis ordered a mug of water and found an isolated table off to the side. The cool, refreshing water was a blessing after all the singing she had done. She must have looked quite out of place compared to the rest of the inn, she mused, not exactly a situation she expected to end up in but things could have been worse. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see two of the band members starting to get drunk. That would normally be an issue but she doubted that anyone else would be sober enough to notice if the song was a bit out of sync. Giving a light sigh, she returned to her thoughts while keeping half a mind on the time passing.

@Cain Darlite

 

Dunnstads was a nice place, and the Whaler’s Lament was one of the more popular inns around, serving all manner of fish, from Bluefin tuna to needlefish to sharks. With warm lighting and paintings of past ships, as well as the salty winds that pushed through the drafty windows, Cain was definitely enjoying the atmosphere, toasting to whatever blessings the other burly patrons wanted. Good health? Sure! The friendship of their cousin’s thighs? Why not! A bountiful harvest of the ocean? Nice! Though it was a smaller town compared to Stokbon, the villages of Dunnstads were still so lively! With a bowl of fish soup and a mug of milk, Cain was having a wild ride when the singer came up on the stage.

With lavender hair that would easily reach her back if left loose and vivid red eyes that shone with an entrancing light, the Faerin was definitely eye-catching, and her performance even more so. Compared to his battle hymns, there was a measured grace with each song, even if Cain caught a few moments where missteps were had. The range and depth of her voice were both impressive, and her entire attitude just seemed to be…appropriate for that of a Muse. A player? Or just an exceptionally talented NPC? No, such thoughts mattered not, in this world. She was simply a person who had been heavily blessed by the Elysid, granted an unmeasurable amount of artistic talent that held the ability to bring even the rowdiest crowd into silent appreciation. Lulled in by sound of rising tides and the rhythm of the singer’s voice, Cain only sipped from his mug of milk, sneaking in spoonfuls of soup inbetween songs, until finally, there was a break.

Yup, definitely someone worth chatting up with.

Pushing his unfinished soup to the side, Cain rose from his chair and strode over. A majestic entrance? A debonair entrance? Nah, he’ll keep it genuine this time. Stopping a few steps away, the midnight-haired man smiled, “That was a nice performance. Don’t see singers as talented as you around here often. You’re a regular, madame?”

 

Surrechis was jolted out of her thoughts when a tall, well dressed man spoke to her. She wasn't expecting anyone to talk to her, especially with such politeness. Manners were a bit of a rarity in these type of places, it was something she got somewhat used to but was still off putting. She did feel a bit flustered however, chastising herself for not seeing his approach.

"Ah, apologies Sir, I did not see you approach. To answer your question... No, I am not a regular here. I am filling in for their usual lead singer who had caught some sort of sickness. Quite unfortunate for them, really, we have a small clash of styles. If you do not mind me prying, what are you doing here? I may be mistaken but it hardly seems like the type of place someone like yourself would normally be around."

She sneaked a quick glance around the room after her question.There was still a decent bit of time before the break ended. She could afford to talk a little, especially if the musicians that had gotten drunk earlier were getting into a fight of some sorts. Oh dear, things were starting to get a bit rowdy. If a brawl was starting, she wasn't going to stick around, that was for sure. As bottles started to get smashed and people started to swing chairs around, Surrechis turned to her companion.

"Shall we make an exit? I do not relish the idea of partaking in a brawl."

 

“Oh, I fancy myself to be quite a worldly individual myself,” Cain replied, enjoying this little bit of roleplay, “Life’s short and too cheap, so one m-”

“WHAT YOU SAY ‘BOUT ME MUM, YE GOATKISSING RASCAL?!”

A bottle whistled overhead as the muse instinctively ducked, just in time for it to whistle overhead and splatter its pale contents over a fine painting of a ship in a storm. Behind him, the cheerful atmosphere he had enjoyed just moments ago had now devolved into an excited aggression, heated arguments brought forth by one too many drinks that night. The bartender of the Whaler’s Lament had already ducked behind the counter, while drunken fishermen tackled each other with a gusto that ran counter to their old age.

Laughing at the scene, Cain nodded, offering the twintailed singer his hand. “Yes, let’s make haste before we must sing with our fists,” he grinned, before the two of them skirted along the outside of the brawl, slipping out the door and into the cloak of evening. The salty tang was stronger now, the incoming tides lapping against the seawall. Overhead, the sky had taken to an indigo hue, only the brightest of stars revealing themselves while a sliver of the sun remained over the horizon. It was a new moon that night, and as Cain let out a breath, it turned visible.

It was a cold night by the seaside, even if he was still warm from soup and drink, huh?

“Despite my fine clothes, I’m a muse myself, a battlefield performer seeking to bear witness to all that the world holds,” Cain said, looking out to the dimming horizon, “Good and evil, fair and foul. One’s breadth only expands with experience, after all. Can’t appreciate one without the other. But…”

He turned to the singer, grinning.

“…I suppose you’ve seen enough of these alcohol-fuelled free-for-alls to last a lifetime?”

 

The man's remark struck true. In Surrechis's many travels, it often only took an untowards glance or word for conflict to start in the various inns she had visited. While they would normally be stopped before things escalated too harshly, in a port city there was no chance of that. Sailors tended to be the passionate sort, not unlike... she forgot to introduce herself and ask for his name. In her defense, there were more pressing concerns. Still, while it was still quiet, it was the prime time to ask. Wrapping her coat around her a little tighter to stave off the chill breezes, she turned to her companion and said,

"I have indeed, while it usually doesn't end up quite as spectacular as that, brawls tend to follow where alcohol gathers. I don't believe I caught your name back there, Sir. My name is Surrechis, may I ask for yours?"

She wasn't exactly sure what to make of him, honestly. While his garb suggested performer, his mannerisms and speech told her that he was an adventurous sort. Somewhat like herself, she thought, but much more flamboyant. Still, at least he wasn't the type to join in a brawl. She quite detested those as they usually ended whatever performance she was in the middle of, or forced her to find another, more pleasant inn.

 

Surrechis? That was certainly an interesting name, with a rather harsh sound. Definitely not what Cain would have expected to be attached to a Faerin performer, but then again, not all names had to suit one’s present self. Or maybe it was a stage name, in case she thought he was trying to hit on her? Man…the tall man’s smile became a little bit more awkward as he scratched the back of his neck. That’d be a pretty awkward assumption to make. Nevertheless, the lady asked for his name, and thus, it was his duty to answer. With a bit of a flourish, Cain bowed, removing his hand and placing it over his heart.

“Cain Darlite, at your service,” he said, “I hold many titles, but for now, those are simply ideals to live up to, stories still in the making.”

One ear tilted towards the inn, it was clear that the brawl was still going on from the curses and the shouts that almost rocked the inn itself. Nice to see they were all energetic still. No particularly horrifying moans of pain and death, after all. Surrechis’s own reaction to the brawl was decidedly less friendly, but then again, she was the one that actually had work to get done in the Whaler’s Lament. A slight shrug, before he pushed onwards.

“So, I must ask. What brings you to these parts then, Lady Surrechis? Merely a professional duty assigned to you by yourGuild you’re in? Or are you a journeying minstrel instead, on these roads to hone your craft as I am?"

 

It seems to be a bit of a pattern of people thinking that Surrechis was part of a guild. Was it her age? Perhaps people were not used to someone so young being on their own. Regardless, he was quite close with his second guess. In truth, Surrechis wasn't sure what she was doing. She was wandering the world but still didn't have any sort of idea on any long term goals.

"I am not attached to any of the guilds, Sir Cain, just a wanderer of sorts."

She was silent for a bit, trying to think of something to follow up the statement. Just leaving it there would be preferred but was hardly proper. Especially since Cain had given so much about himself without being prompted.

"I have just recently stopped my explorations in Adecu- I mean Astorea. While it is a nice place, I have some business to attend to in Falderan. It isn't due for a few days however, so I have mainly been taking in the sights and sounds of the land, there are some natural gems if you know how to look for them. If you plan to do the same, I would advise staying out of Brisshal for now. There are... darker things afoot in the region."

The news about the caravan being destroyed brought all sorts of things to the forest in Brisshal. Desperate scavengers, bloodthirsty mercenaries and even rumors of some sort of cannibalistic cult have started to surface. While she doubted the more outlandish claims, there was always a grain of truth in every story. She was staying well away from such business until it died down, no point in ending up dead from curiosity or avarice.

 

A wanderer like himself then, eh? Either she was older than she looked, or simply a precocious child with power to back it up. A good head on her shoulders probably helped with that, didn’t it? If Cain hadn’t seen Surrechis out of the inn, he may easily have been one of the guys still inside, having a merry time punching others. With his inquiry answered and a silence growing between the two, the muse turned his attention back to the shroud of the night instead. It wasn’t a comfortable silence, nor was it an awkward one, and if Surrechis wanted to take her time with word-smithing, that was fine with him. In the distance now, he could hear other voices underscoring the sounds of the brawl. Firelight twinkling down the road, as the town guard made their way over to investigate the disturbance.

Or join in on the fun, perhaps? Who knew how much they drank while on duty?

Those thoughts were cut short when the lavender-haired girl spoke up suddenly, detailing the extent of her travels. Astorea, was it? A newly established kingdom that emerged after players took over a part of Falderan’s territory by force. And the Adecus Forest was where she had been specifically? Cain nodded slightly, doubly pleased that the troll had been slain before she had gone exploring. Another life saved, amongst the many lost in that fight. It was news of Brisshal, however, that caught his attention and imagination the most. News of the dowry-carriage being attacked had reached his ears as well, and the subsequent gold dust clean-up was his work as well. By all rights, the forest should have been safe now.

But the ones who attacked the carriage had used Malefimancy, something that those kobolds should not have had access to. It was correct then, perhaps, to imagine Aden, Ashiore, Eldhi, and himself to have only driven off the evil on the surface, while something darker loomed beneath.

Cain recalled the little girl who made the forest her home, and their terse, but ultimately…’friendly’ encounter at midnight. If those darker influences made themselves known, then she’d be in danger, huh?

Alright, that’s decided then.


“Darker things afoot?” Cain pressed on, eyes narrowing slightly, “I’ve heard of the carriage that was attacked and the gold rush that happened there, but surely that was all? What rumors have you gathered, m’lady?”

 

Surrechis gave a light grimace, she should have known that Cain would have pressed for more details rather than heed her advice. It always was the same, with these type of people. Needing to save the day and protect all that was good in the world. Just like the many songs and plays she had witnessed being performed throughout her travels. There were all sorts of rumors floating around about the gold rush, most unpleasant, as was par for what happened when such a high profile incident occurs

"I can see that your mind is set, but take heed, these are mere rumors. Speculation born from a void of information rather than a result of it. Most of the rumors suspect a bandit raid gone wrong, or a cult of some sort trying to appease their idol with gold. Plausible, but simple theories. What worries me the most however, is the idea that something in the forest itself has awoken again. An ancient, ravenous power is using the gold to lure people into some sort of trap. I would normally dismiss such claims but I met a young man back a while ago, he told me that their expedition came to a halt when they found some human bones with strange markings engraved upon them..."

She let the statement hang, letting Cain gather his own thoughts. No doubt he was thinking of gathering a group of adventurers to lead a little crusade into the forest and get to the bottom of the issue. Well, it was his prerogative to endanger his life. Surrechis would have no part in such endeavours, though she couldn't rightly complain considering the duty ahead of her.

 

The midnight-haired muse caught that grimace, and replied with a helpless smile himself. With life and death being what they were in this world, of course he’d plunge headfirst into danger despite the harm it would bring to himself. No doubt, a lady like her, naturally adverse to conflict, would simply be exasperated at fools such as himself, so eager to toss themselves into the pyre. Almost a shame. A part of Cain wanted to surprise her, to differentiate himself from the rest of the adventurers so willing to risk it all in the pursuit of a rumor, in the realization of an ideal. But, ultimately…

“My mind’s not set, but my curiousity has been piqued, and perhaps that’s a more dangerous condition than a rigid mind,” Cain admitted, knowing that he’d chase after the possibility of a uniquely dangerous situation regardless, “And honestly, the blood of the gods would not be beating so hard within me if I were anything less than a man drawn by the romance of wild rumors and extravagant dangers.”

Almost too naturally, his eyes found themselves drawn by the starscape above, a million twinkling gems encrusted in the fabric of the night. Stars that he would never be able to see in real life. Stars that he will never be able to reach in real life. It was the yearning, wasn’t it? That strange magnetic longing for the unknown and the curious that made travelling incessantly from town to town a hobby instead of a chore. The poison that made his heart beat. The thing that made him excited instead of scared when rumors of human bones with strange markings popped up within a forest. Her stories aligned well, however, with the Kobolds that Cain and his friends had slain within those caves, of course, but on the other hand…

Those bones were found in caves, not within the forest. And for all that they have done, it still did not answer the question of what happened to the caravan to begin with. An ancient, malicious spirit that manifested within the forest, intelligent enough to make multi-part schemes to get what it wanted. A night breeze howled through town, a chill racing up his spine. A feral smile crested his face, a thousand stories and a thousand adventures brewing, scenario upon scenario firing off the countless synapses within his virtual mind.

And then, a sigh.

“I must apologize, Lady Surrechis, for my insensitivity and bullheadedness,” Cain said, a forlorn smile on his face, “Thank you for telling me this, even though you must tire of violent idiots like myself rushing headlong into trouble for the sake of adventure.”

Within the tavern, the brawl was dying down now, nothing remaining but sore bodies and bruised egos. The town guard marched in, brushing past the two muses, before a few of the most battered were carried out, either to the local apothecary or to their own homes. In a town as small as this, a tussle or two was nothing to be overtly concerned about, and within a few minutes, mugs were clinking and beer was sloshing once more. The band members played an inviting, yet hesitant tune, and Cain cleared his own throat, a lighter expression emerging.

“Enough of that sort of talk though, Lady Surrechis. Though we wander for different purposes, for tonight, at least, let’s enjoy the music that we share in common, shall we? The stage may be slick with drink and creaky from disrepair, but will you do me the honor of allowing me to accompany you in a duet?”

For tonight, at least, Cain didn’t mind singing a song that held no power or meaning.

 

Surrechis gave a slight smile ask Cain asked to sing alongside her. It has been quite a while since she had performed with another singer and she didn't really know many songs that would fit but given their surroundings... Well, he probably heard of The Gulls over Yonder a few times if he'd been in Dunnstads for any time more than a few hours.

"Certainly Sir Cain, it would be my pleasure. However, please give me a moment to confirm with the band, although I'm sure they wouldn't mind."

Slipping past the lively crowd and inn residents, she made her way to the band. Exchanging a few quick words and questions, she nodded in statisfaction. The Gulls over Yonder was a classic song in Dunnstads, though mostly recited by drunk sailors rather than performed properly. Well, it was time for a reminder of the song's true glory, even if half of the inn's population was laid out or drunk enough to floor a dragon. Walking over back to Cain, she bade him to follow her on stage and gave him a quick crash course about the song if he didn't know it. As they both stepped on stage and the music began to play, Surrechis felt content. The troubles of future times were due for another day, now it was time for the one thing they had in common, a passion for music and the means to express it.