The Pig's Foot tavern was a nice place with warm atmosphere. With customers came and go, Merv was sitting at a corner watching his tavern with quiet eyes. The place was noisy just like the last time Ley visited. People came here to have a rest and have a drink at the most popular tavern in Sunberth, if not, the safest. The Symenestra had already heard from Royce about shadier figures coming to the tavern at night. The man had already warned him not to wander around this place at night and he had agreed to do so. After all, he had no wish to be another body in the back alley. Stepping through the door of the tavern, he met the familiar face of Merv. The man smiled back at him after received his cheerful smile. "Still as usual, kiddo?"He asked. "Still as usual." Ley threw his fist at him, grinning from ear to ear. After coming to Sunberth, he had decided to settle down here despite the city's harsh living condition. For now, he had no intention of leaving. Having to get a job to support his life, he decided to become a bard, going around the city with his flute. Happy and contented with the simple and carefree life a bard had, he hummed softly to himself. There was a spot he always chose to sit when he was here. Having sitting down, he took a deep breath and sang the first thing that came to his mind. O' Wind, take me under your wings, so I could be your child Would you take me for a ride? O' Earth, be good and be calm, so I could sit on your lap Would you hide me when it rains? His voice was childish, clear and sweet as honey candy. He did good on high notes, occasionally adding vibrato here and there. Some were turning their head to where he sat with attentive ears, some were smiling, some looked dreamy. They seemed to like what they were listening to. Some of them left their tables and tossed him some coins. O' Fire, lend me your burning strength, so I could fight with my head held high Would you warm me on winter days? O' Water, tell me about your story, so I could learn from you Let me play with you, but please don't let me drown... Ley looked down and tried to gather the coins. When he looked up, he found people surrounding him, some were clapping their hands. And there, in the opposite corner of the tavern, Ley found a pair of familiar glistening eyes. The man worn his black hat that Ley never found him without, with white shirt and dark pants. He's Royce. Royce was smirking with much amusement in his eyes, hands tugging deep in his pocket. He slowly walked toward the boy with confident strides, eyes gluing on Ley. The Ethaefal somehow shined with an ethereal light, drawing eyes wherever he walked. Ley beamed at him and patted the empty place next to him:"Hi Royce..." "Hi Dra-Ley" The Ethaefal smiled back and sat next to him."Doing well?" "Yes..." Ley turned to look at the man, curiously eyeing the hat. He was sure that the man used it to hide his horns."How about you, Royce?" "Never better"The man was smirking again while gently bit his tobacco. |