Please just let me play my flute!

The village was the same as all the others I've been to, save for the temple nestled on the opposite side of where we were. And yet, for some reason, it felt different. Maybe it was because I've been in the forest for so long. Or maybe it was the sight of the local tavern that had me almost bouncing on my feet.

I dragged Alder towards the tavern. He tugged me back slightly. His smile was soft. "Easy, little blossom. You are still injured."

"You'll heal me when we get in there, right? I want to play my flute as soon as possible." I knelt down, letting Flops hop onto my back. She nuzzled into my bag to sleep peacefully.

Stolas opened the door, holding it open. "Can I not drink in peace?"

"There's nothing better than a drink and a song."

"I can think of several things better."

The tavern's warmth flooded out into the cool night. Yellow lanterns and a large fireplace lit up the whole entire establishment. Almost every seat was filled. A smile stretched across my face as I took a deep breath. I could smell the perpetual stew and the stale mead. This was a prime venue. A full house ready for a performance.

Before I could even set down my pack and take out my flute, I was dragged over to the bar counter. I let out a huff as Stolas kept me from walking off. I wanted to play music. It's been ages since I've had a nonanimal audience. Alder placed his hands on the counter and looked for the bartender. A woman with broad shoulders and a messy bun popped up from beneath the counter. She grinned.

"Welcome, travelers! What can I do for you today?"

I smiled back at her. Alder could sense my excitement and patted my head. "Do you know where we can find lodging?"

"Of course!" The bartender took out a large book and slammed it down onto the counter. "We have some rooms available."

Alder took out a coin pouch that was attached to his belt. "We'll take the largest room you have."

"Can I ask where you folks are traveling from?"

"The forest." He answered. 

She tilted her head in confusion. "Yes, but before that?"

Alder mimicked her movement. "We are from Elfil Forest."

Stolas let out a tired sigh as the bartender slowly digested that information. No one truly lived in the forest besides one person. Everyone else passed through it. It wasn't really a sustainable place to live, with all the magical creatures and strange plants. The only person who stayed in the forest was…

"By the Empyrians! You're the Fairy King!"

The tavern immediately went silent at the woman's loud declaration. The silence only lasted a moment before chaos erupted. A whole gaggle of people suddenly came and surrounded Alder. He was pulled into the crowd and bombarded with a whole slew of questions. Stolas tried to use his wings to separate Alder from the crowd. It was amusing, seeing Alder so flustered at the sudden attention. His cheeks were flushed a dark red as he stuttered out some non-answers to any question he could manage.

"Hey, bartender." I said, looking over at her. "I don't think you should let the Fairy King be surrounded like that. He might get angry and curse you."

The lady's eyes widened and she paled. "Really? Oh… I-I didn't mean to-"

"Cahira!" Stolas smacked the back of my head. I winced, rubbing the spot immediately. "The Fairy King won't do that. He just hasn't been around this many people in a long time."

"R-Right! Right, I apologize. I shouldn't have made a big deal of everything." The bartender had color return to her face as she started ushering people away. "Alright, alright! Give the king some space!"

After the initial shock and excitement that the Fairy King wasn't a myth settled down, we had set all of our stuff upstairs in our rented room. Flops had made herself comfortable in one of the beds. We then sat down at a table with bowls of stew and large glasses of mead. A couple of the locals were sitting with us. Despite not getting the chance to play music, I was satisfied with my stomach being full of warm stew. At least, satisfied for now. 

"So you're like his… servant?" One of the locals asked.

Stolas took a big swig of his mead. "Right hand man. Attendant. The raven that keeps everything going."

I snorted. Stolas definitely wasn't enjoying conversing with any of these people. I could tell just from the look in his eyes that he'd rather be somewhere else. Alder, on the other hand, was doing surprisingly well. He was still flushed from the incident earlier, but he was talking with a cordialness befit for a king. He wasn't even drinking like the rest of us. He had settled for a bitter tea that the bartender rarely used.

Alder's shoulders were straight as he listened intently to what one of the town's guards was telling him. "We've only had sightings. Mostly by the kids, so we brushed it off as some harmless lie or them seeing things."

"I am afraid it is no lie. The forest is experiencing a… disease of sorts."

The man's eyebrows furrowed. "Is it harmful?"

"Unfortunately." Alder's eyes filled with that sadness that I saw back in the forest. "We are taking measures to try and keep it contained. I will give you talismen to place at the borders."

"And then after?"

"We are going to Othesh to get the help of the king."

"Is that the kind of thing you need help with?" The bartender was refilling everyone's glasses. "I thought you were one of the most powerful magic users."

Alder shifted uncomfortably. Stolas came to the rescue. "The king deserves to know what is happening. We don't know if it's spread to other parts of the world. It's all just for diplomacy. No need to worry."

That seemed to calm down the group. I took a small sip of my drink, my eyes on Stolas and Alder. Despite not being around others, they spoke as if they knew exactly what to say and when. If one didn't, they'd fill in for the other. Though, I suppose that's what hundreds and thousands of years of life did. It made you prepared. 

"What about you?" Said a ruddy cheeked lady.

"Me?" I pointed to myself.

"Those markings… Northern War Elf? We don't see many of your kind."

I nodded proudly. "Yes, ma'am! I'm the daughter of the patriarch and matriarch."

The woman looked impressed. "Really? So are you traveling with the Fairy King for diplomacy as well?"

Yikes. I felt almost embarrassed to say I was a bard. Stolas and Alder were doing something important and I was just tagging along so I could safely make it to the capital. Talk about lame. Especially for a War Elf. But there was no use in lying about it. If I was going to be a bard, I needed to do it proudly. So I shook my head.

"I met them along my journey. I'm a bard."

This time, she looked surprised. "A bard that's a War Elf? I think that's unheard of."

"She is one of a kind." Alder reached out and patted my head affectionately. 

"Can we hear you play?" Someone else asked.

"Too late!" The bartender plopped down next to the lady. "Performance hours are over, unfortunately."

My shoulders deflated. I tried not to pout. "Of course they are…"

"Aww, don't be sad!" The bartender let out a chuckle. "Never thought I'd be saying that to a War Elf… Anyway, tomorrow is the Day of Supplication. Afterwards, we usually gather here for food, drink, and music. You're more than welcome to join us."

My head whipped up at the chance to perform. "I've never been to any religious meeting… is it really alright?"

"Of course! The more, the merrier!"

I looked over at Alder and Stolas. They weren't looking at me. It seemed they were having yet another silent conversation. Stolas looked annoyed at best while Alder looked uncomfortable. It would be just a little detour in our journey and we have been traveling almost nonstop. Fulfilling my curiosity wouldn't be harmful. It might even be fun.

"We will be happy to join you." Alder spoke, his voice stiff and polite.

"Yay!" I stood up. "I promise you'll love my performance!"

"We promise you'll love the service. Everyone does."