It wasn’t long later when the door to the tavern opened, bringing with it a rush of cold air. Arilee turned to see a young HIgh Elf standing in the doorway. He had long golden blond hair. A shade darker than Leela’s, and and a soft pale face. He wore a cape of green rich silk, high leather books, and a dashing wide-brimmed hat that matches his cloak. His green piercing eyes scanned the tavern, finding a small stage set up towards the back. He took off his cloak, revealing an ornate wooden lute. Shining runes illuminated its neck

“Oooo I bet that's him.” said Leela. “He’s beautiful.”

As if he heard Leela, his piercing green eyes looked to their table and he chuckled to himself.

The room quieted down as he prepared himself on the stage. A stool was brought out for him to sit on. He gently sat down and began to turn strings and strum lightly as if he was tuning the lute. Each string vibrating a different cover as he plucked it. Arilee felt a calming sense course through her as she listened.

“Welcome everyone. Thank you for joining me today,” he whispered quietly, but the words seemed to easily carry through the room.

He continued to work on his tuning as the tavern grew quieter and quieter. The tuning melody became more complex and a song began to form. The lanterns in the tavern dimmed, seeming to focus on the stage. Arilee felt herself pulled in closer by the music.

Tonight I sing a song to you, of two lovers true

Of Galindinal and Larinlee, a general was one and a witch was she

A song of the flood and the loss of the world

When destiny fled and their fates were twirled

They were abandoned alone, but the light still shone

In the dark they were bright, the stars in the night

But here on the edge, the world ablaze

They stand strong together, their courage unphased

But still - The dark god rises

In the summers of the early trees, the elves danced and played so free

But when the tide came to rest and bear, they turned to run and flee their lair

Amd with sword of fire and heart aflame,

The world was lost but he sought to reclaim

Knowing to his true love he must say goodbye

No more my dove, you must not cry

And when the time came the world held still

A girl stood alone mustering her will

Tears fell down her face, she screamed into the night

And the world cried with her even the Goddess of Light

It continued on for a few more verses. When the song finished, Arilee felt like she was coming back from a far away place, forgetting she was in the crowded tavern.

She looked up at this Master of Song, but strangely, the Bard did not look happy, but concerned. She followed his eyes to the door, but nothing seemed amiss.

There was a tone shift, and the Bard began to play a second tune, but this one was different. It had a similar light melody, but something about it made Arilee want to stand up and leave. She couldn’t explain. She looked around her table and saw her group mates were sharing similar thoughts.

Further scanning the bar, it seemed like everyone was feeling it. One by one, the tables of patrons stood up to leave. Leela nodded to her and Arilee started grabbing her belongings, but a particular chord made Arilee look at the Bard. He was staring right at her and the group. His eyes were telling her to stay. Telling them to stay.

“I don’t like this Arilee. He’s using Songmagic. I can feel it,” said Leela.

“I feel it too, but I think we should stay here.” Arilee whispered to her group. “He wants us to stay.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, trust me.”

As the rest of the patrons filtered out, Arilee and the group stayed and watched anxiously. Helga also seemed to be watching anxiously, but making no moves to leave.

As the door closed behind the last patron, the Bard stopped.

“Now what was that all about?” Helga began angrily.

“Something evil is coming this way. Here. Now.”