Pleasant Melodies

[Tristan]

Tristan walked down the street in a huff, actually looking for another inn to spend the night at. There was positively no way he'd go back to that place right now. Hmph. Stupid lowlives. He adjusted the hold on the strap for the violin case, once more surveying the area for any other inns. He saw none. A voice called out, and he was just about to turn around to see who was shouting when a pair of hands clamped over his mouth and he was pulled into an alley.

He struggled, but stopped as a dagger was pressed to his throat. Two tall and scruffy-looking men grinned at him, both dressed in the uniform issued for the Corbeau family guard. Nyosik. He paled. One of the men's grin faltered slightly. "Now there, you've given us enough trouble for a while. Don't struggle. Mr Corbeau will pay us less if you die."

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard saw the boy tumble down an alley. He narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth. He had seen hand's around his throat before he had disappeared from sight. The boy was being tracked.

"Valkyrie take flight!" he roared. The golden gems on his boot's sides and soles glowed. He jumped up and, instead of falling back down, floated a good three feet off the ground. With a roar, he tipped forward, speeding through the air towards the alley. As he neared the corner, he slammed the butt of Kharma into the ground and spun around hit, bringing his foot around and into the alley first. He felt it connect with something he figured was taller than the minstrel.

"Glad I was right..." he muttered as he floated above the body of a big and ugly looking man. He stared into the alley, locking eyes with the minstrel. "Everything will be alright my friend," he said softly, a smile crossing his lips.

The thug snarled and laughed. Richard snapped his eyes up and locked them with the thugs. He felt the Valkyrie boots set him down, rejoicing in the groan of pain as he landed on the back off the thug he had kicked in the face. "Let the boy go and you'll only have to deal with the city guards. They're far more forgiving than I am," Richard growled out. He pulled Kharma out of the cobblestones and slammed it back down next to the grounded thug's head. "What will it be?"

The thug hesitated. Richard snarled, but kept his eyes trained on the man: he was wary of the knife to the boy's throat. There was a thin trickle of red coming from the pressure of the blade. The knight tightened his grip on Kharma. When the thug twitched and relaxed the blade, Richard moved.

He charged forward and slammed the butt of Kharma into the shoulder of the man that was above the minstrel's head. The thug stumbled backwards and the knight grabbed the musician.

"Hold on!" he yelled out as his boots glowed and propelled them up into the air above the alley and above a nearby roof.

[Tristan]

He was sure he'd be taken back to Agreia, to that abominable mansion. But it seemed fate had other plans for him, because all of a sudden the guy from the inn flew- yes flew- around the corner, kicking one of the guards in the face. Everything happened really fast, and before long, the guy freed him and they were flying in the air.

Tristan almost dropped the violin case in the process, but managed to grab it in time, instinctively grabbing on to the knight as the ground became increasingly distant. The musician paled further, not too fond of heights. His hat, which had fallen off due to all the action, caught the wind and flew away.

Blue eyes gazed to his savior, looking a little overwhelmed by all this. ".. th-thanks.." he managed to stutter.

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard set the two of them down on a roof and breathed a silent sigh of relief: much higher and the boots would have given out. He did not let go of the boy: he was shaking.

"It was no trouble..." Richard said softly, rubbing small circles into the boy's shoulders. "I simply followed my code. I was concerned when you left the inn. The yocals can tend to be a bit..." he scrunched his nose.

"I am Richard d'Havelin and I am at your disposal sir."

[Tristan]

Tristan let go of the knight almost reluctantly, staring down at the street below wide-eyed. The only thing that kept him from freaking out was Richard's calm voice, and soothing actions. Soon, he managed to collect himself enough to speak, at least.

He glanced to Richard, finally getting a good look of the man. So this was the valkyrie knight he'd been hearing about lately. He looked... really cool. The musician blinked and a faint blush formed o his features when he realized that he was staring. "... I'm Tristan Corbeau." he said quickly, perhaps a bit too quickly. He hadn't intended to add his last name.

Now he hoped intently that the Corbeau family reputation didn't reach this far into Solea. The Corbeaus were, after all, famous for being one of the oldest, most arrogant, and least liked noble families in Agreia.

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard blinked lightly and smiled. "A pleasure to meet toy Mr. Tristan." He stretched and grinned. "I hope ya don't mind me. I'm just gonna stretch out and see what those too goons downstairs do." He grinned and peered over the edge of the building, looking for the thugs. They were struggling further into the alley and towards a different gate of the city.

"They seem to be leaving," he said with a grin. He laughed and sat down crossed-legged, Kharma at his side. "I think it would be best if we hid for a bit before making our way back to the inn." He grinned up at the young man. "So what brought you to Lumiina?"

[Tristan]

The musician almost sighed in relief as it seemed Richard didn't know of the Corbeau family. He didn't want to be associated with people like that, he wasnted to form his own life free from prejudice. And this seemed like a good start...

With a nervous glance to the edge of the roof, he sat down as well. Calmer now, but he still couldn't quite shake off the feeling that the ground was a bit too far down for comfort. Looking to the knight again, he took a deep breath and exhaled, to keep his heart-rate down. Why was he here, anyway? Lumiina didn't hold any more charm than any other city he'd visited so far...

"Well..." he said, his voice a little less shaky this time. ".. I'm traveling because I want to be a famous musician. I.. live for playing the violin. It's the only talent I have, really..." he smiled a bit sheepishly.

[Richard d'Havelin]

"I highly doubt that!" Richard said with a grin. "But even if it is, what a fine talent! It is wonderful ya know, to do something that brings joy to everyone." He laughed lightly. "We knights strive for that ya know. Seeing people smile." He grinned and patted the boy's knees.

"You're nervous aren't you?" Richard asked, eying the boy carefully. "If you need terra firma, I think it should be safe to float down now." He grinned. "And I wouldn't want to keep you here with a stuffy old knight or away from your fans!"

[Tristan]

Tristan smiled at the compliments, a little of his calmer self shining through now. The part of him that looked serene as the stroke danced over the strings. He shifted slightly in his position, holding his arms slightly since the air was turning chillier rapidly, the sun well on its way down.

At the mention of going down though, he nodded. "I'd appreciate that. I don't really like heights..." He glanced towards the edge of the roof again, frowning slightly. He certainly did not look forward to flying again, even if the knight was kind and safe. No, he preferred his feet firmly placed on the ground. Preferably away from edges of any kind.

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard smiled embarrassedly. "I apologize for bringing you up here without regards for your well being," he replied, standing slowly. He picked up Kharma and twirled her slowly before flipping the spear over his shoulder: he heard the distinct click as the spear locked into the clamps on his back and waist. He bent down and picked up Tristan bridal style, making sure the boy had his violin case.

"Hold on tight," he whispered into the boy's ear. The boots glowed gold and he lifted the two off of the roof slowly. He gently glided along, floating downwards as fast as the boots would allow. "I think I lost your had as well," he said softly, doing his best to distract the boy. "Can I purchase you another?"

[Tristan]

Tristan's heart pounded, and it wasn't just because of the altitude. Being carried down like that was extremely embarrassing, and did nothing to alleviate the blush. He knew Richard was just trying to be nice and comfort him, but...

He chose to grasp the knight's shirt rather than do something even more embarrassing, like putting an arm round his neck, staring at his hand to avoid looking down, and hoping his savior didn't notice how flustered he was about now. And it definately was not because he thought Richard was cool.

"Don't worry about my hat.. I just used it for collecting tips anyway.. I can use the violin case for that..." he half-mumbled.

[Richard d'Havelin]

"But I insist," Richard all but pouted. "It was a grievous mistake on my part and I wish to right the wrong." He landed lightly and set Tristan down, keeping a hand on the small of the boy's back to help his balance. "Are you alright Mr. Tristan?" the knight asked lightly, concern showing on his face.

"I did not descend to fast did I? Or was it not fast enough?" He was getting flustered: here was a boy that was affecting him far more than he thought he could be affected. He was eager to please. "In more ways than one," Richard thought to himself: he was trying to repress those thoughts. He fretted over the young man.

"I feel horrid for adding to your unease..." he mumbled.

[Tristan]

"No, really.. its okay." he frowned slightly, not sure what kind of expression to put on. Nothing would hide the blush, anyway. "I'm... just not used to flying.. and you don't need to buy me a new hat. It wasn't expensive or anything."

Turning away from Richard, towards the way they came from, his gaze surveyed the street uneasily, trailing the cracks between the cobbles. "... It's getting dark pretty fast. We should probably go back to the inn." Even though he hated the fact that those drunks were likely still there, ready to laugh at him.

But at least he'd have another chance to perform.. maybe. And that always made him think of other things than what was on his mind.

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard nodded his consent. "After you My good sir." He smiled and and followed behind Tristan, pulling Kharma from the clamps on his back to rest the spear over his shoulder. He tried to watch the meager people on the streets for any sign of trouble, but he found himself more pleasantly distracted. He watched Tristan move: he was still a boy in so many ways. The knight shook his head and sighed.

"Don't let the townsfolk get to you Tristan," he said just loud enough for the encouragement to reach the musicians ears. "They tend to laugh at brilliance and things that don't...ah...mesh with their own views."

[Tristan]

He couldn't help but feel a slight unease tingle in his gut with the knight walking behind him. At least it was a good guy following behind him this time, instead of those creepy family guards. They always threw lewd glances at the maids back home.. or anything else they deemed look-worthy.

The musician glanced back briefly at Richard as he spoke, then looked forward again, somewhat ashamed now by his earlier heated reply to the drunk. I really need to watch my temper in the future.. You never know when someone might decide I'm a little too annoying... "You're right," he said, almost to himself. "I probably overreacted, going off like that." But they still insulted me and my music, he added mentally, as they neared the inn.

[Kasumi]

The sky darkened as the cloaked figure emerged from the border shadows that surround the somewhat lit town. Few clouds of smoke leaving the hood. Turning every-time a person passes by, and listening to they' re conversation. Man, why do I always have the bad luck...This town is live-less, there are no fights! thought Kasumi. Tilting her head as if 100 pound weights fell on her head shocking a few people. Passing through the town a couple of the people were restless. Pounding on their door so their daughter or son lets them in, blurting out threats of upmost importance telling them they will lose something they love if they don't let them in. Some were drinking wine in some restaurants, flirting with there date, who later slapped them as he offended her after a few sips of wine. Kasumi licked her teeth as thirst grow over her lingering near some shops and deli's. Wandering aimlessly for some were to stay and wash her clothes, from the weeks before of travel from Pisce. When passing some building, Kasumi heard some moans coming from a local inn. "I wish the music will start back up soon it was really good." One lady moaned.
"if it wasn't for those Hadsas, we would be listening to those wonderful tunes." One lady spatted. Some were wide eyed after hearing what the other human said. However, Basically that was true. Kasumi walked passed the humans that were chatting their-selves with moans and groans of their what they call it " a disaster", and head toward the inn keeper. Surround by humans and drunkards alike, the smell was horrible. Kasumi bringer her arm up to dwindle the smell as she tried to find the front desk. "Man, yeah this is an inn, but don't they have ventilation, It reeks of human sweat and drunken breath." Screamed Kasumi into her head passing some drunk folks. "Now i know I would never in my live the tale as a janitor, Nyosik!" Finally reaching the desk and the guy, people was was the Inn Keeper. "Can I have a room plz, and have some tokens for the washer n' dryer" Putting her hand on the table. "Um, I'll I need is your name and one week stay is....and for 1 or two days is... (what ever the amount)" the Inn keeper replied. "Kasumi, and I'll be staying here for about..I guess...A week." Said kasumi giving the money to the guy and taking the key, and tokens.(money, slip, whatever.) Kasumi put her key into her pocket and sat a couple seats away from the crowd, were some avoided so there was no push or shove, just a empty space were anyone can see the person that just walked in ,and sat down. "At least there is a pub."sighed Kasumi lifting up a hand asking the bartender for a drink. What would you like to have?" Wavered the nervous human. "I'll like some gin." Replied Kasumi to the human, leaving a slight pause, until the Human gathered everything and poured a glass of gin. "Thanks." Leaving some coins, without a doubt the human picked them up and nodded, slumping away. "At least the gin tastes good." Kasumi thought, while sipping some gin every minute or so. So, the taste won't go away. "I wonder what they were talking about the music, it seems as if no one was playing. Everyone is just chattering" Turning back to face the liquor bottles, paying no attention to the background chatter.

[Baqi]

Baqi nodded, watching, a little sadly as the blonde musician stormed out of the inn, and the knight - Richard - trailed after him. It was a pity about those drunks, as that had been the best music he'd heard in a long time. He clutched the key that the knight had given him tightly, and glanced down at the little elf - because, he supposed, he didn't really mind keeping him company.

"Well... Amarante, wasn't it? That was a little easier than we thought it would be, wasn't it?" Baqi gave him a smile and motioned to the keys in their hands. "...Pity about that violinist though, wasn't it? ...Some people are so... Stupid." Considering how jumpy Amarante seemed to be around the more rowdy members of the public, Baqi thought that he'd probably agree with him, rather than be offended.

"So I guess we're... Sharing a room? With that knight - Mr. d'Havelin, as well, I presume."

[Amarante]

"Ye-yes." Amarante nodded to Baqi in agreement. "People can be...unkind and yes, I suppose we are rooming together tonight..." He risked a glance up at Baqi and a small smile. "I hope...you don't mind that?" He flushed a little and looked down, a small yawn ecaping him.

He really should be heading off to bed now...He had a rather long day ahead of him tomorrow, as he was heading off once more and he had already had a long day today. "I...I'm heading up to bed so if you want you can come with me...or you don't have to! I don't...I mean...Oh dear." He blushed, a little embarrassed. "I'm sorry. You...err...Goodnight!" And he gave a small bow to Baqi.

[Richard d'Havelin]

Richard chuckled as he watched Tristan walk back into the inn. The poor boy still looked shaken. But at least he was going back to the stool, going back to the music. He shook his head, placed Kharma back by the door, and saddled up to the bar.

"Artists can be such trouble to wrangle," the knight sight dramatically as he clapped a hand to Baqi and Amarante's shoulders. "You have to stoke their ego so much." He winked at the two before grabbing a glass of ale. He eyed the new cloaked arrival at the bar lightly and shook his head. Cloaks were really in style.

"Let's hear some music!" he called out from behind his mug, winking again at his two roommates. "We want to be entertained!"

[Tristan]

Tristan was relieved to see that most of the drunks were under the table by now, and the others not really caring for anyone coming in through the door. The musician quickly made his way back to his spot, smiling slightly as he noticed no one had claimed it.

He nodded to the innkeeper to show that the deal still stood, and hoisted himself up on the counter like before. And just as he did that, Richard called over the crowd for entertainment. Smiling softly to himself, the musician once more plucked the violin from the case, and put the bow to the strings.

The inn went still for a moment, an expectant silence spread. Eyes closed, Tristan started playing again. This time, it was a piece he'd written himself. A soft, dreamy tune that was sure to make people want to stay for another drink.