Night of honoration and respect

It was getting late already as he made his way through the streets of Archeon. His black hood was placed around his head. Carefully making sure it wouldn’t fall off his head.  He had taken two of his guards with him this time. But, this time their clothing was different. They wore they own casual clothes same for Larethian. Only this time it was carefully wrapped behind a black hood. He loved to be in the city. Surrounding himself with the busy and crowded life that he once knew as a guard. He missed it, sometimes and that was also the reason why he decided to leave the castle for a while and enter the Desert Blossom Inn. It was one of the largest Inns this town had to offer. The keeper behind the bar knew him very well so he was used to his ‘dark’ appearance. The companions placed the horses in the stable and the three of them made their way inside. It was getting crowded by the time they arrived and the music was playing loud. Several women and men where already enjoying their time together and a lot of drinks already had been spilled. Although this was a city of gold, the golden liquid of ale, whiskey and perhaps even wine would be spilled her often.

His long legs had taken him to a small table in the back of the inn. Where he could see the bar, and oversee most of the inn as well. He places his hood somewhat back but he keeps his eyes still in the shades of the black fabric. He nods towards one of his guards who had placed himself behind the bar and orders a few drinks. The other guard had positioned himself on another table and kept an eye out on Larethian. Not that he needed it anyway. Most of the people that came here wanted to get a night out off their daily work and business. And he could not blame them for that. The guard places the drinks on Larethian’s table and picks it up without any conceit. Letting the gold fluid run down his veins. A few other glasses where emptied as well by the time another Bard made his way on stage. Larethians interest was instantly triggered by the appearance of the man. He was handsome. Had a perfect shape face and the way he sat down on the stool with everyone surrounding him he could not help but smirk a little. Within seconds the sound of the lute filled the air with the most beautiful sounds. the man’s voice was soft and everyone was staring at him with the most interest anyone could give. Same could be said of Larethian. He had his glass in one hand and the other one was supporting his chin. He heard the words which where perfectly chosen one by one. Making him realise this song was about him only gave fuel to his pride. And pride was something he could easily take advantage off. As the song came to an end his lips curled up. For a few seconds there was a silence in the room. But as people started clapping Larethian placed the glass on the table and claps his hands for a few times. He knew one thing for sure. That guy would be his, and his alone tonight.

Larethian could always appreciate it if someone could play an instrument well. He himself had never had the honour to play on any instruments. So he did not mind to listen all evening to a person who could play and even sing pretty wel. Perhaps that boy could teach him some lessons, that would be quite ironic. Everyone was staring in awe when the boy started playing and letting his voice fill the room with the most beautiful sounds. Every word and every note was carefully written down in the air and even the people who where already too drunk to function where listening to the melodies the boy made. And as the song was finished there was a short moment of silence before most of the people started clapping and even Larethian was amongst them. Even if it were just a few claps he certainly enjoyed the minutes the boy was playing. He eventually thanked his crowd and announced the other musicians. And as the little play went on Larethian picked up the glass again and took a few sips. Only to see that the boy was heading down the stage towards the table where he was sitting on. He made a gesture to sit down when one of his guards wanted to interfere but Larethian raised his hand and with that he told him that it was fine. Do, sit down boy. his voice suddenly sounded way too warm for what was used of him. He pulls the hood off is face so his blue eyes where fully exposed now and takes a good view to look at the man. His lips curled up in a slight grin. You certainly know how to silence a crowd. he pointed out. Can I order you something to drink? ’he asked without blinking. Trying to imagine what it looked like to be on a stage performing without getting a crave for a drink. Perhaps it would be a relief, or exciting. He didn't know. The only thing he did knew was that he wanted to know every little detail about this person. He wanted to search every inch of his thoughts.

The rest of the people in the tavern already seemed to have continued their own activities once the musician had stopped singing an had left the stage. The next musician was already called on stage and tried to entertain the crow as much as this stranger did the past few minutes. But he or she seemed to have quite a hard time with that. As Larethian heard some men scream and yelling that they wanted the next singer on stage. And he grins amusingly as the singer tried to continue it’s song, barely managing to keep her voice as good as possible. Maybe he should go here more often. Probably half the people in this tavern where too drunk to function normally and the other half where travellers who did not recognise his face anyway. And for Larethian, for Larethian it was a good distraction from his daily duties and work. And distraction was something his mind needed sometimes to stay focussed. And right now the distraction that could entertain him for the night was right in front of him. In the form of a handsome young gentleman. With far more mysterious eyes than he had seen on any man yet.  

His head was slightly tilted to the left and he had to raise his gaze a bit to look the handsome musician who had just appeared at his table in his eyes. The man surely had left a noticeable interest on Larethian and as he offered him a chair and asked if he wanted something to drink, Lareth showed a pleasurable grin. You have a fine taste he points out. Which was more of a truth than an actual statement. Well, I will make sure you get the best champagne we have here in Archeon. Larethian pulls his gaze for a moment away from the stranger and places them on his guard. Which immediately knew what he would have to do. The man stood up and Lareth pulls his face back towards the man while he leaned back onto the table. I appreciate your toasting, but let’s try to be a bit more reserved tonight. he grins slowly at him while his blue eyes light up. The last thing he wanted was to have some drunk people around his table. After all he still was here for his distraction but not that much of a distraction.

After a short nod of silence the guard came back with two glasses filled with the most beautiful golden colors. Depending on how the light broke on the surface of the drink, the colour changed from a dark and deep ember to a light, almost honey like gold. Since you seem to know my name, I am also interested in knowing yours. He picks the glass up on the shaft with his fingers and raises it slowly. As he waited for the mans response and toast.

Paying close attention as to how he reacted to him, he noted that he was lighting up. Whether it was from the environment they where in, his perfect performance on stage earlier this evening, or their little conversation including the best champagne this tavern had to offer. Larethian didn’t knew if the pleasing attitude from the man in front of him came because of all these things or that he was just a youthful and playful character. But, he had to be honest. That it triggered his attention and interest more than he probably wanted. He was often seen as stoic and cold. But Larethian would not consider himself to be an evil man, and from day to day he would never harm other beings on purpose. Nevertheless his mind was stormy and unpredictable - and being in his company could turn out a treacherous place to be.

The introduction was rather formal as the man introduced himself as Silvian. And when Silvian told him he was honoured to sit on the same table he grins slowly. He was always able to leave a certain impression behind where he came. But most of the time that was because he’s a king and people knew his face, name and status. Not that his looks where so subtle. He was big, imposing, arrogant and terribly vain. And most of the time people are always struggling to determine who’s side Larethian is really on. Because when he is on his best he is very hard to read. And when he is on his worst … well, let’s not talk about that.

The honor is all mine, Silvian. he pointed out as the grin faded from his face and he leaned back onto the chair.

The glasses where filled with the golden liquid and they both had raised the glass and he hears the little toast Silvian was giving away. He had to be fair about it; the man knew how to be good with his words. And he loved it. Perhaps some deep conversations could flow from this small meeting.  This was already turning into a lovely evening. The smile on Silvian’s face made him realise how perfect he really was. From the talking to the singing to his behaviour. He had it all. To you.” He raises the glass of Champagne towards Silvian and made a small ’bow’ with his head. He showed him a half-smile, his eyes briefly lighting up with an ocean of blue sparks. His stormy soul roughly hidden behind the veil of darkness he was holding.

As the liquid has reached his lips and found it’s way down he slowly closed his eyes to led the alcohol do it’s job. But it did not take long until the sea of blue stars was opened again and he finds the eyes of Silvian again. Leaning a bit forward he moves his lips again, ready to dash another question towards him. Tell me, Silvian. From who did you stole that angelic voice? he grins as he let his fingers glide over the crystal of the glass.

It for sure was not a night like any others. Normally he would retire himself to his private quarters where he would relax for a bit. With or without his wife. It fully depends on if she was busy or not. Most of the time he would just relax, read a book, practice with any kind of weapons or anything else he could find to do besides ruling. But this night he had chosen to take another path. And right now, he enjoyed it. He enjoyed being away from court for some hours and still knowing that he was within reach. Only one alarm signal would ring and he was the one to jump on his horse and return to the castle again. But right now everything went well. And the city seemed to be at ease. The only thing that betrayed that there was life in this city was the noise inside the tavern. Where he had placed himself on a chair and heard some angelic voices sing. But there had been one voice that had triggered his senses, his interest. Which could not be triggered so easily.

And here he was, Silvian. sitting in from of him. with all his nervousness and enthusiasm showing. Larethian had placed himself a little forward and his intense blue sparks gazed into the one of the man. He asked him where he stole that angelic voice from and let his fingers slide over the crystal glass as he pointed it out. It could have been a statement as well as an question. But it was Silvian his turn to answer it. And answers came soon enough. For the man in front of him seemed to have his answer already written out. And as he spoke slowly a little hint of pleasure could been written from his face. Well that’s rather odd. he pointed out a little dull as he did not really believe in imaginary creatures. But before he could finish his sentence he got interrupted and the man told him he had to write things down. With a frown on his face Laretian tilted his gaze a bit up as he tried to see what the man was writing. But as the notebook was put down again his eyes went from the paper towards silvians face again.

The man wanted to know more about him, but he didn’t knew if he wanted to give him any information about himself already. It’s though. he answers him abruptly as his fingers where folded around the handle of the glass again only to take another sip form the champagne.

He could not help it but still wondering what he was scribbling down in the notebook. He seemed rather driven with his ‘duties’ he was writing there. It could be plans, plans against the crown. although he did not seem as a deserter. So perhaps that was not the case. But what else was it then. He lifts his head some more and frowns his brows. You seem to have a rather large ‘fantasy’ on paper. he points at the notebook that was placed before him. Something I lack he spoke slowly as his eyes trailed from the book towards silvains eyes again. Perhaps… You could show me how you do it. Larethian moves his body forward and let his arms rest on the table as he gazes deeply into Silvain’s eyes. His hands where still placed around the glass of champagne.  He was so tempted to empty it, but his mind had to stay clear enough not to lose any focus. Something he needed tonight.

His hands where trembling slightly and he finally decides to pick up the glass and empties it. Letting the alcohol do his work again. And perhaps, he would get some inspiration out off it. Seems like he needed it tonight. The glass was placed in front of him again as his eyes trailed towards the bottle with champagne. He reaches for it and fills another glass for himself and fills the glass of silvain also. You loved our meeting hmm..? he slowly speaks out loud as the bottle found its way on the table again and Larethian pointed his focus on Sil again. Well it is good that you seem to appreciate everything that is happening. And your songs sound beautifully. But what if I told you. That my purpose in this tavern is something dark and taunting. he pauses his lips for a while as a soft smirk was placed on his lips. What kind of song would you sing about a dark night at the tavern with a king who has something on his sleeve. his eyes light up as his voice died within the noise of the tavern. Waiting for what the man has to say.

While still wondering what Sylvian was writing on his paper he was glad to explain it to him. Something he would not have imagined. An artist who gives away his secrets. Perhaps a rather useful artist. Larethian nods slowly as Silvian explains to him how he writes down his points of interest. And for a moment Larethian wondered if even he, (when he scribbled down his interests about Silvian,) could write a song. Sil summed up all the typical words that could be described for Larethian and went on to the next step. Finding the right melody. Something that was not easily done. He nods again. Making sure to keep his full interest in the mesmerising eyes of the man in front of him. It triggered him. The bard, the songs, the words. The next point was the message the song had to give to people and he could not agree on it better. Messages in songs were probably the most important things. Without a message it would just be words, sung by a pretty boy or lady.

And again he seemed to sum up some words that seemed to make no sense to Larethian at all. But in the end, the boy in front of him was the artist. So he had to flow along on his weary path of words and fantasies. And at last he simply point out as if it was nothing that the words just come to him making the slightest changes when he wasn’t satisfied enough. Something that seemed rather odd to him at first. But as he started thinking about it it seemed to make more sense. And then. Out off the blue the small song started to light up the space around them. And all the king could do was to see the boy move, sing and act. mesmerising, truly mesmerising.

What felt like hours were only a few seconds of singing before the noises of the people around them started to fill the space again. Larethian tilts his head a bit and breathes out. You have a gift, a talent. he compliments him again as his gaze was lifted up a bit and he repositioned his hands and let them lean on his legs. What if I asked you, to help me. he asked him a little unclear at first. and as he blinks with his blue gaze he scrapes his throat. I’d like you to help me scribble something down. Just as you did right now. he finally bashes back at the man. Surely he would regret it. But right now his mind did not noticed that. Not yet.