The party makes camp among the trees outside Rostrum. Through breaks in the branches, the city walls rise pale against the evening sky, while Traver rests beneath the healer’s care near the wagons.
Belron sits with his back against a broad tree, close enough to hear Alena’s quiet movements and the patrol captain’s preparations for the night.
Ezuri
Make room, handsome. A ranger’s performance deserves the finest seat in camp.
Ezuri settles onto Belron’s lap with deliberate ease. She draws a small wooden flute from her cloak, her green eyes flicking toward Alena as she adjusts her position.
Ezuri
I could play something gentle for you, Belron. Unless you would rather hear a song about beautiful elves who know exactly how to hold an audience.
Alena pauses beside the nearest wagon, one hand resting on its covered side. Her expression remains composed, but her attention fixes unmistakably on Ezuri and the flute.
Alena Knight
That sounds like a very selective audience, Ezuri. Belron, would you like to hear her song?
“"I would rather hear you play a song Alena."”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +0)
Belron Valerion
I would rather hear you play a song, Alena.
The request lands softly, but it shifts the camp’s attention. Ezuri’s smile falters, while Alena’s fingers tighten around the wagon’s covered side.
Alena Knight
Me? I have no flute, Belron, and I am hardly a performer. But I can sing, if that is truly what you would rather hear.
Ezuri
How touching. I offer an instrument, and he asks for Alena instead. Very well, I shall remember where my music ranks.
Alena accepts the invitation and settles near the fire, though Ezuri’s pointed retreat leaves her visibly conscious of the choice. The patrol captain watches with narrowed eyes.
Alena Knight
Then listen closely. It is an old Rostrum lullaby, one Traver used to mock whenever I sang it badly.
Alena begins in a quiet, clear voice. The melody gathers around the camp, gentle enough to soothe the horses, while the captain’s distrust adds a new price to Belron’s public preference.
“Belron is captivated by Alena's singing. It is beautiful. His heart skips a beat.”
Alena’s voice rises gently through the evening camp, clear and warm beneath the darkening branches. The melody carries something tender that quiets even the nearby horses.
Belron remains still beneath the tree, captivated by the beauty of her singing. Firelight touches Alena’s face as each note settles deeply within him.
Belron Valerion
My heart skips a beat.
Ezuri
Well, handsome, you look as though Alena has cast a spell without lifting a finger.
Ezuri’s teasing draws a faint smile from Alena, though she keeps singing. Her voice grows steadier, carrying the old lullaby toward its gentle refrain.
When the final note fades, the camp holds its silence for a breath. Alena lowers her gaze, modestly accepting the quiet admiration gathered around her.
✓ Quest Accepted
Deepen trust with Alena
“"That was beautiful Alena."”
SUCCESS (Fair Persuasion, rolled +2)
Belron Valerion
That was beautiful, Alena.
The compliment settles into the hush after her song. Alena lifts her gaze, and the warmth in her expression makes the quiet feel welcoming rather than empty.
Alena Knight
Thank you, Belron. I was afraid my voice would seem childish after everything we have endured, but hearing you say that makes me glad I sang.
Her smile grows more confident. She shifts nearer to him, still holding the last note in memory, while the surrounding camp resumes its subdued evening rhythm.
Ezuri
Careful, handsome. Praise her too sweetly and she may decide you deserve a private encore.
Alena Knight
Perhaps he does. Though if I sing again, Ezuri, you may sit quietly and let someone else have the audience.
Ezuri raises her hands in exaggerated surrender, amusement bright in her green eyes. Alena remains beside Belron, pleased by his compliment and no longer hiding it.
Quest Complete
Deepen trust with Alena
Skill Upgrade: Persuasion Fair→Good
