A harsh lute chord scrapes across the tavern’s warm rhythm. Conversation stutters. From the press of bodies, a woman in travel-worn green steps forward, her fingers stilling on the strings as she sizes up Gutty Greenspot and the room she has almost lost.
The Bard
Well. That is a hard act to follow.
The Guard Captain keeps his half-formed dance step, amused but watchful. The Tavern Owner glances between the two performers, his purse hand forgotten at his belt.
The Bard
I am Elowen of Caer Syllin. Let me have one verse, green one, and I will not sour your fine crowd.
Gutty Greenspot
...
Gutty’s pause only draws more eyes. Elowen lifts her lute again, not quite a challenge, not quite a bow, waiting to see whether she is welcomed, ignored, or beaten at her own craft.
✓ Quest Accepted
Incorporate Elowen into the performance
+ New Item Acquired
lute
“Gutty happily welcomes Elowen to play along with her dance.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Belly Dancing, rolled -2)
Gutty answers with a bright sweep of hip and hand, inviting Elowen into the rhythm instead of contest. The circle loosens at once, the challenge turning into a shared beat.
Gutty Greenspot
Come on, then. Sing with me.
Elowen
Hah. Gladly.
Elowen steps in beside Gutty, lute angled high as her fingers find a cleaner, faster verse. The crowd answers with cheers and mug knocks, the tavern’s mood stitching itself around both performers.
The Guard Captain
That’s the way of it, then. Better music than trouble.
Gutty’s turn carries the pair through the chorus, but the effort costs her a slick bead of sweat and a sharp sting in her side from the hard twist she makes to keep the tempo.
Elowen
You’ve got the room, green one. I’ll meet you there.
The bard grins despite herself, and the captain starts tapping along again, the edge gone from his posture.
Quest Complete
Incorporate Elowen into the performance