The lady of the lyre

That evening, Cielo decided to visit a tavern for some real food since she now had money as well as trying to come up with a plan to find the elf. She took off her hood, revealing her long ponytail. As she entered, the music hit her like a slap. And not just any music, no. This voice. Could she be that lucky?

Stading on one of the tables was her, lyre in hand. Other musicians had gathered around as well, all playing together. But Cielo only watched the woman, the fake flowers on her dress making it seem like she was in the middle of a field as she spun around with the graze of a feather. The only interruption was the slit on the dress’s right side.

It was her, no doubt. Those brown curls had shortened from knee- to shoulder length, but Cielo would recognize this voice any time, no matter all those years she had tried to forget it. And this song. It brought back memories of times long passed. All those nights the two women, teenagers back then, had spent stargazing, the elf singing to her. Or when they had sneaked into the village, dancing the night away or sharing old stories. It had been so good, so sweet. Until it had been put to a harsh end. A smirk crept up Cielo’s face. So, we meet again, Aeria.

The crowd applauded and the musicians gave their final bow before attending to their own needs for food and drinks. That’s when Cielo saw Aeria come over to the bar. It was now or never.

“A marvelous performance”, she complimented as she stood next to the elf.

When the lady of the lyre turned to look at her, Cielo almost gasped. How had she have forgotten those eyes that sparkled like liquid moonlight in the tavern’s light. The elf’s smile seemed to freeze, but she caught herself quickly, appreciating the compliment. When Cielo asked to sit down next to her, the musician agreed even though she was hesitant at first.

“I know this might sound like a pick-up line, but have we meet before”, the elf asked, which Cielo denied. She wouldn’t forget such a voice, the human said.

The brown haired apologized, stretching out her hand for Cielo to take. “I’m Ria, pleased to meet you.” Cielo accepted the gesture, introducing herself while taking note about the name change. So the two women then ordered a round of drinks, starting to talk. About what brought them into town, both saying they were here for work while traveling, making Cielo ask Ria where she was headed, to which the elf replied that she was going “here and there”.

“My favorite direction”, Cielo smirked as the two women laughed.

As they continued to share stories of where they had been Cielo was impressed. She had never seen the princess as the traveling type, jet here she was. So, after some more time, Cielo took a breath, deciding to be bold.

“So, you seem cool. How about we travel together for a while?”

Ria blinked a few times, before she smiled. “Sure, it’ll be fun.”