I am called ‘Bard’, it’s a name I had to give to myself, since I had no real name before it. It suits me to perfection as I hear song and see beauty all around me, especially the fairer sex. Though,whatever exquisite treasures I meet, all pale in comparison to my traveling companion; I affectionately call her by many names; ‘Rare Wonder’, ‘Tall Swordswoman’...

“Bard...are you scribing now?”

“Ah, my Vision in Armor, when the muse strikes I must obey, for I am but a servant to her fickle call.”

She sighs, “This was your idea to come out to this gods forsaken...scorching...” She began mumbling under her breath. Clad in mostly armor she shifted some pieces about, but it gave no relief. “Look, Bard, I just ask that you wait until after our quest to begin your writings...I want to get out of this sweltering heat before I melt into the earth.”

Bard nodded and only after her back was turned did he wear a devilish grin. “Of course my High Vision.” To be truthful, I took this quest for reasons other than the posted reward… “Let me help ease your burden, my Tempered Swordswoman.”

She looked down at him as he matched his pace to hers, “No, I am fine, let us  get this over with and head to Aonani’s temple. Were we that strapped for silver?” She had a habit of talking to herself out loud, but Bard and she had traveled together for a while now and he was able to tell when he was part of her conversation.

“You look very sultry in that armor, why not relieve yourself of some. Come, let us stop in the clearing up ahead.”

To say she was hot was an understatement; miserable and dishumoured, she wanted none of his antics, but ,self aware, she chose not to respond. The unbearable heat made her normally sharp mind fuzzy and she was unaware of Bard’s ulterior motives.

I have not lied to my Towering Maiden, I simply neglected to mention the most desirable aspect of this adventure. His grin widened as he thought to himself. This mountain is known for its natural hot springs, and what a perfect place to woo my Coy Companion.

“Bard!” She huffed, leaned against her sword, which she begrudgingly used to carve a path in the untamed woods.

He stopped in his tracks, his smile replaced with a less ominous one. “Yes, we are headed on the correct path, just a little farther yet.”

Again, she sighed, annoyed with the bugs and heat; she much preferred cooler weather. Briefly she closed her eyes for a moment’s rest, but the sweat trickling down her back and chest made her cringe inwardly.

“All jest aside, you should remove some armor lest you faint from heat exhaustion.”

She cast her eyes downward, “And what if we are attacked, ambushed?”

Bard wagged his finger in the air and brought his hand gracefully to his pointed ear, “My keen sense of hearing would warn us well before any attacker befelled us.”

She rolled her eyes, it seemed he had a ‘solution’ for everything, but she learned to ignore his seemingly impregnable optimism. Mostly. It wasn’t even midday yet, soon the heat would be even more unbearable.

“Maybe you...are right…” not a phrase she was keen on saying out loud. “Let us reach that clearing of yours and, if all is well, I’ll lighten my load for a time.”

His eyes sparkled, “Yes, let’s continue forward!” He moved quickly and before she knew it was out of sight. She was briefly jealous of his small stature, as he could easily weave in between the branches and brush that burdened her.

I am part Gnome, part Elf. I’m not sure which traits I inherited from which lineage, as I never had parents to ask. From my travels I now understand that I take mostly after my Gnome heritage, but I have yet to unmask all my Elf traits. I have a very special gift, I think. I can hear the heart’s song. Every living thing has a song, some are stronger than others, some are melodious or haunting - not without beauty, but some are full of dissonance. If I never see a person’s face I could still tell them by their song.

He turned to Aeron, who was hacking her way towards him.

My Tempered Swordswoman holds many secrets, all of which I desire to unravel. Her song spoke to me, but not in a pleasant way. Of all I met there is only one other who’s heart song is more unsettling. My Tall Fighter’s heart has a strange dissonance, missing notes...I wish to help her, to soothe her if I can. I have faith that my song can quell the most jarring of hearts, but I also fear time is running low.

Lost in his own thoughts, Bard unceremoniously strolled into the clearing and nearly walked right out.

“He, hey! Is this not it?” Aeron heaved under shade.

Bard spun around wearing a huge smile, “But of course! I was simply scoping the surroundings. All is well, let us rest for a bit, perhaps have a meal?” He already had his pack on the ground and was preparing a small picnic.

Aeron dropped her gear with a thud, but carefully leaned her sword against a boulder. Piece by piece she removed her leather armor until she was free of it all; still covered by long sleeves and pants, but cooler than before. She paced back and forth while attempting to air out her shirt.

“Come, sit, eat with me.” Bard lay on the blanket, enticing her with his eyes. Trying, at least.

She looked to the sky and off into the distance before sitting with Bard for a short meal. Pleased, he sat up and took up his lute, but before he could play she interrupted him.

“I thought we were eating together?”

“Admittedly I snacked all the way here, this meal is for you to enjoy after a hard morning’s work.”

She shrugged and began to eat, Bard was surprising skilled with his culinary creations. As she ate he serenaded her with a song meant to uplift spirits and renew energy. For all she could tell it worked as she became more and more pleasant as the meal came to a close. After he was finished she felt refreshed and uncharacteristically inquisitive.

“Different chord today? It was nice,” She looked towards the mountain - their goal. “Are you still working on your ‘masterpiece’?”

Bard smiled, pleased that she inquired, “Yes, my ‘Magnum Opus’ is nearly complete...but it has been a long and arduous passion. It must be perfect”

Rarely did she see Bard’s melancholy side. “I’d love to hear it when it’s done.”

He was glad for her interest, but alas, “My Tanned Beauty, I would do anything for you, but that song is meant for one and only one.”

Aeron nodded, still chewing, “The one who saved you.”

Bard stood with one hand in the air and the other caressing his instrument. “Imprisoned for uncountable moons I had none but myself to speak. Then, in a flash of glory, on that fateful night did a creature of no compare turn asunder my captives and I was set free. Her face I never sighted, but her song I have searched moons to hear once again…” He paused for dramatic effect, “And when we again meet, I will sing to her my life’s work and let fate take its course.”

She smiled, “How long has it been since you started your search for her?”

“My sweet, it is impolite to ask such a dashing gnome as I, his traveling age.”

She cocked an eyebrow, as she took a swig of water. “Will you truly know her by her song alone?”

Bard sat down again, “In all the land there is no song like hers…”

Aeron misunderstood Bard’s story, as Bard intended, “I hope you find her and she appreciates your gratitude.”

They were unlikely companions, but both had their own goals, which mutually suited their partnership.

“I search for my mystery liberator and you search for…” he thought for a second, “In all our adventures you have been very secretive about your goals.”

Aeron leaned back to look at the sky, “I look...for answers.”

“Answers? Or an answer?” Bard sharply noted.

She shifted her gaze to the mountain, “It’s impolite to delve into the affairs of others” she simply stated, smirking.

Bard was not deterred, “How can I help if I know not of what you seek?”

She smiled and shook her head, “I don’t think you can help me in my quest…” Very briefly they shared a mutual moment of pensiveness.

It passed quickly.

“What are we to fetch?” It was the first time she had let Bard decide a quest without her consultation. She was sure it’d be the last.

Bard dug through his pack and unearthed a rolled parchment, “According to this, we are to retrieve a very special herb from atop that mountain.”

“An...herb…” She was visibly unimpressed. “Why...would you do this to me?”

Bard cocked his head, “Surely we are capable of a gathering request! You’ve been running yourself ragged all month, I thought this would be a wonderfully relaxing break.”

Her eyes narrowed, he was up to something.

“That is very thoughtful…” she didn’t even try to hide her suspicious tone. “What herb?”

“Hell’s Seal”

In an instant Aeron became very interested, “Let me see that…” She read over the advertisement and rubbed at her lip. Bard knew this tell, she was skeptical but extremely intrigued.

“What is Hell’s Seal used for?” Bard was intrigued at her interest.

“It is...said to have extremely potent magical properties to protect against fire. Legend claims the original was stolen from Hell itself and therefore has the power to banish even the hottest of flames.”

“You certainly know much about it.” He mused, impressed.

She rolled up the parchment and stood, prepared to leave, “I read, when not questing.”

She returned the parchment and strapped her armor to her pack. “I’ve recuperate, so let us move on.” Slightly thwarted, he stood ready to attempt his advances at a later time. Unfortunately she was motivated to achieve their intended goal, which he had not accounted for.

Night fell and they had started their ascent just before sunset. Bard’s plot had backfired and now he was the one in need of rest. His once peppy behavior turned less exuberant as the night wore on. Aeron smirked to herself as he slowed behind her.

Coming to a secure looking ledge, she set her pack down, “I am worn out, what do you say we sleep here?”

Unable to speak he nodded his head. Barely making it to the opposite rock, he collapsed, kissing the warm stone ground.

“At least set up your bed before you sleep.”

He mumbled something inaudible and began to drift, but something caught his nose. He sniffed and sniffed again. “I smell it!” He exclaimed, with newfound energy.

Startled, Aeron stopped rolling out her sleeping blankets.

“It’s here!” He began removing his shirt and pants, but then remembered he was in plain sight. “Would you mind terribly turning around, I’m not shy, per say, but would prefer you not fainting at my manly visage.”

Aeron’s jaw slightly dropped at is audacious confidence, but she turned her back towards him as he undressed. “What has got you so excited.”

“Hot springs. Pure, nature’s wonder. I read about them as a kit and dreamed of them for years.”

“I see.” She nodded with understanding, “So you took this quest because you wanted to bathe in the hot springs.”

Bard was partially caught. He had planned to be suave and dashing, casually suggesting they take a dip together, but now that she wanted to find the herb, he’d have no chance at romancing.

“Caught at last!” He falsely exclaimed as he wrapped himself in a bathing cloth; he had come prepared. “I am off to enjoy a warm soak,” he stated as he sauntered by, but then turned and rested his elbow against a rock, “Care to join me.” He managed in his most melodious voice.

“The pleasure is all yours,” she laughed as she continued to set up camp.

A noble attempt. I will climb her steep fortress walls eventually.

Hours passed and Bard had not returned, worried Aeron took her sword in hand and went in the general direction she had seen him disappear to. When she was unsure of the direction, she tried sniffing the air. Guess it doesn’t work for me. She closed her eyes and tried desperately to listen. Let everything else drown out...focus. There it was, a sound she hoped to hear. Following it she eventually came to an inviting spring, in which Bard was merrily singing and splashing.

“You decided to join me after all?” He exclaimed more than questioned.

“I wanted to make sure you were safe. You have been here for hours.”

He looked to the sky, “You really do not know what you are missing, my Beautiful Treasure.”

She crouched down with her head leaning against her hand, “You are not enticing me into the pool with you. I know you better than you think, I have seen you flirt with every woman we have encountered.”

He smiled, charmingly, “I can’t help if my charisma eclipses every star in my path.”

She splashed water in his face, “Well, not this ‘star’.” She stood, grabbing his drying cloth in the process. “Time to turn in.”

Bard loved much about Aeron; she was direct, and sometimes seemed rough, but not because she lacked manners or poise. He akined her to a noble who chose to be common.

“Thank you, mylady.” He enjoyed the attention but also felt she treated him too much like a child; he was at least three times her age. But he still found ways to use it to his advantage.

The sun was about to rise when Aeron stirred awake, normally an early riser she felt particularly tired. Shifting she realized she was not alone. Peeling back the blanket she uncovered Bard, nestled comfortably at her side, hand around her waist. If he had been human, she’d be livid, but instead she sighed; this was not the first time he’d snuck into her bed.

She thought of how lonely he must be, never being acknowledged by elves and too different from other gnomes to feel at home. She turned herself towards him, watching him sleep - peaceful and serene. For all his advances and antics she couldn’t help wonder what sorrows lie beneath the smile. Just as she began to ponder she felt his hand move up her waist, quickly she stopped it before it reached an unforgivable height. I am too soft on him. She told herself as she abruptly kicked him out of her bed and onto the hard ground.

“Ooof!” was all the she heard from him as he looked around and shivered.

“Up! We eat and leave.” Aeron quickly packed her bag but did not wait for Bard to stir awake.