Nashkel

Aiwe puts a hand on Dieter's shoulder. Young ones like this are why she is here. She'll do what she can to prevent his fate for others here before returning to her own war. If she has even left it.

"Do you have supplies and the like already sorted, Lord Silvershield?" She smiles good-naturedly. "Food, and the like?"

Dieter's comment has Aldous nodding in agreement. "The topic's a bit dry at the moment anyway. If we're not leaving until tomorrow..." He smiles at Aiwe and Stella. "Perhaps you'd grace everyone here with another song? You two have such beautiful voices! And my guards will have everything ready for tomorrow."

"Oh! Um..." Stella blushes and awkwardly turns back and forth between Aldous and Aiwë for a moment.

Why was she so nervous? She always got a little nervous singing, but...

"Certainly! What should we sing?" she asks Aiwë.

Handsome young men around her age usually didn't ask her to sing, she realized. She thinks about taking a deep breath to calm herself, but then it'd be obvious she was nervous...Then again, it was probably already obvious.

"Eighth" Dieter impulsively whispers to himself

Montaron slowly and deliberately spits on Xzar's corpse. "I guess all heroes ain't treated equally in this town." He then begins tugging off his leather jerkin. "So what's the plan, metalhead? Ye ain't shot me yet. Hangin' me on the morrow, then?"

"Yes sir. Be careful, and let us know if we're needed. We don't need more blood on his hands or tragedy in this town." Aiwe leaves without looking at Montaron.

"Let's sing 'In Kuldahar's Circle!'" Stella seems to be feeling more warmly toward home and her parents lately, and the melody was a perfect compliment for her voice. "Since you're singing, I can play a flute!" She hurries to set up.

"Splendid! 'Tis a comforting one," says.

As they find a suitable place to stand, Stella thinks over the song in her head. "Correlian's Grace," she whispers, feeling her heart beat.

When they're ready, she draws out a few tiny constellations. (Minor Illusion) The stars quickly fade and the sound of tinkling toned bells along with flowing winds begin to complement Aiwë's introduction on flute.

After a few bars, Stella breaths in closes her eyes and joins in singing the Kuldaharan lullaby. As they go, the sounds of leaves rustling in the winds joins the music, and with the last few lines, a second voice of Stella joins, harmonizing with herself. She misses a couple notes when she opens her eyes and meets Aldous', but closes her eyes again and finds her place again quickly.

♫ Radiant wings, shining light, sharpened claws, magic's might.

The circle's warm, the great tree grows,
Every little child knows
You are safe
You are guarded
Here in great Silvanus' garden.

Radiant wings, shining light, sharpened claws, magic's might.

You are watched over this night. ♫

Aiwë's plays a few more bars to end the song, then the sounds of wind blow once more and fade, like nature breathing a relaxed sigh at the peaceful fall of night.

Her sounds of nature and bells might have been a bit too loud, she thought, but hopefully they didn't distract too much.

When the song ends a wave of encouraging applause fills the common room. As Stella looks for a place to sit and relax, she finds Aldous offering her a mug of water. "That was beautiful! You're very talented, and have a lovely voice." He shifts the grip on his cane and winces slightly. "And it's so kind of you and Aiwe to perform at a moment's notice, especially just after returning from a harrowing journey! I wonder how you two would sound singing in the audience hall of the Ducal Palace, after a week's respite."

The young noble glances out a window to check the sun's descent. "With our own journey beginning tomorrow I'm afraid it's best that I retire and get some rest." He meets Stella's twinkling eyes with his own blue-gray ones. "I thank you again for your song. And for the iced cream! Goodnight, Lady Stella!" He also offers a wave to Aiwe and Dieter, then he and his guards leave for their rooms.

"Smart. I'll stay with you, then."

Aiwë waves at Aldous. In the end she had done very little but help Stella keep time and tune. Perfect.

"Lady Stella," she grins at her friend, poking her arm. "From a Lord! He thinks highly of you indeed."

Aiwë nods approvingly. Helm was a pretty good god, all things considered. "Shall I carry him or do you want to?" she asks Sheemish.

"Thank you!" Stella beams and takes the mug of water and nods her thanks, then raises it to her lips.
She chokes and spews out water, turning her head just in time to avoid spewing it all over Lord Silvershield—instead spewing it at Dieter. She coughs eyes wide, and pounds her chest a few times. "Heeghck! I–I'm so sorry!" she turns to Dieter "I'm so sorry!" she repeats. She turns back to Aldous. "Sing at a palace?" She clears her throat, blushing furiously. "Yes, I—er...wonder how we would sound there as well?" She draws her lips to a line.
She tries to reply as he leaves. "G—goodnight! Al—" Snapple gobs...she couldn't remember the blinding boy's name. She grimaces. Did she just accidentally call him 'Al'? Stars above... Stella folds one arm in front of her and puts her other hand to her face, inhaling deeply.
She elbows Aiwë. "Stop! she says half laughing, turning and trying to hide her face with her hand. Behind her fingers, though, Aiwë can see Stella can't keep herself from grinning.

Dieter feels the star spangled spew spray his face. He gives no reaction or response, he is a warrior and his enemy is the natural man.

……….

Aiwë pats Dieter rhythmically on the shoulder, and he finds his face dry.

"Well I would love to sing at the palace. Maybe you can sit next to Lord Aldous Silvershield and keep away from the drinks. Just don't call him Al anymore, that's weird." Aiwë cackles.

"I'm going to go check on my cousin before I play some more and hit the sack." She gives Dieter a salute and heads upstairs.