20 Chapter 19
He rested for a while before sitting up from the bed.
"Thank you Marlena, I can take it from here."
"If there's anything you require, Master, please let me know."
"I will."
Marlena left the room giving Auron time to be alone.
He was quite excited with the 'Skinchanger' skill as he can finally enter the mind of an animal and control its actions like that kiddo Bran from the show. He had a lot of use for this skill specially in scouting. The more you know about your enemy, the more likely you'll win against him.
He figured he has to tame a bird soon for delivering his messages accross the land and seas. He hasn't decided yet and he fell asleep just thinking about it.
--
Next morning, their group has packed their own things and they are ready to leave.
They have contracted a small ship that will take them to Tyrosh.
At this time, their group was in the deck of the ship enjoying the sea breeze as they sail. The crew of the ship just left them alone as the captain of the ship ordered them to do so. They were their customers to begin with so it wasn't hard to ask for some private space.
Auron was fiddling his Lute as Bronn, Marlena, Melisandre, Heman and Shera sat there in circle.
Bronn became bored so he initiated the conversation. "Looking at your lute, I once saw a hooded man at the pub in Lys, the one near the port. He sang great and he tells wonderful stories which earned him a lot of coins. They call him 'Storyteller' and he was quite famous now. They said he came from Volantis."
Hearing what Bronn said, Auron almost tripped from his seat. Marlena on the other hand turned her head to the side stifling a laugh while the Melisandre looked at Auron amusingly.
Bronn noticed this and asked in confusion.
"What?"
Shera and Heman were wearing the same expression as Bronn. They were curious and confused why Marlena and Melisandre were reacting that way.
Finally, it was Melisandre who cleared up their confusion.
"The Storyteller who you speak highly was in front you. Since he didn't mentioned it to you, I'm guessing he doesn't like that title."
"Shut up, Red Priest! Hmph! Who would want a title like that? I could've accepted it if the title was cool like...like..."
"Songbird?" Bronn teased and all of them burst into laughter.
"Fuck you, Bronn. You made it worse."
"Hahahahaha"
"Sigh, what can I do to remove it from my name? Kill all who call me that? That's impossible."
"Unless you do something amazing that can overpower your reputation in telling stories. Or at least add some fearsome title according to your glorious deeds. Kidding aside, I admit that your title isn't that scary but it wasn't a bad title. In fact, I'm one of your admirers. You don't know, there are some people now who was watching which city you are going next just to hear your stories." Bronn said casually.
"Really?" Marlena asked in amazement.
Auron seriously considered what Bronn said. He had to do something glorious and amazing to gain a cool title. He was aware of the fact that reputation and titles are just as important as presenting your self. This will make his status elevate by a considerable degree. It is important for him to earn a prestigious title since he plan to create a group of private army or sellsword. Having a good resounding name for the group's leader will increase the threshold of offer. Famous is equivalent to money and reputation. Commonfolk will subconsciously treat you better if you have a good reputation and title.
"Since we're not doing anything, boss. Why don't you sing us a new song." Bronn asked with an expectant gaze.
The same goes for Marlena, Shera and Heman. They were staring at Auron hoping he would say yes. Only Melisandre didn't care.
Auron sighed as he relented, "Fine."
Holding his Lute, Auron began to play the instrument in a mellow and slow tune.
"This song is about a man who wants to find what he is truly are. He longs for a place he call home and a place where he would belong."
His companions sat in a comfortable posture as they listen to the sound of the strings being plucked by his hand producing a sad melody. Then Auron began to sing.
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"I have often dreamed..of a far off place, where a hero's welcome would be waiting for me.
Where the crowds would cheer, when they see my face.
And a voice keeps saying, this is where I'm meant to be."
"I'll be there someday, I can go the distance
I will find my way if I can be strong
I know every mile would be worth my while
When I go the distance, I'll be right where I belong
Down an unknown road to embrace my fate
Though that road may wander, it will lead me to you..
And I won't look back, I can go the distance And I'll stay on track, no I won't accept defeat
It's an uphill slope But I won't lose hope, 'til I go the distance And my journey is complete, oh yeah
Like a shooting star, I will go the distance
I will search the world, I will face its harms
I don't care how far, I can go the distance
Til I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms
I will search the world, I will face its harms 'Til I find my hero's welcome waiting in your arms."
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Clap clap clap clap.
Auron smiled as he acknowledges their recognition of his song.
"That was incredible. A song full of ambition." Bronn said smiling.
"Indeed, I have a hunch that your song will become reality, Master." Marlena offered her blessings.
Melisandre, Heman and Shera nodded in agreement.
"Thank you everyone. Now, you owe me some coins. Hehehehe."
"I forgot I have to tidy up your room, Master." Marlena stood up hurriedly to leave.
"Me too, I think I need to pee."
"Same goes for me, I have something to do."
Auron looked at them leaving one by one.
"These ungrateful bastards!" Auron muttered in annoyance.
Melisandre fetch a penny and gave it to him.
Auron was stunned for a moment before smiling helplessly.
'So my songs are now just worth a penny? At least the red priestess didn't forget to pay.'
Auron stared at the penny in his hand for a while before standing up returning to his room. Since Marlena was in his room tidying up his things, it's time to demand a payment from her by tidying her up himself. A round of storm swept up in his room with Marlena begging for mercy trying to hold onto something while she gasp in pleasure.
--
After two days and half of sailing day and night, they were able to see the coastal city of Tyrosh.
They disembarked from the ship after paying their fee and the captain thank Auron for an awesome trip by performing songs during the travel. They recognized him because one of the crew heard Bronn call him Storyteller and they urge him to perform in place of giving them a big discount. He was somewhat famous now in Essos.
Auron led the team going inside the city. Bustling scene welcomed them and they couldn't help but noticed that residents of this city wearing bright color clothes. Some even have peculiar colored hair like, red, violet and blue. It was a like a medieval style of cosplay convention.
Like the last time, they searched for an inn to stay but it was already fully booked.
Strangely enough, a young girl approached them and asked if they are looking for a place to stay. Auron nodded and the girl began to explain that she and her grandma has a two story house nearby. They were the only ones who are living there and she could rent them their upper floor for a week.
Bronn immediately went to work and scanned the surroundings to check if it's a trap. After receiving a confirming nod from Bronn, Auron accepted the deal and followed the little girl named Bana.
After a few minutes, the group arrived at a two story house at outskirts decent enough to let their small group stay.
"Granma, I brought customers again. I'll be able to buy you the medicine for your cough from the market."
They went inside and saw an old lady sitting in front of the window, watching the kids playing outside.
"MmmmM"
That's the only response Bana and the rest got from the old lady.
"Little Bana, we're looking to stay at your place for a week, is that alright?"
The little girl nodded and said, "Aye, you'll pay us right?"
Auron nodded and fished out his coin purse. Then he put ten silver coins in her hand for today's fee.
"Is this enough? I'll pay on each day we stay, okay? It'll be dangerous if you suddenly acquired so many coins at once."
"Okay, brother Auron. You can now go upstairs to settle your things. I'll just have to go to the market to buy medicine for grandma."
"Hold on, Bana. What happened to your grandma?"
"She was coughing severely specially during the night."
"Hmmm..instead of buying medicine, buy some honey instead, get some thyme and ginger as well. These things will help cure your grandma's cough."
"But--"
"Trust me just this once, okay? It's more effective than the medicine and much more cheaper."
"O-okay, I'll be right back."
Bana didn't wait for his response and hurriedly ran outside.
