9 The Bard
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*Squeeeeekk!!*
"Nice shot Master Geralt!"
"…Nice indeed…"
Late morning in the deep Forest of Qohor, Geralt and Jayus are hunting like they usually do.
Geralt who was holding a bow in his hand nodded and say "…Jayus, you wait here and process the wild boar. I will find the rest who fled. Maybe we can get another one or two more wild boars."
Jayus nodded and said "Alright master Geralt, I will wait you here". He can see the wild boar trashing on the ground with arrow that pierced it eyes from the side. He approached the wild boar that was weak but still breathing, then drew his hunting knife, stab it right in the heart for quick death.
"Okay, I will go then…" Looking at this scene, Geralt began to walk while reload his bow, takes an arrow from its quiver and use his Witcher sense to follow the trail. Geralt buy his new bow and three dozens of arrows in the one of blacksmith forge for 10 silvers.
He walked deep into the forest for five minutes and finally he heard the squeaking sound of wild boars. He immediately slowed down his pace and sneak carefully without making a sound. He can see a group of wild boars about 70 yards in front of him were gathered, eating some kind of roots and wild green plants on the forest floor.
He began drawing his bow slowly and stabilized his hands. He takes a deep breath and hold it then aimed his arrow at two of the biggest boars. Everything around him began to slowing down because his [Lightning Reflexes] ability activate automatically. He released his first arrow and quickly reload his bow again with a new arrow and shoot almost simultaneously. He could see his two arrows slowly flying towards the different boars.
When slowed down time returned to normal, he saw the first arrow pierced the head of the largest wild boar killed it instantly. The second arrow pierced the chest of the smaller one and instantly run.
*Squeeekk!!*
When another wild boars hearing this miserable sound, they run away all at once at random direction. Geralt just following the blood trail of the boar that was shot in the chest by arrow earlier. He finally found a wild boar not far from where it was originally, lay on the forest floor with blood flowing from arrow wound in his heart.
Geralt waits for a while and makes sure that the boar is no longer moving and drags it along with the wild boar who has been shot in the head. He pulled out his arrows from the two dead bodies of the boar and dragged back towards where Jayus was.
Five minutes later Geralt can see a wild boar hanging from a tree and Jayus sitting beside it. When Jayus see Geralt dragging two boars, he stood up and immediately come to help.
"Hehehe...You bring two more boars, as expected of master Geralt!"
"…Yeah, yeah, stop talking and help me drain their blood immediately."
"Okay! Leave it to me!"
Jayus immediately lowered the wild boar which was drained and untied its hind legs. After untying the rope, he uses the same rope to tie the leg of the wild boars that Geralt brought and hung them both. Jayus then slit the two wild boar neck and let the blood flow.
It has been a week since Geralt come to this world, and he adapt quite well with medieval life, but still, he feels slightly uncomfortable for something like "chamber pot" business. He also missing modern age food, because in this medieval era has very little variety of food. Every day he eat black bread, vegetables and meat with bland taste, there contain salty taste however it is just a little. The food seasoned with spices is a luxury item and sometimes he buys it but not every day, because one portion can cost up to a silver coin. 1 silver can be considered average cost for commoner need within a week.
"Say Jayus, have you ever felt bored with your everyday life?" Geralt leaning against tree and said without looking at Jayus.
"…bored? I don't think so…what do you mean master Geralt?"
"I mean, the same food, the same hard bed every day? Do you want a change like, more luxurious life?"
"…hmm, how should I say this, I' m used to it? as Luxurious life? I got 10 gold coins from you and 10 silvers from being a guide to tiger den. I can buy a new bow, sword, and good hunting knife. Before meeting you, I never have a single gold coin but now even my wife cook sprinkled with a fair amount of salt and we have good wine to drink, it is a luxury enough for me. Hehehe"
"…it seems that I talk to the wrong guy. Forget it. You won't understand"
"…Yes? I'm sorry master Geralt, if the 88 gold coins you got from old Boros is not enough for you, you can catch a tiger again then, hehehe. Pardon me master Geralt, but, what you need more coin for?"
"Nope, I can't hunt a tiger or any exotic animal again, I don't want attention, remember. As for need of coins, It's to improve my living quality of course. So, I need a good house with few servants. By the way, do you know how much does a house cost in Qohor?"
"…hmm…if I'm not mistaken, the average old house like mine is about hundreds of golds and for a house with a good material will cost about a thousand gold or more. Because there are many people especially merchant who want to live in Qohor, the price will always rise master Geralt. I feel lucky that I inherit my current house form my father, and my father from my grandfather and so on."
"That was quite large sum of gold. No offense but, I feel being hunter are…lacking, if I want buy a house, I need to change my job first. I suggest you too Jayus."
"Change a job? I don't think I have another skill, master Geralt. Ehehehe" Jayus laugh awkwardly hearing Geralt suggestion.
Geralt silent and thought inside his mind 'Hmmm…the easiest way to gather a gold is become a merchant or great artisan, but I don't have any talent for being an artist, I don't even have experience being a craftsman. That left me to become a merchant, but what should I sell? Something that has great value…Potion? People will die when they drink a Witcher potion, so no. Maybe recipe…Food? No, I don't even remember the name of ingredient. Maybe create something new like...Roland and Anna…'
"Maybe I should make some technology, like steam engine?..." Geralt said while looking at the sky.
"…Stem and Jean? What is that master Geralt?" Jayus ask curiously.
"No, nothing…I just remembering something worth of trying, Jayus"
"…Are you seriously want to change your job, master Geralt?"
"Maybe…but if I want to change my quality of life, I need to work harder, there is some risk, yes. But if I'm not take that risk and change my way of life…my life will be bland or the same forever."
"…Alright, I can't do anything about that, but if you need any help, please don't hesitate to call me" Jayus said earnestly.
"…that was for sure, Jayus. You must help me. Alright, the blood from that boar has been dried. It's time we go back to the town." Geralt said while smiling.
"Alright"
Jayus immediately took down the two wild boars, while Geralt took out his sword from [inventory] and cut down the tree trunk. The trunk of the tree was used to hang and carry the three wild boars. Jayus tied the three boars in a row in the middle of the tree trunk. After the preparations were complete, Geralt immediately put it all inside [inventory]. Jayus is already used to Geralt "magic" because all this days they has been hunting together.
When they arrive at edge of the forest, Geralt looks around, to make sure that no one is looking at him then he drop the boars from [inventory]. Geralt and Jayus immediately picked up each end of the tree trunk and walked towards Qohor.
30 minutes later, Geralt and Jayus arrive at the entrance gate and paid game tax of 10 penies per boar head to Chief Argo. Geralt and Jayus sell one of the boar to Koran Tavern for 4 silvers and sell the rest to Zoblan place for 8 silver and 50 pennies. Geralt give 3 silver to Jayus who always smiling ear to ear because everyday they always got a game, unlike when he was hunting alone. Sometimes in a week he only got one or even worst, no animal to shot.
When they had already sold the boars and wanted to return to the Tavern, Geralt overheard people in the middle of the street talking about Bard from Westeros who was the current popular topic of conversation. Even Jayus, who usually never goes to the tavern, often hears the conversations about this Bard from people around him, his wife said she wants to hear and see Bard's performance.
"…Do you know anything about this famous Bard, Jayus?"
"I don't really know, but they say she was from Westeros and performs from Tavern to Tavern inside this city."
"She? I remember when I arrive at this Free City, there was no such news about bard, that was interesting…she can attract and liked by Qohorik people in short time" Geralt turn his head and ask Qohorik man who was talking about rumored Bard not far beside him "Excuse me, I'm hearing that you mention a Westeros Bard, can you tell me about her?"
The Qohorik who talking with his friends are just smile hearing this and answer Gralt "Ah… too bad you missed the news. You know, she's the best Bard I've ever seen. from her appearance to her voice! She was like a princess from a fantasy story, her voice was soft and clear, her skill playing instrument is superb. When she passes in front of you, her body smelled like blooming flowers"
'that was worth to see indeed, I never see a Bard in real life, a beauty one is much welcomed' Geralt Thought and said "…Okay, when and where she will perform?"
"That's the thing I'll say next, she will perform at Green Ifequevron Tavern late afternoon today. Hehehe"
Geralt turn at Jayus with question mark in his face, Jayus just say "…I know where it is". Geralt then turn toward the Qohorik guy then smile and say "Thank you for your information, I really curious and want to see her performance at least once. Farewell"
"Gladly. And I assure you, you won't be disappointed! Farewell hunters"
Geralt and Jayus continue they walk and few moment later, Geralt talk to Jayus.
"So, where is this Green Ifequajfsha-something…?"
"It is Green Ifequevron, master Geralt. Green Ifequevron Tavern is quite great Tavern and famous for Qohorik native, even many merchants know it."
"Green Ifeq…vron, why they chose a hard name to pronounce. Any way what do you mean by great Tavern? Is the Tavern is for high class?"
"Green Ifequevron. Ifequevron is woods walkers, a vanished race who once inhabited the dense forests of northern Essos. You are not native here, so I can understand you somehow master Geralt, hehehe. The Tavern is not a high class but the decoration is very nice, there is more light inside and the size is more big than Koran Little Valyrian King Tavern and Inn."
"…Right Jayus, why don't we go there right now, and wait for the Bard to perform"
"Alright master Geralt, please follow me"
After 15 minutes walking, the two of them arrive at Green Ifequevron Tavern. From the outside it looks clean, modest and beautiful. Stacked boulders and wood pillars make up most of the building's outer structure. It's near impossible to see through the high windows, but the hustling and bustling from within can be felt outside.
As you enter the tavern through the well-crafted, wooden door, you're welcomed by a sense of home and laughing voices. The bartender is a little preoccupied, but still manages to welcome them with a friendly nod.
It's as charming inside as it is on the outside. wooden pillars support the upper floor and the ambient lights attached to them. The walls are decorated with mounted animal heads, hides and small animals. It's clear the owner is an avid hunter and the smells coming from the kitchen indicate the animals don't go to waste.
The tavern itself is packed. Merchants and Sellsword seem to be the primary clientele here, which could be seen as a bad sign, though you're sure it's not. Several long tables are occupied by separate groups who, after having had quite a few drinks, seem to be trying to prove which group is best. The other, smaller tables are also occupied by people who are playing games and, judging by their laughter, are either telling jokes or great, perhaps embarrassing tales. Even most of the stools at the bar are occupied, though nobody seems to mind more company.
Geralt and Jayus hear laughter, cheering and overall enjoyment of everybody, it's probably the people themselves who make this tavern famous. They manage to find a table and call the closest maids.
"…What do you want to order, master hunters~" the maid said with smile.
"I want to order the best drink this Tavern have and some snack please. What about you Jayus?"
"…Give me best Ale, please"
"…Best drink it is? Alright~ please wait master Hunters" the maid walking toward the back of the bar then few moment later come back with commonly wrapped bottle, metallic cup and a big tankard.
"This is red wine from Free City of Lys, one best drink Green Ifequevron have. And this is best Ale with secret recipe" the maid speaks eloquently and put the tray of mixed peanuts, wrapped bottle, metallic cup and a big tankard one by one and said "This all 1 gold and 45 pennies, please pay now." The maid said while smiling
Jayus who was drinking Ale, heard the words of the maid and immediately choked and coughed several times but Geralt just pay without changing his expression. He pretending to took coin out of his pocket and give 1 gold and 1 silver to the maid.
"Here, you can take the change, it's for you." Geralt said with smile on his face.
The maid who hearing this immediately smile ear to ear then said "Thank you~ master Hunter. my name is Sasdra by the way. Anything you need master hunter?" Sasdra, 25 years old Qohorik native with light brown skin, shoulder length-straight hair with sunny personality.
"Oh, right Sasdra, when the Bard will perform?"
"She will perform about 2 hour later, master hunter. I believe everybody gathering here is also waiting for her to take the stage" Sasdra said while pointing toward her surrounding.
"Alright then, I will wait for 2 hour, that is for now"
"Okay~ please call me when you need anything else, master hunter" Sasdra turn her body then immediately deliver other customer order.
Jayus who looking at expensive drinking in front of him cannot help but sigh "…master Geralt, you sure are know how to enjoy your life" He actually envy Geralt who can use his money at will.
"Of course, I need to enjoy and indulge myself sometime, you should try it too Jayus"
"I don't dare, my wife-ahem let's drink while waiting the Bard. Cheers!"
Geralt just chuckling when he hearing what Jayus said. They were drinking and chatting randomly. 2 hours later the lively bar immediately quite down. Geralt puzzle with this and turn his head to left and right, then he can see a group of people coming from outside.
Leading the way is two unsullied guard with their shield and spear, same as the rear. The center between this unsullied are beautiful woman with wavy and thick long golden hair, high cheekbones, vivid blue eyes, tall, and walk gracefully. And as rumor said, when she walk pass Geralt he can smells sweet fragrance like flower.
Shen walk on the center stage which the Tavern had provided before. When she sit at the front stage, Geralt can see that she is wearing white long shirt with brown corset showing her cleavage, white miniskirt with brown trousers and leather boots. She is tuning her lute, pluck the top and bottom strings for one and two times. When she is done tuning her lute, she spoke to the audience in the Tavern with soft and clear voice.
"Hallo, nice to meet you again! For you who don't know me, I am Meila, the Bard from Oldtown, Westeros. I'm here in Qohor invited by one of magisters. But when my employee is no need for my service I like to go outside to meet new people, new environment, new culture, and search for new experience. I hope to get many inspiration and idea from my trip to Essos and enought for me to compose new tunes and lyrics. That was a lie...actually I'm just bored at the mansion" for the latter sentence almost all the audience laughing so she stop her talk for moment and continue when the laugh died down, she say "…Without further ado, I will sing a song titled "Season of My Love"".
Meila smile charmingly like a cool breeze in the hot summer and began to play intro with her lute
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I loved a maid as fair as summer, with sunlight in her hair
I loved a maid as red as autumn, with sunset in her hair
I loved a maid as white as winter, with moonglow in her hair
I loved a maid as spry as springtime, with blossoms in her hair
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As the land changes masks, so follow my maids & I
Whether balmy hot and sopping wet or cutting sweet and dry
Ere my life the good lords fell, I'll prize the memory of
Each and every lass I've held for a spell - the seasons of my love
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I loved a maid as wet as meadows, with dewdrops in her lips
I loved a maid as thick as honey, with nectar in her lips
I loved a maid as shy as snowflakes, with purple in her lips
I loved a maid as fresh as sea spray, with eddies in her lips
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I loved a maid as strong as dream wine, with phantoms in her eyes
I loved a maid as tart as cider, with amber in her eyes
I loved a maid as warm as kindling, with ember in her eyes
I loved a maid as light as cotton, with lacework in her eyes
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I'll drink one more cup for every lass that I've held for a spell
You are the seasons of my love
