Chapter 376: Familiar Tune.

Chapter 376: Chapter 376: Familiar Tune.

​The tavern seems to put him in a better mood though.

​Which is great , because he and Xena seem to be about the only people in there not shitting themselves.

Maybe he should’ve sent word ahead; given the barkeep some warning that the princess and her sort-of betrothed would be paying him a visit for a meal and a drink, but he didn’t think about that until they were already sitting at a table all to themselves.

The poor barkeep is sweating buckets, nervously wiping down their table for what must be the fourth time in preparation for their food to arrive.

​Well, that’s hindsight for you.

​The ale –paid for by Montrel of course –seems to have softened Loac’s mood somewhat, so that feels like a small win.

While he hadn’t specifically picked this place because he knew they stocked that sweet monstrosity Loac insisted on drinking –he’s courting the princess , not the prince, after all –Rogard had given him fair warning that he wasn’t exactly in the best mood this morning, and having had years of experience at being on the receiving end of Loac’s bad moods, Montrel figured that a little generosity probably wouldn’t go amiss.

​It was a good gamble.

For the first time since they’ve left the castle Loac’s eyes aren’t burning holes in the back of his head.

The guy saved his life and all, but that doesn’t mean he’s above smacking his nose in. And as fine as she is with blood, Xena doesn’t need to be seeing that. Especially not on a date.

​Finally feeling a little more at ease, particularly back in these familiar surroundings, Montrel takes a big swig of his ale and then sets it down with a sigh as he signals for the bard over in the corner to strike up a song.

It’s too damn quiet in here what with everyone trying to watch themselves around a princess, and that’s not why he brought her here.

There’s plenty of quiet up at the castle, and he gets the impression that Xena gets a little tired of it sometimes.

​Since they were coming down into the city, he thought she might like to see a different change of pace.

​"Any preference, My Lord?" the bard inquires, plucking out a couple of experimental notes on his lute.

The unfamiliar title makes Montrel grimace; despite technically belonging to a noble bloodline, he’s never really felt like a lord as such. It’s why he’s always kind of gotten why Khobi hated it.

​"What’s your favourite song?" he asks Xena, and a little startled by the question, she just tells him that anything he would usually play is just fine.

That makes the bard raise his eyebrows, and he glances towards Montrel for confirmation –or more likely, permission –because they both know that the kinds of songs he plays in taverns aren’t exactly intended for princess’ ears.

​But she’s not your usual kind of princess.

​"Go ahead," Montrel assures him easily, and offers up one of his favourites; one that he and Gandy have been belting out after too many drinks since before they were old enough to properly hold their liquor.

​"A fine choice," the bard chimes airily, and offers up a deep bow before dramatically striking up on his lute.

It’s a song best served at the peak of a night out and to those who have had too many drinks, but bards are performers regardless of the hour and the size of their audience, and Montrel’s yet to come across one that doesn’t have a knack for blowing a quiet room raucous.

And while a lot of men would baulk at using such colourful language around a lady of Xena’s status, bards are a different breed, and this one launches right on in without hesitation, even flashing her a cheeky wink when the lyrics get particularly raunchy.

​And even though she’s blushing something fierce there’s just no escaping the influence of a talented bard, and it isn’t long before her soft giggles are rising into bright peals of laughter and she’s clapping away in time with Montrel and Rogard.

And while there aren’t too many revellers out at this time of day, the bard’s easy energy infects those that are and by the time he reaches the second chorus the barmaids and the few patrons so loyal to their brew that even the presence of the princess (and her terrifying prince of a cousin) haven’t been enough to chase them out, are all joining in with him.

​"That was wonderful, " Xena declares as the song comes to a close, eyes shining mischievously and her cheeks not just pink, but ruddy and red from laughing so hard.

​"You want another?" Montrel grins, already fishing a hand in his pocket for some more coin to toss the bard’s way. "You heard the lady," he tells him when she nods eagerly, "Play on."

...

​"Loac?" Rogard inquires, three songs later when they’re well into their food and the bard gets a moment of reprieve to collect himself and the coins scattered at his feet.

He immediately cuts right to the chase when Loac is not in the least bit fooled by his innocent tone. "...Can I borrow a couple of gold?" Oh, now he really looks suspicious.

​"Why?"

​Rogard obligingly shakes his empty mug at him. "I want another drink."

​"...Ask Montrel," Loac scoffs, the cheapskate, and then gives him a dry look, "Aren’t you working ?"

​"Oh, right ." Rogard never thought he’d be lectured about responsibility by Loac.

"...How many drinks have you had?"

​Loac tosses him two gold.

​The moment the coins are in his hand, Rogard immediately pawns them off to the bard and when he shares his request the bard immediately ducks aside to gather a couple of newcomers having just wandered in off the street.

Competitors, by the look of their instruments; lured in by the whispers that the princess was in town and spending at this particular tavern.

It’s astounding how fast word moves where there’s gold concerned.

​In fact, Rogard had kind of been counting on it. In his opinion, this song always sounds better as an ensemble.

​"...You said you wanted a drink," Loac declares darkly, looking appropriately betrayed as he recognises the bards strike up a familiar, airy tune.

A couple of the barmaids look delighted, but nervously eye their tables as if wondering if it’s strictly appropriate for them to be dancing in front of their princess.

​"I lied," Rogard admits smoothly, and from the way Xena’s expression lights up, she recognises it, too.

Just like he’d been hoping it would. "Are you going to dance with me again?" he inquires cheekily, nudging him with his elbow and ignoring the way Loac glares at him.

​"...Are you gonna remember the steps this time?" he shoots back. Uncalled for, Rogard must say. He was very drunk that night.

He can’t be held accountable for his coordination. " That’s what I thought ."

​"...If you’re saving yourself for Khobi, just say so~" Rogard jibes, but under his breath because he gets the distinct impression that he’s much of the reason Loac’s in a bad mood today.

And while Rogard is getting quite used to getting smacked, poked or having something thrown at his head for such comments, the only sign that Loac even heard is by the way his fingers tighten around his mug.

​Which is...kind of not the reaction he was expecting.

​(Khobi would have probably pushed him off his chair for saying something like that. Or at the very least flipped him off.)