"It all started with a cataclysm. An event of such magnitude, that it's magically infused essence is now intertwined with our being, our soul. Iron City is one of the final Bastions of a functional society, and damn does it feel good," the singer said placing his fingers on his guitar. He sat upon a stool, centered under a light as the patrons gave him a cheer, raising their glasses. Each glass a different mixture of alcohol.
He started to play, the acoustic music filtering into the atmosphere of the room as the patrons continued to cheer him on.
The man continued strumming, his long black hair almost obscuring his face and his foot tapping along to an unheard beat.
Deckard took a drink of his whiskey. He positioned himself in the back, near the exit. Always a good place to watch and observe. His table had some remains of eaten meals, and half empty glasses.
"Busy night. Waitresses haven't had a chance to clean," Deckard thought. In most cases, you needed to be brought to your table from one of the waitresses, but since Deckard was a friend of the owner and a regular, he was allowed to bend the rules.
A blonde shorthaired woman approached the table. Her apron dirtied, and he hair a bit unkempt.
"Deckard, the boss says he is sorry for the delay. We have been packed tonight and one of our girls never came in for her shift," she said gathering the plates.
"No worries May," Deckard said keeping an eye on the musician. "Whose the new guy"?
"Oh, him?" she asked glancing over. "Thats Bard. I don't think that's his REAL name, but that's what he wants us to call him. Isn't he good? It's been a while since we have had an actual musician here".
"Bard huh? A bit on the nose," Deckard muttered.
"When I get back I'll wipe down the table and bring you another drink. This one's on the house, bosses orders" she said with a smirk before hurrying to the kitchen.
Bard, playing wasn't good at all. Constant wrong notes, barely any rhythm, and a performance that reminded Deckard of a youth learning for the first time.
The waitress begged to differ. She thought it sounded great. Deckard, after taking another drink of whiskey; ceased his protection, and immediately the music improved. No wrong notes, and a good rhythm.
"You got to be kidding me. So he's an illusionist then," Deckard thought. He finished his drink, and set his glass down.
Later that night...
"Thank you very much ladies and gentlemen. It's been great playing for you all," Bard announced picking up a small hat positioned near the front of the stage. It was filled to the brim with copper.
"I appreciate your patronage toward the musical arts. I will be back as long as your owner will let me," Bard said with a smile, which was met with cheers and applause from the few remaining people.
It was closing time, and Deckard was waiting for everyone to clear out so he could speak with this 'Bard'.
"Deckard? Still here? Usually you are gone, been a while since you stayed till closing," May said taking a glass from him.
"Bard is talented, just want to tell him good job, that's all," he said.
"I hope that's it. I like him, it would be great for him to come back another night".
Deckard walked up to the stage, where Bard was currently packing away his guitar.
"Nice playing there," Deckard said.
Bard looked over his shoulder. "Many thanks sir. I just am happy I can make some copper doing what I love".
Deckard scoffed as he stood himself a few feet away from him.
"How long?" He asked. Bard glanced over his shoulder, with a look of confusion.
"How long you been playing"?
"Oh! Playing guitar? About two years now. Had a chance to pick it up again. There was a gap where I played," Bard replied closing the lid to his guitar case.
"What was that first song you played? The one where you talked about the calamity?" Deckard asked.
"Ah, that song is called Mountain of Misery. A strange title even though the melody is more uplifting than the name and words imply".
"Never heard of it," Deckard said shaking his head. He placed his hands into his dusters pockets. "Okay, I will come out and just ask. Enough people left. How long have you been using your Illusionism".
Bard froze, his arms stiffening and his body motionless. He then continued packing his things.
"Illusionism"?
"Yeah, whatever you did to sound good. If they heard your real playing I think every person would have boo'ed you off that stage".
He paused. Both men staring at each other.
Bard bowed his head.
"You too?" Bard asked.
"Not an Illusionist, but I got my own abilities". Deckard noticed Bard becoming very defensive. Not in just his tone but in his body language.
"Is he going to run"? Deckard thought.
"I don't work for the Ministry if that's your concern," he explained. Bard continued to stare down the man.
"I guess you could call me as sort of talent scout. I just look for people with 'gifts'," Deckard explained. Bard immediately turned as if he were to run. He took three entire steps before, as if in a blink of an eye; running into Deckard. In shock he stumbled back, looking at the man.
"I just want to talk. That is all. I don't think you have a record with the Ministry," Deckard explained. The man, starting to panic bolted the other way.
One step
Two step
Three step
Deckard was once again blocking his way.
"We can do this all night," he said.
"What do you want?" Bard asked.
"A conversation, how many times do I need to say it?"
The two found themselves sitting at the table in the back, near the exit.
"You're a talented guy. That much is clear. How far of a radius can you effect? Twenty feet? Thirty?" Deckard asked.
"Forty," he said.
Deckard raised an eyebrow. He then said,"I was keeping myself safe from your ability, but when I wasn't I was thoroughly convinced you were playing that guitar".
"What about you, what's your ability?" Bard asked.
"Chronodust. Ever heard of it?" Deckard asked. The man shook his head. " It ain't nothing special. Hey, have you ever made people see stuff? Things that weren't really there. It's obvious you can effect auditory but what about visually"?
"Yeah, I did a long time ago, when I first arrived in Iron City. Had to survive somehow. Tricked people into running from monsters, then I'd either pick their food stall clean or snatch their copper," Bard explained.
Deckard gave the man a warm grin. "A bit of depth, from a man who was scared of me an hour ago".
"I am guessing your not from the Ministry, since you haven't arrested me or gone in on a full interagation. Not sure what you want, but I am curious if I am to be honest".
"Your ability is a good one. And I have heard rumors about a new Dustborne wandering into town". Deckard was about to continue his thought, but was interrupted with Bard shushing him loudly.
"Relax, the owner and I are friends, and he knows I am a Dustborne. Doesn't bother him none. Think about it, how do you think we are still here talking after closing? The tavern closed an hour ago," Deckard explained.
Bard's tension and worry faded slightly.
"In Iron City it isn't as taboo as in other cities. Actually many Dustborne work for the Ministry. This city is a different one, which tells me that you aren't from around here, but I won't ask you for personal details like that. Would you be interested in a job?"
"A job?" Bard asked.
"Yes a job, you wouldn't need to do much, but a man with your ability is required to complete this job", Deckard said.
"What's the pay"?
"One Thousand Coppers to start, Two Thousand on completion".
After hearing that, Bard's eyes widened.
"What kind of job is it?" Bard asked.
"We just need to sneak a child into Iron City," Deckard said leaning forward.