Pepper Altana (Mateus)

He came and went like a force of nature.

     For some time now I had been hearing rumors. Rumors of a fabled Minstrel. This Minstrel would randomly appear in the tavern of Gridania. He'd come on his own accord. Without much of a word, the gentleman would perform the most captivating music. It was said to be entrancing, almost supernatural. I knew from the moment I heard about this fabled Minstrel that I would have to meet him for myself. I packed my things and set out to Gridania in search for the man.

     Gridania was a city I had fond memories of. I grew up in the city but I had left when I was still very young. Each time I returned to the city it was like a wave of nostalgia washing over me. Upon reaching the city, I knew I was going to be staying here for a while. Without hesitation, I checked my goods and equipment in at the Inn and reserved a room. With the Inn and the tavern connected, I decided to make myself at home in wait. I had ordered some tea to enjoy while I eagerly awaited the Minstrel’s arrival. One tea down, I ordered another. My mind was flooding with questions to ask the Minstrel. Did his music carry some supernatural properties with them as the rumors say? The lost song I had been looking for, would he have some answers? My mind wandered as the hours past. I started to lose hope that he was going to show up. After a while I decided to call it for the night and try again the next day.

      The following day seemed like the prior. I checked the amphitheater, the market quarters, and the event courtyards.

“Excuse me ma’am, I’m looking for a minstrel who is said to play in the Gridanian tavern, have you heard of him before? The rumors claim his song carries supernatural powers.” 

I asked a commoner as they passed through the market quarters. She was a Elezen, well built. Probably a carpenter of sorts judging by the apron.

“Sorry little one, we get lots of minstrels passing through Gridania around this time. Going ta’ have ta’ be more specific than that girly.” 

The Elezen replied. I tried to elaborate but I had so little information to go off of. Nonetheless, I couldn’t get any information from her. I tried another, and another, but it was fruitless. With no luck throughout the day, I felt defeated. Disappointingly I meandered back to my inn to pack my things and return back to Gridania. 

     I entered the tavern and headed over to the Innkeep to check out my room. As soon as I reached the counter, I heard a pluck of a G-key struck from a harp. My ears perked to the sound, the vibrations of the note resonated through the tavern in such a way that I could feel a wave of goosebumps overcome my body. I turned to see a man standing in the corner of the tavern holding the instrument that I had heard. There wasn’t a doubt in my mind, this was the Minstrel I was searching for. There was something about him that had some sort of radiance. His attire glistened with a gallant white shimmer that made his posture emanate with a sense of excellence. Even his instrument looked to be of great and meticulous quality. I stepped closer and sat at one of the tables to listen to his music. I must have caught his attention, for he smiled back at me and struck a chord. I couldn’t help but hide my face and blush. Then the minstrel began to play a song and I felt a sudden sinking feeling as my heart stopped…

      There was no disappointment in the rumors I heard, this man’s music was incredible. Every note was meticulously, elegantly decided upon. The pauses to build tension, melody, his tempo, it all invoked such raw emotion as it built to crescendo. I couldn’t see. My eyes welled up as I wiped them, the tears blurred my vision momentarily as I looked up at him. Even his blurred silhouette shined with a mysterious radiance before I dried my eyes. As his song ended, I applauded along with the patrons of the tavern. And with a graceful bow, the Minstrel smiled directly back at me one more time. My heart nearly burst from my chest as he completed his bow. I was speechless. I could do nothing more than blink with my jaw open wide.

300 Followers appreciation post!  I’m not sure what to really do to share my appreciation other than giving you my thanks. So, uhh... Thank you! As a little token of my gratitude, I thought I’d post my music station for those who were curious. 

“Raise your mug, sway and cheer with revelry! It’s St.Patricks Day!”

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