[h3]Later that night...[/h3]

[img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/9c/c4/3a/9cc43af835bc351a3f7b5f32b38c807e.jpg[/img]

Nary an empty seat could be found at the tavern as night fell.  The dock workers and merchants, done with their daily toil, had arrived for a hearty meal and an even heartier drink, as did many of the tavern's patrons.  Tonight, however would be a special treat for them.  For the first time in ages it seemed, a bard had graced their presence, and a beautiful one at that.

While tankards clinked, men laughed and chattered, and tavern wenches bustled here and there carrying trays of drinks and food, Claudia took to the small stage, a tad nervous yet striding with confidence.  She took up her lute, going through the usual motion of tuning it.  Then, she smiled, greeting the audience that had gathered.  Amidst the crowd, her eyes skimmed until she noticed a familiar face among them.  [i]"So he's here after all."[/i]. Claudia mused, giving Elkko a Sly wink.

"Thank you and good evening patrons of the Gilded Tankard.  Tonight, I Claudia shall play for you.  I hope you are all doing well.  So without further ado, I give you a ballad, a sweet song of love and affection.  Enjoy."

And with that, she played.  Her sweet, serene melody filled the air of the tavern, causing all noises to cease.  The tavern as a whole fell captivated by her lulling voice and the tender notes she plucked upon her lute.

But alas... While many were there to hear this beautiful maiden's voice, in the back of the tavern there sat indifferent to Claudia's music a shadowed figure garbed in a black hooded cloak.  His shifty eyes scanned the tavern left and right as quietly he sipped his head, intently gazing at the Drow sitting nearby him.