After freshening up Ashton washed his dirty clothes in a large bucket then rung them out to dry by the heated stone wall. He found a fresh pair of clothes then proceeded downstairs, he had noticed a piano when they entered so they had to have musical entertainment.
Bert had been waiting downstairs just in case the kid made a run for it... nursing an ale while he watched the front door from a large table he was reserving for their party he almost choked when he saw Ashton speaking to the staff and passing the manager who had a large smile.
Ashton wasn't really surprised when he saw Bert dart in his direction, he simply brought his guitar up so it was more noticeable. Bert slowed down but was still making a b-line to him, "Yes sir?" He asked with a polite smile.
Bert wanted to scold him... but he probably wasn't trying to run without his pack. "Dinner will be served soon." He said reining in his temper, he was clearly a soldier trying to talk to a scholar, they just didn't speak the same language and it would set the kid off even more.
"Yes sir, I was just inquiring if guests could also play." Ashton informed, Lucian hadn't made his position clear, but if he started acting like a bard it would explain his presence to an extent. Then when he eventually left his existence would be little more than a minor annoyance rather than a threat to anyone's interest.
Bert kept staring at Ashton as if the truth would suddenly be clear, "I see." He said tightly as Ashton continued to smile. As Ashton discussed with the now nervous manager Bert was a towering deterrent.
Ashton went up to the stage and spoke to the girl who was supposed to play a few songs, she graciously agreed to step down for a single song as Ashton set up and got a feel for the stage. Ashton sighed when Lucian swapped tables with a party, as they were mid meal, to be closer to the stage... anyway he prepared as they settled in.
Lucian watched curiously, he hadn't expected Ashton to play any songs unless he was happy. Maybe sending David away had been a bigger help than anticipated.
Aaron watched almost dreading the performance. Whatever happened, unless Ashton was professing his love for king or country the outcome would not be in their favor. Still he didn't let it show... he had been surprised before.
Ashton decided to start with an original, while classics would spread his name better... some messages just had to be stated up front.
I'd rather be straight forward
I think I've said it twice today
This is me, the way I am
Truly content, need nothing grand
Don't need you here, up in my face
I'm just living the day to day
Please don't be mistaken, the cues I be making
I never asked you to stay
You really aren't special, the same as all the rest though
Not sure how to make you see
I don't need friends, just let me be
Don't. need. False. comradery
I'm trying to go solo, your persistence is a no go
Are you even listening
Are you even listening
I don't need friends, not worth my time
You choose a path, I'll choose mine
And when I say this, please don't get me wrong
We don't have a bond, we don't have a bond
I don't need friends, just let me be
Don't. need. False. comradery
I'm trying to go solo, your persistence is a no go
Persistence is a no go
Well now I've said, all there is to say
Lets be content, you aren't dreaming
I just gotta say, are you really not seeing
Pretty sure, I said this thrice?
Are you even listening? Are you even listening
Look I really hate to say this
But something isn't working, so I'll just leave
I'll go my way, really hope you see
Really hope you see
Persistence is a no go
Persistence is a no go
I don't need friends, and this is why
They tend to cross, my boundary lines
You think its fun, you find this cute?
Denied my rights, no surprise from you
I don't need friends, and this is why
Really no surprise, really no surprise
I don't need friends, just let me be
Don't need your false comradery
I'm trying to go solo,
your persistence is a no go
I don't need friends, not worth my time
You choose a path, I'll choose mine
And when I say this, (say this), please don't get me wrong
We don't have a bond, we don't have a bond
We don't have a bond, we don't have a bond.
I don't need you to try and change my mind
But I'd be nice if we didn't have to fight
I'm not trying to be rude, but this really isn't new
You really need to see, this is a perfect guarantee
We can't be friends, we can't cross lines
I think this is, the fourth time
What more can I really say?
I don't need friends, at least like you
I wont just fit your selfish view
What you think, just isn't me
Hey, are you listening?
I don't need friends, just let me be
Don't need false comradery
You really need to let go, persistence is a no go
Persistence is a no go
I don't need friends, I don't need you
Persistence is a no go, I'm living life solo
I don't need friends, just let me be
Don't need false comradery
I don't want you.
Aaron sighed, the performance had been pleasant, though some seemed confused by the message, applause was sporadic but many were at least talking about it. If Ashton kept this up word of a talented bard would reach the capital before them.
For Ashton the identity of a commoner bard who had impressed the emperor and personally invited back to play would only bring him honor. Even if he eventually became a lover of the emperor no one would expect it to last, he couldn't bear any children and he could play off any rumors of noble identity as mere tales for his songs when he left.
Aaron saw Lucian narrowing his eyes as he watched the youth... the message had not gone unnoticed.
Ashton stepped down with a bao, the girl took her spot at the piano and began a slow serenade. Ashton was waved over to Lucian's table, respectfully saluted then took his seat. Bert looked rather impressed, ah, but clearly Aaron had understood and didn't know whether to be impressed or worried.
"You were amazing, perhaps we could start recording them for your parents." Bert offered trying to ease the tension. Aaron kicked him under the table, damnit was nothing he said right?
Ashton gave a distant smile, "No need to trouble a currier with such precious wares. Farmers wouldn't be able to enjoy such extravagant performances in a small town." Ashton informed; Bert looked pale. Yes, send my parents something like that and they'd be murdered or robbed in a week.
Aaron sighed, "Yes, besides such crystals would be too tempting for brigands on the road." He then turned to Lucian, "Ashton could bring many amazing performances to the palace your Majesty." Since Ashton needed an identity and Lucian hadn't assigned one, might as well play along to earn some goodwill.
Lucian jolted as all eyes turned to him, while it wasn't perfect it would do for now. "Send word to set up an area for him." He added, Ashton's smile seemed a little more genuine.
Devlin kept playing the entire conversation back in his head, clearly something was off. Ashton had an identity, Lucian was content... but Aaron's suggestion had come out of left field, would playing a few songs really make everything better?
Aaron could see the gears turning in Devlin's head, Bert also looked suspicious. Damian seemed to understand the undercurrents but wasn't aware of his majesty's interest in Ashton yet. If they were planning to let Ashton return to being a simple farmer a bard's identity was perfect, for a season or two. If Ashton took any political or advisory rolls the shift from being a bard would be almost impossible to reconcile.
Ashton ate his meal with great relish, warm meals really did improve one's mood.