Chapter Text
Takashi Shirogane wasn’t sure what he’d expected when he found a young, cloaked Bard on the outskirts of his town. Sure, Takashi's village drew all sorts of visitors- Master D’Jahno had made it a haven for less fortunate people before he passed away, and as a Paladin and D’Jahno’s successor, it was Takashi’s duty to protect them. But this Bard was different than most others who passed through the village.
Instead of relief at a Paladin’s presence, as most who encountered him displayed, the Bard reacted by instantly pulling out a violin and trying to entrance Takashi with a song. Takashi felt the magic wash over the area, and by the time he realized what was happening, it was too late for him to fight back.
It was only through sheer luck that nothing bad happened to him (which was surprising as well, as his luck more often than not turned bad at the drop of a hat). Instead of cursing Takashi, the Bard was casting Zone of Truth. Takashi held his breath. He could refuse to answer whatever questions the Bard asked, of course, but the fact that the spell had been cast at all unsettled him. It was rare for any magic user to catch him off his guard like this.
“Who are you?”
It was a simple enough question, one Takashi wouldn’t mind answering under any circumstances. “I am Takashi Shirogane, a Paladin. This is my village.”
“Do you wish me harm?” The Bard stepped closer in the dim light. Now Takashi could see dried blood on the Bard’s front that he hadn’t been able to see before now. “Were you the one who attacked my clan?”
Again, it was a question he would have answered truthfully even if he weren’t compelled. Takashi emphatically shook his head. “I am a Paladin. I would never do something so despicable as to harm an innocent,” he said, and met the Bard’s eyes.
The Bard stared for long enough that Takashi felt unsettled. But eventually he nodded once and returned his violin and bow to its case, taking care to loosen his bow. “I apologize for my… forcefulness,” he said as he lowered his hood, revealing the rest of his- Takashi almost hated to admit it- handsome face. “I was betrayed by a witch I thought was a friend. She and one other attacked my family, and now I must defeat her and whoever else was with her before she returns.”
Takashi considered that. “I understand. I can’t say I would be any less distraught in your shoes,” he admitted. “But in any case, your methods weren’t forceful as much as they were direct. You used no violence against me, which many others would have.”
The Bard shrugged. “Bards prefer it this way. We can accomplish far more with the power of our music than with physical attacks.”
“Still, you’ve earned my respect, and your situation troubles me,” Takashi said. “As a Paladin and the leader of this village, I would like to offer you my help, if you will take it.” He extended his hand.
Eyebrows raised, the Bard took the cold metal hand in his own, fingertips lingering for a long moment. “It is nice to meet you. My name is Curtis. Thank you, Takashi. Your help will go a long way in helping to save my clan.”
Takashi gestured towards the inn a ways down the dirt path. “Let’s get some food and something to drink, and we can make a plan,” he offered, already walking away.
Curtis hastened to follow after him.