Korgan and Ceili had spent an enjoyable afternoon getting acquainted after MacRauri had left. In the evening MacRauri returned and the tavern filled up. They had a meal and enjoyed the music of the bards, and Ceili even took a turn singing for the bar. It was very well received and she made a bit of coin besides. As Korgan watched Ceili sing and play, he couldn't help but think that this sure beat life in the war camp.

  "She's special you know." MacRauri broke into Korgan's musings, and Korgan looked at him askance. "She's half-elven, and the elves have a prophecy about her - though like most prophecies, it’s too vague to really do much good to anyone. All it really says is that she's important somehow, and so the Order of the Silver Sages have kept a close eye on her from a young age."

  Ceili's wordless melody filled the silence that followed, and Korgan spoke, "She seems quite talented for one so young."

  MacRauri chuckled to himself, "For one with elven blood she is young yes, but I happen to know she is older than you and I combined. She was born about 70 years ago now, when the Order learned of her and the prophecy surrounding her. She has had many years to hone her talents, and the elves prize artistry and refinement - I suppose that makes sense, given their long lives..." MacRauri trailed off as he and Korgan drank in the rest of Ceili's performance. She was caught up in the performance now, and her fingers worked the finely crafted elven lute she played, and she swayed in rhythm as her voice sprang forth. Some words in Elvish, some words in common, sometimes a wordless song. the patrons became still and even the bards halted to listen and watch.

  Sometime later, the spell was broken, and the room was quiet for several seconds after her hands stopped strumming and the last words of the song left her lips. Ceili set down her lute and began to pack it into its case, and finally the packed tavern erupted with applause. Ceili smiled and rose, bowing with a graceful gesture as she lifted her lute and stepped off the small stage. Raised glasses and words of admiration followed her to the table where she rejoined Korgan and MacRauri, beaming. "That was fun!" she exclaimed, her face lightly flushed from the mild exertion.

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  In that moment Korgan was struck by her beauty, and was at a loss for words. MacRauri saw this, and applauded her. "A fine performance Ceili, I think the whole tavern here was under your spell."

  Ceili blushed then, "I didn't mean to use magic MacRauri, it just happens sometimes when I sing. I mean, I can control it when I want to most times, but it also can just happen on its own, of its own accord, like it did tonight."

  "You mean it really was a magic?!" Korgan blurted out.

  "Yes, I mean, magic has a life of its own... sometimes, when I sing - it visits and plays alongside, or even takes the lead... I can feel when it does, but I don't know how else to explain it."

  MacRauri was frowning then, but said nothing. Ceili caught his glance "MacRauri, it’s good, you know that, and it’s always mild when it does happen, don't look at me like that, it’s not uncontrolled or dangerous like you are thinking it might be."

  MacRauri's face lost some of its severity, "I suppose we can overlook this matter for now Ceili, The Order has more pressing business that you will assist me with. If it seems appropriate, I may even put in a good word for you. For now though I suggest that we all get some rest, we have to start out early tomorrow, I don't wish to delay our mission any longer than absolutely necessary."

  Ceili looked a little chastened and defiant, Korgan was at a loss once more, this time because he did not understand, did the Order control all use of magic, even of the elves? There was much he still did not know of mages and their ways. He did like the magic of the performance though, he felt… rested somehow, even though it felt right that he go to sleep soon. Korgan spoke his feelings then, "Thank you Milady Ceili for that lovely performance."

  It came out a little awkwardly, and MacRauri rolled his eyes and turned to leave for his room. "I'll meet you both here tomorrow before sun-up."

  Ceili smiled again, "Why thank you Korgan, I'm glad you appreciated it at least. The Order is afraid of any magic they can't control or understand. Hopefully MacRauri won’t make a big deal out of this, I think if any of the Order would understand it would be him." Korgan smiled back and finished his drink as Ceili went to her room, and soon after Korgan went to his, thinking of Ceili.