*Finishing his song, Icarus hears the all-to-familiar lack of applause and instead focuses his attention on the commotion upstairs and shrugs at the lady*

"Forgive me if I'm a little off key..."

*strums a chord on my lute*

"While wandering lands near and far,
I came upon The Crimson Vixar,
Therein I met the strangest fellow,
And drank a drink, it's taste quite mellow,
A lady also did I meet,
Who seemed at once both deadly and sweet,
She gave a kiss and of my hair,
She played, this lady dark yet fair.
What wonders will await me yet?
Some fun, and danger too, I bet!
Here in this pleasant little bar,
That Tavern named Crimson Vixar"

*clears throat* "A song! I would like to sing a song... though I am used to having a larger audience than one... would you like to hear it, lady?"

*resists the almost irresistable urge to offer a healing hand to the mysterious woman*

"I am but an innocent bystander, my friend. And besides, if I knew, I could not be bought by such a piffling amount of gold"

*watches and waits for events to unfold*
"perhaps there's a song in this?" Icarus thinks to himself

*nods at the mysterious lady... too unsure (or afraid) to say more*

*watches this commotion with amusement and finding himself alone, whistles a tune of his own composition to himself*

*watches the mysterious lady walk away*

"So, Rathil. What's the story between you and her?"

"What gave it away?"

*Tips Rathil a sly wink*

*practically purrs with satisfaction*

"You certainly know how to please this fellow. Would you let me take a look at your wounded hand? Perhaps I could use some of my Elvish lore to heal it?"

"Call me old-fashioned, but I like to know the name of a lady.. usually BEFORE the first kiss."

Trying to compose himself (but still blushing like a ripe tomato), Icarus says to Rathil: "Perhaps when you have recovered from that blow to the jaw you could introduce me to the lady? I percieve she has some trouble speaking... and I gather that "Nightingale" is not a desired nickname... "

*nearly falls off his barstool for a moment... then simply enjoys the kiss*

"Thank you, Rathil."

*somehow gets the idea that these drinks are being stolen. Wrestles with my conscience for a moment and comes to the conclusion that a free drink is a free drink*

"And one for the lady?"

"How about another glass of that delectable "Hills Ale". And one for the ma- umm... lady. How much do I owe you?"

*calls for service*

"Thank you for the advice! As you may probably tell, I am not from these parts and am unnacustomed to your ways. My name is Icarus, the Cloudrunner; whom have I the honour of adressing?"

"Pardon me, miss. A thousand apologies. A cultural misunderstanding, I assure you. Might a drink make up for it?"

*looks with concern at the lady by the bar*

"Do you need assistance, madam?"