Mayabelle missed the day she had fought with Idril and Ember. They had won against the people who had killed her father! She was glad that the threat to her home was gone... for now. In this world, it seemed that there would always be a threat. 

Sometimes she would see her old fighting partners, Idril playing in a tavern or street corner, Ember stocking the shop where her and Auntie Myrtle lived. It had been two months since she had parted ways with them. In the back of her mind she knew she wanted to go out and fight and adventure again, and preferably with them. All three had different skills and they worked well as a team. Mayabelle missed using her training. Often she wondered if they missed her too, or if they were glad to see her gone. At least, she always comforted herself, she had gotten the experience and memories to tell her future grandchildren. 

One chilly day, Mayabelle decided to go out for a small meal at a local tavern. She wrapped up in her yellow knitted scarf, fuzzy deerskin boots and pale red coat and stepped out into the cold. She made her way quickly as she could. She still had a small limp from her ankle, so she tried not to put a running weight on it. She located her favorite little place, the Lucky Rabbit Tavern, pushed open the door a warm rush of air hit her. 

The tavern was a small place, but served the best breads in the city. Their walnut bread was a special favorite of Mayabelle's, paired with a hot hazelnut tea was her favorite meal. As a monk, she had been trained not to become too attached to little things and to be content with whatever she had, even if it was nothing. Those teachings clashed with her gnomish nature. Her father always told her to live life to the fullest, and she tried to balance her nature with her monk ways. Although she had overcome little things like clothes, the bread and tea were her weakness. 

She climbed up onto one of the tall bar stools. Almost with a start, she recognized the music. It was the same song that she had heard in the tea shop the first time she met Idril. 

The bartender, a kind, stout woman who had taken a liking to the little customer came out with the usual thick slice of bread and steaming cup of tea. 

Mayabelle spoke, "Miss? I'd like two today please?"

"Who for love?" asked the bartender. She had seen Mayabelle there several times and had never seen her order two except for one time. Mayabelle had seen a child outside the shop, wrapped in a hole filled blanked begging for change. He had a chipped cup on the sidewalk that was sadly empty. As Mayabelle entered the tavern, she passed the boy and had heard a loud growl issue from his stomach. She had rushed inside and quickly ordered two cups of tea and slices of bread. The tavern lady obliged and decided to spy on the little monk to see where she was going with the second order. To the bartender's surprise, the gnome had bent down next to the boy and had given him the drink, the bread, and the cloak she was wearing. The boy gave her a big hug and sat back down to eat happily.

Mayabelle pointed over to Idril, who sat in a corner, playing her music. The woman glanced over and smiled. A few minutes later, she came back with the requested items, and shook her head when the gnome tried to pay. 

"No sweetie," she said, smiling warmly, "my treat this time."

Mayabelle thanked her with a big grateful smile and weaved through the people to get to Idril. She waited behind a table until the last notes of her song rang out. A few people clapped for her. Mayabelle wiggled foreward to deliver her gift. 

Idril looked down at her.

"Mayabelle?" she asked. The gnome nodded, and offered up the bread and tea. Idril looked surprised at the gesture, but took the bread and tea, saying "Why don't we sit down?"

Together the two sat, sipping their tea and nibbling their bread. Idril broke the silence, "You know, I grew up in a wealthier family. My patents were a king and queen over the elves in their region, and because of that I had whatever food I requested. But this," she said, looking at her food as though it were a difficult equation, "this is one of the most delicious things I've ever had. How do they do it?" Idril finished off her bread looking happy, but still confused. 

Mayabelle giggled at the confused look. "Can you tell me about your family? If your family's so powerful, why are you a bard?" She sat forward in her seat, waiting for the story.