[As for what Xarces does during the three hour downtime, he'll get the strap on his pack repaired, as well as restock the rations that he lost.]<br/><br/>[taking a 10 on the knowledge arcana check making it a total of 14]<br/><br/>As events wrap up within the hostel Xarces stands to take his leave. "Thank you for the hospitality Surkil, I assure you I shall arrive on time in order for the swiftwind to depart on schedule, but for now intend to unwind a bit with a performance. If any of you wish to attend please be my guest. Otherwise I shall see you all in a matter of hours." With that the bard would head out into the streets once more, taking care to flash a smile at the performer on stage and the hostess in turn as he leaves the establishment.<br/><br/><br/>Once on the street Xarces makes his way to a suitable location, and sets up to play much like he had before.<br/><a class="postlink" href="http://orokos.com/roll/116952">String</a>:<span style="text-decoration: underline">1d20+21</span><span style="font-weight: bold">37</span>[1d20(16)+21=37<br/><br/>Xarces would sing and play from the heart, as his music seemed to be able to touch the very souls of those around him, bringing a brief moment of joy to their otherwise busy and tiresome days. Men and woman, young and old, man and monster, all able to come together and enjoy the performance, united during the short lived moments by little more then the bards melodies and voice. Among the songs he sung where a handful of regional favorites, though one stood out among all the others, a song unheard by any he singing "Behind a veil....... her beauty she hides from the world..... the girl with the fire in her eyes......" a ballad of a woman whom though beautiful chose to hide that beauty away from the world. Many would take the lyrics in different ways, applying it to their own lives and experiences. Some may see it as talking of an ugly woman by all rights, who's beauty was misunderstood by the world at large, and so those self conscious females among his audience may draw confidence in their own appearance through this interpretation. Then there where those who saw her as being beautiful, yet not wanting to use said beauty as a crutch. These among many other interpretations likely flowed through the minds of his listeners. However a particular listener decided to interpret the song, none could argue the power behind the bard's performance.<br/><br/><br/>When the time finally arrived to depart, Xarces meets back up with the group at the docks."I trust you all enjoyed yourselves?" he says idly to them about whatever they had chosen to do with their own free time. His eyes being drawn to the vessel that was docked beneath them as the call of the grizzled fellow caught his attention. "Good day to you sir, indeed we are, I take this sturdy vessel before us to be the swiftwind?" he calls out in greeting. Xarces certainly recognizes the mark on the man's shoulder, seeing this as a good sign that their voyage would go smoothly. He would at first wonder if this man alone was to captain this vessel, wondering if his group would have to serve as a makeshift crew. As these concerns run through his mind a second voice calls out to the first, a female voice at that. Xarces would be shocked to find that the captain appeared to be a half- elven girl, and a particularly young one at that.<br/><br/>(Well this is certainly unexpected......but a captains a captain and I am not about to question her capabilities....) Xarces thinks as he silently found the situation to be comical, though he would not dare allow it to show. He did of course notice the dragon mark upon the young woman's shoulder, leaving little doubt in his mind of her abilities as captain. He smiles charmingly at the girl as her eyes examine the group, knowing the look she gave him as he had seen it before a thousand times over. Xarces subsequently nodding to the glare from Ulrik in turn. The bard used to such looks from father figures, guardians and the like, of the many swooning young girls that often attended his live performances. He keeps his eyes on Lion, seemingly interested in her, though in reality he was simply humoring her as he would any adoring young fan. As in reality he had no intention to even fathom any romantic involvement with the young half-elf.<br/><br/>After she introduces herself Xarces would do the same, stepping forth to lightly take her hand in his own, kneeling before her as he proceeds to place a soft kiss upon it's back. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain Lion d'Lyrandar, you may call me Xarces." The bard says giving her all the respect in his greeting that a captain deserved. (Never hurts to make a good impression on the captain, and besides I can always smooth things over with Ulrik later if this gentlemen's greeting ruffles his feathers. I know a couple of good sea shanteys that are likely to cheer him right up.) Xarces thinks as he returns to his feet giving the young woman one last smile before turning to face the ship.<br/><br/>The bickering between Lion and Ulrik was quite entertaining as Xarces could tell this may be a long voyage if this butting of heads was any indication of things to come. Once a semi agreement on rooms had been arranged Xarces would simply say "The hold or a cabin, either is fine with me." Xarces having no interest in arguing such things as he proceeds to stow his cloak away, revealing his crimson and black wings in full.<br/><br/>When the others begin to make their way one by one across the gangplank Xarces would simply leap into the air and glide steadily across the small chasm and onto the deck of the vessel. Tucking his wings neatly against his back as he lands Xarces would make it a point to shoot a little smirk back at those whom where still making their way onto the ship.