Maria smiled as Stax spoke. That's why she liked him. He wasn't just here for company, he liked people listening to his music, and Mari was one of the few who could truly appreciate music such as his. "Alright. Let me go speak to her, and I'll be right back. Oh..." She turned around back to him. "As usual, I'll have to charge you full price. I can't have favorites who spread rumors. Rumors are bad, yes?" She patted his shoulder. "Be right back, dear." She walked into the back and down the stairs towards Mari.<br/><br/>"Mari, dear..." Maria announced as she entered Mari's room. "You have a guest. You remember Stax, don't you? The musician who came to see you a few days ago?"<br/><br/>"Of course, Mistress. Has he returned?"<br/><br/>"Yes, but the request is a bit different, today. He would like for you to listen to him play, first, if that's alright." Mari smiled a little, taken aback.<br/><br/>"Why, Mistress, you know it's more then okay." Maria offered a smile and nodded.<br/><br/>"Very well, dear, go get set up in the back room, and I'll show him down." Standing and bowing, Mari offered her usual 'yes, Mistress', and left for the back room.<br/><br/>Maria appeared back out in the shop a minute or two later. "Alright, dear. Come on, follow me." She took Stax's hand and nudged him up. "Mari's waiting."