As they headed back to Vokrizen, Kerrigan let out a small squeal of delight. "OOOO please stop the car and pull into that little shopping center!!"
"What is it?" Conor asked, perplexed.
"You will see. Come."
Parker turned in and found a spot, jumping out to open the door for Conor and Kerrigan. Conor watched as Kerrigan giddily made her way over to a small shop he had never noticed before.
"I know its random, but... well indulge me, please," She said.
Conor smiled at her genuine joy as she opened the door and slipped inside. Conor looked at Reilynn who just shrugged saying, "I tend to not argue with her. Parker and I can handle guarding the door. Go on."
Conor opened the door and stepped into another world. The air hung heavy with the smell of wood shavings, varnish and dust. The hammered-tin ceiling shone high overhead, while open sided wood cases lined the walls, filled with violins, violas, guitars and mandolins of every color and design. Kerrigan was already perched on a stool with her elbows propped on the counter, cheeks resting on her palms as she charmed the elderly man at the register. When she heard the bell from the door ring, she spun with a huge grin on her face.
"Conor, this is craft master Stratus Gunther. He made all of these! Can you believe it!"
She hooped off the stool and spun with her arms out, taking in all the instruments.
"I take it you can play then?" Conor asked, curiously.
"Well, I dabble, anyway. Doesn't make the music they can produce any less amazing to behold. Craft Master, may I try a few? Do you have one you would suggest for me?"
Conor watched the light in the elderly gentleman's eyes beam with joy as he fell into the practiced role of helping a patron who was as passionate about his craft as he was.
"Well miss, that would depend. How were you trained? Would you be following the classics southern traditions, or perhaps the more free flow of Targu's northern regions?"
"I was raised in northern Targu, craftmaster."
"Ah, I should have known from your lilting accent. So, more the fiddle then. Lets see here. Now I can get you the instrument that will sound amazing, but for that style, my dear, it is all about how you choose to bow. If I put it in your hands, you think you can play something enough to give us a bit of a jig?"
Kerrigan laughed, "I am a bit rusty, but I suppose we will see what we can do!"
The Craftmaster looked around and gently lifted a light colored violin from the wall. "Try this my dear. It is one of my mid-ranges and should have a good sound to it."
Conor found a stool and sat watching as Kerrigan set the violin to her chin, and positioned her shoulder. The Craftmaster handed her a bow and she gently set it to the strings. Conor cringed as the first few notes screeched from the tortured fiddle.
"Umm, a bit rusty you said?" he jested.
"Hush." Kerrigan adjusted her movements and began to play. Soon Conor found himself clapping along with the Craftmaster as Kerrigan playing a very fun little jig.
"My dear that was lovely. It has been a while since I have heard someone play one of my instruments with such passion. I can tell you have a real talent. Perhaps still a bit raw, but that just means you need the right instrument and time practicing." He rubbed his chin and glanced around his shop again. "This... this is an intermediate instrument. However... Ha yes this one."
He handed Kerrigan a dark cherry varnish violin. "This one is made of ebony wood. It is very fine. Try."
Kerrigan reverently took the violin and tried a few notes. Deep, rich tones sounded, and Conor could see her practically quiver with joy. "Craftmaster, this is truly an amazing piece. If you were willing to part with it, I will buy it."
The craftmaster eyed her speculatively. "Well, miss. This is a shop, so I am not one to turn down coin for my creations. However, for that one, I am not willing to let her go to just anyone. You have to make me a solum promise."
"What is that?"
"Promise that you will treat her right and give her the practice she deserves. Then come back after a while and play for me." The craftmaster said with a grin.
"Deal!" Kerrigan said, holding out her hand.
"Are you sure lass? We haven't even stated a price."
"For this, whatever you deem is fair, I would pay. And never you mind about me being able to afford it."
"Aye, then lets get you wrote up and I will make sure you have a proper case and bow for it."
Conor couldn't help the flutters her felt when Kerrigan came over to him, the biggest grin on her face. "I guess we are taking a violin out of here then."
"I would buy the whole shop if I knew where to put them all. In fact, I might just know a few tiny humans who might be curious about music..." she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Oh, Craftmaster. You wouldn't happen to have a supply of kid size violins that you might could sell for some young friends of mine?"
The craft master glanced up from where he was scratching out a receipt with a curious look, "I have all sizes of course. How many kids are there?"
"I am not sure yet how many are going to be interested... but I would like to start a tab with you. If anyone comes in and drops the name Eibhlin, let them buy a beginner instrument, and I will cover the cost. I will leave a sizeable initial deposit with you to cover any who come in, but if it's ever not enough, just contact Mr. Nuri of Dreadnaught Law. He will know how to contact me."
"Who are you expecting miss?"
"Just some young friends who have a tough lot in life."
They shared a smile before Kerrigan turned back to Conor. "I suppose we can head back to the castle tower now."
Conor laughed. "Do I need to find a dragon to guard the entrance, or is Reilynn enough?"
They chuckled as they exited, waving to the craftmaster. Parker reached to take the new case from Kerrigan to put in the back of the SUV but she held it protectively to her chest.
"No, this rides with me. Thank you, though." Kerrigan had a huge grin as she took her seat again.