Muse House

Led by Kade, the four headed north along the main street of Saint Vede Harbor and stopped before a striking building.

It was a three-story stone building with warm cream-colored walls and bright crimson window frames. A flag hung from a chimney on the roof, embroidered with a crossed harp and quill.

Most striking of all was the sign above the entrance.

Made of gilded copper, it bore the words "Muse House" in flowing script.

Reliefs of musical instruments decorated the sign for the Saint Vede Harbor branch of the Bard Association: harps, lutes, piccolos, tambourines—each one carved in lifelike detail.

"This is it," Kade said, stopping. "Muse House."

"Well," Sera said, folding her arms as she looked the building up and down. "It does have an artistic feel. But I bet it's a mess inside, full of drunks singing off-key."

"Sera..." Kade shook his head helplessly.

"I think it's beautiful." Curiosity shone in Celia's eyes. "Bards are always so romantic, aren't they?"

"Romantic?" Sera scoffed. "Wait until you get inside. Their idea of romance isn't what you think."

Xia Lin said nothing. He simply stared at the sign, lost in thought.

Kade's mother... is a bard...

And judging by how he stumbled over his words earlier... his mother might be a bit... improper?

Kade pushed open the door.

The main hall of Muse House was much wider than expected.

A dozen or so round tables filled its center, with small groups gathered around each one. Some spoke quietly, some argued, and others had fallen asleep right on the tables.

Against one wall stood a small stage, where a Halfling bard was performing. Dressed in a sequined purple jacket, he held a lute taller than himself and sang with heartfelt passion.

"—Oh, my love, your eyes shine brighter than the