Chapter 70: Farewells and New Melodies

Dorian and Selyse walked side by side, each carrying several bags filled with goods from their shopping trip. The streets of Tadon were still lively, despite the late afternoon glow beginning to settle over the city.

Selyse shifted one of her bags onto her other arm, glancing at Dorian with a smirk.

"You know, I think we made quite the haul."

Dorian scoffed, adjusting the strap of his lute as he juggled his own share of purchases.

"We? You mean you. I swear, you could haggle a dragon out of its hoard."

Selyse chuckled. "You act like I didn't get you that discounted scarf."

"Only after I nearly cried in front of the vendor!"

"That was your own fault for playing it up too much."

Dorian sighed dramatically, throwing his head back. "It was supposed to be a performance!"

"Yeah, well, you overdid it."

Their laughter carried through the orphanage's courtyard as they finally returned, arms full of various goods—new leather straps for weapons, extra blankets, and, at Selyse's insistence, a ridiculous number of pastries from a renowned bakery.

As they stepped through the gate, two familiar figures stood near the entrance—Tache and Ralnor, arms crossed as they watched them approach.

Tache was grinning. Ralnor had his usual neutral expression, but there was an amused glint in his eyes.

"Well, well, well, look at you two." Tache smirked. "Since when did you start acting like a couple?"

Dorian and Selyse exchanged glances, then burst into laughter.

Selyse, still grinning, turned to Tache. "Me and Dorian? Oh, please." She patted Dorian's shoulder playfully, as if the very idea was absurd.

They both laughed it off, continuing toward her room to drop off her things.

But before Dorian followed her inside, he paused, glancing back at Tache and Ralnor.

He placed a hand over his heart, his expression falling into exaggerated sadness.

"Am I really just a joke to her?"

Ralnor, ever the silent pillar of support, gave him a sympathetic nod.

Tache, however, clapped Dorian on the back, shaking his head.

"You're just too young, kid."

Dorian groaned, dramatically letting his head hang as Selyse disappeared into her room, still laughing.

Before Dorian could fully recover from his heartbreak, a tiny blur of movement raced toward him.

A little girl, no older than three, ran straight into him, arms stretched out, her chubby cheeks flushed with excitement.

"Do doo maaa!"

Dorian blinked.

"Uh… what?"

The child jumped excitedly, tugging at the edge of his cloak.

"Do doo maaa!" she repeated, eyes wide with expectation.

Ralnor observed the scene calmly, while Tache raised a brow.

"Dorian, what did you do to this child?"

"I have no idea!" Dorian replied, looking between them and the tiny girl clinging to him.

Then, Elira's voice called out from nearby.

"She wants you to do magic, Dorian!"

Realization dawned.

"Ohhh, I see! You liked my performance yesterday, huh?"

The girl nodded vigorously, still jumping up and down.

Dorian smiled, kneeling down to her level. "Alright, little lady, you asked for it."

With a flourish, he flicked his hand, summoning a gentle swirl of glowing lights, shaping them into tiny dancing animals—a fox, a rabbit, and a fluttering bird.

The child gasped, eyes round with wonder, reaching out as if to touch the glowing creatures.

The other children, hearing the excitement, rushed over, eager to watch the bard perform his magic once more.

Dorian grinned, the weight of his earlier teasing melting away.

He might be too young for Selyse.

But for now, he was just perfect for the ones who needed a little magic.

…

Morning light streamed through the orphanage windows, casting a warm glow on the wooden floors. The smell of fresh bread and sizzling meat filled the air, as Elira prepared one last breakfast for their guests.

Dorian and Selyse stood in the courtyard, surrounded by the younger children, who clung to their legs as if their lives depended on it.

"Do ma! Do ma!" the smallest ones chanted, giggling.

Dorian groaned dramatically, rubbing his face.

"Alright, alright! I'll accept the title. Doma the Bard bids you all farewell!" He spread his arms wide, bowing in an exaggerated fashion.

The children cheered, laughing as they jumped up and down.

Selyse watched with soft amusement, her arms crossed. "I swear, I don't know if you're actually a bard or just a glorified jester."

"Why not both?" Dorian grinned.

Bennett stood near the wagon, counting the payment before handing a small pouch to Tache.

"The deal's done. Thanks for the escort."

Tache took the pouch, giving it a casual toss in the air before catching it again. "A pleasure doing business with you, Bennett."

Elira wiped her hands on her apron, stepping forward to give Selyse a brief hug, then cupped Dorian's face with a warm smile.

"Take care of yourself out there, bard."

Dorian smiled. "Of course. Someone has to collect all the stories of the world."

The children gathered near the front gate, their small hands waving excitedly as the group mounted their horses.

"Bye-bye, Doma!"

Dorian winced. "I will never live this name down."

"Nope." Selyse smirked.

"Not a chance." Tache chuckled.

Ralnor, ever the stoic one, simply gave a small nod of approval.

With a final glance back, the group rode through the streets of Tadon, heading toward the eastern gate.

As expected, the city guards were thorough.

Dorian let out a long sigh as they waited for their belongings to be inspected.

"Wow, I knew it was strict coming in, but leaving too? This city must be cursed with crime or something."

Tache leaned on his saddle, yawning. "It's not about crime. It's just how the north is. Every major city has detailed records of who enters and who leaves. You get used to it."

"You mean you get used to being treated like a criminal every time you go in and out of a city?"

Selyse shrugged. "You learn to appreciate it when you're the one being hunted."

Dorian fell silent, realizing the weight of her words.

Before he could respond, the guards finally finished.

"You're cleared. Safe travels."

With that, they rode forward, the towering walls of Tadon slowly fading into the distance behind them.

Once they were far enough from the city, Dorian pulled out his violin, settling it against his shoulder.

He drew the bow across the strings, releasing a note clearer than before, full of warmth, like a memory returning home.

Selyse, riding beside him, tilted her head slightly.

"Now that you actually know how to play… it really does sound unique."

Dorian grinned, pleased with himself.

"Told you I'd get there."

Tache let out a dramatic groan.

"Oh great. Now he's actually good at it. There's no stopping him now."

"You say that like it's a bad thing."

"It is when we have to hear it every night at camp."

Dorian ignored him, shifting the violin slightly before playing a gentle melody—one inspired by the orphanage, by the warmth of farewells, by the laughter of children who called him Doma.

The sound carried through the cold northern air, marking the start of a new leg of their journey.