Clairemonde scanned the bazaar with her eyes sparkling. The firm smile she wore tired her lips, but she couldn’t stop. She adjusted the strap around her shoulder which secured her lyre to her side. The well-dressed stranger startled her before she could begin thinking of what to perform. She held her lyre close to her chest, her brow furrowed for a moment. His smile appeared friendly enough. She let her arms relax slightly. “Ah, thanks for the welcome,” she said after taking a breath to relax her nerves. “I’m a performer.” She strummed her lyre once to accentuate the point. “I’m curious...do many people come here seeking adventure?” Her mind wandered for a moment, picturing a more adventurous life. “Bah, never mind. If you’ll excuse me sir, I have a song to sing.” She stepped around him and scanned the area for a good place to set up for the day.
