The Ruby Empire

Akio the Tengu

They called you the Songbird of Heckler's Tavern. It's not the prettiest place in the world but your voice makes it feel that way. You had started singing in the tavern one night when the main singer had gotten too drunk to go on. You had been working as her assistant for a long time. So that evening when she toppled and wouldn't budge you put on one of her gowns and took to the stage. Ever since then you've become a staple. You took her top billing and you've been singing there every night.

Every night as you went on stage you would count the people in the crowd. You'd first count the regulars and then the new faces. That's when you spot someone new. It's a surprise to you that your eye becomes drawn to him. You've seen enough new faces to fill several books. This one is different. His pitch feathers glow in the light of the lanterns. His sharp beak polished to a fine shine. Then he wears a long, elegant robe. Something you've never seen in this town, let alone the tavern.

The music starts and you miss your cue. You stumble and recover. As the songs go on you notice the feathered man inch closer and closer to the stage. Soon, he's sitting at the table right in front. You can see his robe is painstakingly hand-painted with an intricate mural. You meet his eyes for a brief moment and you force yourself to look away, singing back to the crowd.

When it's time for your break you come across your usual hindrance. You're bought drinks in an attempt to flatter. As you take your usual meal and drink. You're used to the flirting. It still takes some strength for you to smile when they touch your hair or ask for a kiss.

As you're going through the 'no thank yous' and 'that's so kind but nos', the raven parts through them. Your eyes widen as he comes close. You duck your head, trying to eat your food as the crowd around you dissipates.

"Back off you vultures," he growls into the crowd, extending a long arm out. His wing then blocks you from the crowd. You stare up, looking at the massive limb and the dark, long feathers. "Let the lady breathe for god sake." He turns and looks at you. "Unless I'm the bother, that is."

You shake your head. "No. Thank you," you whisper, keeping your voice low.

"Why try and placate them?" He asks. He moves all the offered drinks out of your way and turns to order his own.

"Their customers," you murmur. "You gotta keep them happy."

"Even when they touch you?" He asks.

You hesitate on a bite and you chuckle. "Well, I guess I wouldn't mind that."

He keeps his wing around you, but you can sense the others have already begun to fall back. You've not had a meal in peace in such a long time. This was nice.

He glances back at you. "I was told the Songbird of Heckler's was not something I could miss on my journey." The ice in his drink clinked as he raised it to you. "I was not disappointed."

You blush and shrug up your shoulders around your neck. "Where are you traveling from?" You ask.

"From the east," he replies. "I've been charged to make trades for the Rakshasa king."

You look up at him with awe. "Really?" You gasp.

He chuckles. "He's trying to expand his reach. He wants to make allies in all the corners. He's hired me to make several business connections."

You inch closer. "What are you trading?" You feel excitement bubble up inside you. You've heard so many tales about the Rakshasa court. People speak of how intimidating and frightening the King is. Yet how respected he is among his people. He married a human woman, a commoner in fact. He had twin cubs with her. You often dreamed of such a thing happening to you. Being scooped from nothing by a dashing and handsome creature. Fall in love and never worry again.