Elentir loved the park nestled in the middle of the streets and commotion. He had found it on his second day in the city, and every evening since visited it to watch the sunset. He found his own bench and watched the clouds turn colors over the tree tops. For a moment, it reminded him of home so strongly. On this day, when things were especially difficult, his heart was moved to song.
Stars above my troubled brow
Light my path clearly now
For my soul is lost, far from peace
And wanders until stars do cease
He sadly brought his knees to his chin, watching the small jewels appear across the purple sky. "That's very good," a strange voice commented. Elentir turned to see someone sitting under the tree behind him. No one had ever heard him sing before, and he was terribly embarrassed. It was a youth, a fellow with a funny tipped cap and a strange instrument in his lap. Elentir smiled. The stranger reminded him of a Halfling, the way he was dressed with patched clothes and a funny way of speaking. "Did you write that yourself?"
"It's a family hymn," Elentir replied quietly. The young man was strumming the guitar, and Elentir liked the way it sounded. "That's beautiful—did you make it?" The boy looked at Elentir for a moment before laughing.
"No, but I had to work like a horse to buy it. The name's Gavin, Gavin Finley. Aspiring musician, if you will."
"Elentir Starwatcher." Gavin nodded, smirking.
"I like the way that sounds. What brings you to the park, Elentir, besides your fantastic voice."
"I grow tired of the city sometimes. This reminds me of my home." Gavin nodded, standing and sitting next to the elf.
"Are you a country lad too, then? I tell you, back home, all you see is green." Elentir smiled softly.
"Really? All I can see is green, too. Trees, and sky, and fields…it's so peaceful."
"Aye, it is," Gavin muttered. "Where is your heart, friend?" Elentir glanced down.
"I can't say. I mean, I don't think you'd recognize it." Gavin shrugged, plucking another chord.
"Suit yourself. If this place is only a piece of it, it must be some place beautiful."
"Uma, ta naa," Elentir sighed.
"Pardon?" Gavin echoed. Our hero shook his head, realizing he had slipped again.
"I'm sorry. Yes, it is." Gavin looked down at his instrument and began to play again. His voice was quiet at first, but soon repeated Elentir's words to the same haunting melody. Elentir smiled, for his broken accent twisted the words into a new light. Gavin finished and smiled, taken by the song.
"It's too perfect. The Starwatcher Song." Elentir chuckled, nodding. "I do believe it is my new favorite."
"It's always been my favorite," Elentir added as twilight filled that place. "My friends and I would always sing it when we were angry."
"You left friends at home as well," Gavin asked, facing the taller acquaintance in the dim light. "I left a girl, my sweet Isa."
"My best friend." Elentir sighed deeply, still watching the tree tops. "He would think this is all great, being in the city. I wish I could bring my sister, too. It's not what I thought it would be, though, Gavin. I don't want them to see it until I like it." Gavin agreed, still playing. It was getting cold and Elentir began to shiver. "It's late, I'm afraid. I've got to get home."
"You are already better off," Gavin joked. "You have a place to sleep."