II Krillin and Andressa II
Ches 10 1335 DR, Year of the Shaking Serpent
For the next few days, Bowie continued to stay with Sylune. What Bowie didn't know, was Sylune was actually his godmother, and entrusted into her care for the time being
However, Bowie's stay at Sylune's residence would be short lived.
As much as she wanted to, Sylune couldn't care for Bowie. She had many enemies in the world, and she would not risk her godson's life. It was tearful goodbye the day Bowie had left Sylune's house.
The Harpers and authority in Shadowdale were saddened by the loss of Thomas and Shayna. They held a funeral at Storm Silverhand's farmhouse, then buried them near the ruins of Myth Drannor.
Bowie wasn't at the funeral, nor was he at the burial.
With a backpack full of his clothes, some food, and Deathwaltz at his side, Bowie rode in a horse drawn carriage with Florin Falconhand to the small town of Tergal's Mark.
Florin had known Bowie's parents, and had missed them. He watched Bowie, who had rarely spoken since the night his parents had died.
Tergal's Mark was located in the region of Tassledale. It was a town known for crafting masterwork weapons and armor. In Tassledale, Bowie would meet his foster family and begin his new life.
On the porch of their small three-bedroom house, Krillin and Andressa Sterling were awaiting the arrival of the new addition to their family. Krillin was a human just barely over the age of sixty , but with light brown hair and emerald eyes, he didn't look over the age of thirty. He was a priest of Selune, and wore sky blue robes. Andressa was a beautiful elven maiden over seven hundred years old. She had a slim figure, pearl white hair, and olive skin. She wore tan leather pants and a white cloth shirt. She was a bard who worshipped Sehanine Moonbow. She didn't look a day over three hundred.
Krillin and Andressa had spent many years trying to have a child together, but sadly all of their attempts had failed.
A few nights ago, Storm Silverhand had visited Krillin. Wearing a blue nightgown over her beautiful body, Storm had succeeded in grabbing Krillin's attention. She asked Krillin if he and Andressa would mind caring for a halfling child whose parents had been just murdered. The cleric of Selune told Storm he would have to ask Andressa first. Krillin had little trouble convincing his wife to let Bowie stay with them.
For the last three days, Andressa had been preparing Bowie's room.
Bowie and Florin arrived in the afternoon. Florin helped Bowie with his things out of the carriage, then quickly bid the halfling farewell.
They watched as Florin and the horse drawn carriage trotted out of view, then Krillin took Bowie's backpack inside. Andressa quickly showed Bowie his room, then went into the kitchen to prepare something to eat for him.
Bowie sighed as he sat on the bed that was made for him. It wasn't much bigger then the bed he had back in his home, but the sheets and blankets were just the same.
From the doorway, Andressa watched as Bowie laid his head down on his chest and began to weep once more.
It had been a long three weeks in the Sterling household. Krillin had to attend some clerical services in Archendale, so it was just Andressa alone with a very depressed little boy.
Andressa tried many attempts to cheer up Bowie, but the only thing the halfling ever wanted to do was eat, sleep, and weep for his dead parents.
But then one day, something happened.
On a warm afternoon, when the birds were chirping and the sun was shining above Tassledale, Andressa went outside, and began to play her harp. The harp in her hands, had a golden frame with twenty-four strings.
The elven bard played an old elvish ballad she had learned in her youth. The beautiful music she played filled the air, causing some birds to cease their chirping and listen for a minute.
Bowie could hear the music play from his room. It was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard in weeks. It reminded him of his mother singing to him when he was an infant.
Dressed in brown cloth pants, and a white wool shirt, the halfling bard left his room and quickly ran outside.
He stood on the wooden porch, watching his foster mother singing while she played her harp.
Andressa looked up, seeing Bowie standing there. She noticed his eyes were not filled with tears, but wide with curiosity and interest. She continued to play for a few more minutes, to see if she could keep his attention.
When she was done, she could hear the sound of Bowie's hands clapping "What did you think?" she asked the little halfling boy.
"I thought it was beautiful," Bowie responded quietly.
Andressa smiled, then an idea manifested in her head," You know, I could teach you how to play the harp and some of these songs. If you're interested that is."
"Sure, I would like that," Bowie answered, walking from the porch and up to Andressa.
The elf maiden nodded. "Great, let me just find you a harp. I think we may have a silver one inside my closet somewhere."