Enticing
Greylock sighed wearily as he approached the tavern's door. It was one of those very rare occasions when King Magnus had given him the evening off, the pompous king having decided to go to a school play at Royal Prep. The royal sorcerer wasn't entirely sure why his king had decided to go to a children's play, but he wasn't about to question it. After all, he was free to do what he wanted for the evening.
He pushed the door open and stepped inside. The tavern wasn't too terribly busy. A few tables were filled with villagers chattering amongst themselves. Greylock made his way to an empty table, waving to some of the people when they waved to him. He sat down and ordered some food. As he waited for his meal his mind drifted. He had been to this tavern before with his fellow worker and friend, Slickwell, but since the other man had been fired a few months ago, he was here alone. He couldn't blame Slickwell for wanting to work for a better king. Magnus was perhaps the most difficult king to work for. But the way the former steward had tried to steal the job of Enchancia's beloved Baileywick was so cringe–worthy. Still, Greylock hoped his friend was okay.
The sorcerer was brought out of his thoughts when his food was set in front of him. He thanked the waitress and picked up the fork, taking a bite of the juicy ham. Pleased with the taste, he took another bite.
Greylock was halfway through his dinner when he heard the sound of singing. He looked toward the small stage in one corner of the room. A woman was standing there with an enchanted mandolin, which played soft music as it levitated next to her. She was very lovely in a long, flowing aquamarine dress that fit her small frame perfectly. Her dark hair fell down her back, brushing the floor with its ends. But it was her singing that held his attention; that beautiful voice of hers was so powerful that he completely forgot about his food and just sat there listening to her song, mesmerized by its haunting beauty.
"Near, far, wherever you are
I believe the heart does go on…"
When the song ended, the crowd applauded, some tossing coins at the woman's feet. She curtsied graciously before using an advanced form of wandless magic to raise the coins and gather them in a pouch. She then made the pouch and mandolin vanish before stepping off the stage.
Greylock watched her move, unable to take his eyes off of her. There was something enticing, mysterious even, about this woman. He was pretty sure he had never seen her before. He had heard many women sing, but her singing was almost like that of a siren…
Sensing she was being watched, the woman turned and, with a radiant smile, sauntered toward the sorcerer's table.
Greylock gasped when he realized the object of his attention was standing beside his table. "Um…"
"Did you see something you like, Greylock?" she asked quietly.
He grinned. "I saw and heard something I like." He paused when he realized something. "How do you know my name?"
She smirked. "Your face is very well known, Greylock the Grand."
"I'm that good looking, hmm?" he joked.
She raised an eyebrow. "I think it's that monocle that stands out. I haven't seen many people who wear one. Besides, doesn't everyone know the esteemed Royal Sorcerer of Rudistan?"
"I suppose," he said with a casual shrug. Deciding to change the subject, he asked, "Where are you from? I don't think I've ever seen you before."
"I'm from everywhere," she responded with a vague gesture. "I travel the world and sing in places like this one,"
"You sing quite well. I have never heard such an enchanting voice. What's your name?"
"I go by many names." A mysterious smile crossed her face. "But you can call me Aqua."
"Aqua." The name seemed to suit her. Seeing her start to move away, he asked, quickly, "Would it be possible to see you again."
She paused and turned toward him, eying him curiously before a small smile graced her lips. "Perhaps. I'm staying at the inn in the village for a few weeks." She turned and glided away, her hair seeming to float behind her.
"She's stunning," the sorcerer murmured, a goofy grin spreading across his face as he started to eat the remains of his now cold dinner. It wouldn't be easy, but he was determined to see Aqua again.
A/N: Aqua jokingly put GreylockxAqua down as a ship for our group to choose from on the form we filled out for our gift exchange. I thought it was hilarious and decided to write a story for her. I asked if I could base an OC on her, and she gave me permission. The lyrics are from Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On." I hope you liked it, Aqua!