Talon's heart was aflutter with excitement and a sense of accomplishment. The transformation he had undergone, not just in his attire but in his confidence, made this night feel surreal. Gratitude towards Alice and Maya filled him; their belief in his potential had granted him this unprecedented opportunity.
As Talon looked around the room, he couldn't help but take note of the wealthy people surrounding them who were likely spending hundreds of dollars on drinks while celebrating with their peers. But then, something caught his eye; Maya had made her way to the stage, and her entire aura seemed to have changed. She glowed with enthusiasm and confidence.
As whispers and curious glances from the affluent crowd reached his ears, Talon's nerves began to stir. The skepticism in their voices was palpable.
"Is he up to the mark?"
"A street performer here?"
"Maya, who is your new guitarist? Are you sure he's as good as your usual partner?" they shouted.
"Maya, we miss you! Ha ha ha," they said with a chuckle.
"Maya, are you sure you brought a street performer to this bar? Do you intend to ruin our taste in music?" one of them asked.
"Maya, I don't mind hearing you sing without accompaniment. That's better, I think," they shouted in cheers from below.
"Everyone," said Maya with enthusiasm, "I guarantee you that after hearing Talon and I perform tonight, you'll treat me to an expensive bottle of drinks. Care to wager on it?"
Her boldness and confidence in Talon's talent sparked the audience's interest.
"Let's do it, Maya! We miss your beautiful voice," they answered enthusiastically.
Maya shifted her gaze to Talon, and her previously warm smile became menacing. "If you ruin this for me tonight, I'll make sure you regret it," she warned.
Talon nodded slowly, a small smile on his lips. "I understand, Ms. Maya," he replied.
"Just Maya," she corrected before turning back to the guests.
Talon could feel his heart thudding in his chest, faster and faster, but he forced himself to draw in slow, steady breaths. The moment his fingertips brushed the strings of his guitar, he felt as if the two had become one. Without pause, he started to strum the instrument, beginning slowly until the music filled the room, and everyone stopped what they were doing to look up in awe at the stage. The music that emanated from his guitar was a combination of his street-honed skills and the newfound finesse he had acquired. Every note he played seemed to entrance the audience, transforming doubtful whispers into an enraptured silence.
Talon's hands shook slightly as he tightly held the guitar, his eyes never leaving the instrument as if it were an extension of himself. His fingers flew with precision and grace, playing a captivating melody that filled the bar with a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Every chord reverberated through the air, and all in the bar were entranced by the performance. His demeanor was one of complete concentration, his body swaying to the rhythm of the music. As he played on, the room was silent, and all eyes were glued to him, spellbound by his display.
"Wait, he's really good," one of them finally commented with admiration.
"There's no way he's just a busker, right?" another added, expressing his disbelief.
"I think Maya has lied to us. Is it possible that he is actually a professional?"
"Damn, his guitar playing is really full of emotion," one said, shaking her head in awe.
"It's so beautiful," another added, mesmerized.
The room was dimly lit, but the stage glowed with soft lights that illuminated the performers. Maya stood tall and confident, her long hair cascading down her shoulders as she sang. Talon sat beside her, his fingers delicately caressing the strings of his guitar, creating enchanting melodies. His face was focused and determined, while Maya's was filled with emotion as her voice soared with each lyric.
The audience was completely still, their eyes fixed on the two performers, mesmerized by the beauty of their collaboration. The atmosphere in the bar was electric, and every note seemed to transport the crowd to another world.
As the song came to an end, there was a moment of stunned silence before the room erupted into thunderous applause and cheers for Maya and Talon's captivating performance.
Alice also clapped her hands with a proud smile. She didn't expect that the two of them could actually look so impressive on their first try.
The audience cheered and applauded Maya's performance, shouting, "What a perfect performance! Ha ha ha!"
As they called for an encore, a woman from the other side of the room shouted, "We want more!" She then called out to Maya, "Tell me more about the guy."
Maya, beaming proudly, stood up and held the mic. "I'm very grateful that you really appreciate our performance," she began.
"Can you believe that this is the first time I'm doing this collaboration? Yeah, I mean, I just met him this afternoon."
"Maya, you really go overboard with making up stories, don't you?" someone in the audience called out.
"It's impossible for your perfect collaboration to be a spontaneous result."
Maya then grabbed Talon's wrist and gently pulled him up. "Well, I hope you don't try to take him away from me because I've made a contract with him, and he will be accompanying me from now on," she said firmly.
"Oh, Maya, you are so mischievous. You know how attractive men are, and you immediately try to make them your own, ha ha ha," they commented.
Talon bowed slowly as the people around them applauded and expressed their appreciation for the two of them.
"Alright, neither of us are done yet," Maya said with a smile. "The night is still young, and we still have a lot of stories and songs to share with you all. So, next song!" she said enthusiastically.
The two of them put on an incredible show that night, and the guests were thoroughly entertained by Maya's cheerful demeanor and their performance of captivating songs and music. The night eventually drew to a close, marking the first time Talon had ever performed in front of an audience despite the fact that his Quest had yet to be accomplished.
**
With five performances at the bar behind them, the day of the wedding event was drawing ever closer, and Talon had managed to save enough money to pay the rent to Alice. However, she insisted that he prioritize his own needs before paying the rent. Talon, however, was adamant in his refusal, but Alice continued to press him.
Therefore, Talon was determined to make a purchase of his own guitar, as he yearned to have one just for himself. He ventured to a thrift store and came across a guitar that was still in good condition for $700, the priciest item he had ever acquired in his life, but he felt immensely proud to own it. This proved to be the greatest accomplishment he had achieved thus far.
Talon was still in his bedroom when he heard someone knocking on the door. When he opened it, Alice was standing there with a smile that seemed forced.
"Alice?" he said, his brow furrowing in confusion.
"I have some bad news for you," she said, then stepped into the room and closed the door.
"That Maya... she said she needed to cancel your role at the next wedding event. Apparently, the original guitarist has recovered, and he's insisting on performing with her." Alice then explained.
Talon was eagerly awaiting the day, filled with hope that it would be his opportunity to perform in front of a crowd of 500 people and fulfill his Quest. Unfortunately, Lady Luck seemed to be playing against him once again.
Talon had to complete his Quest within the week, or he would lose his guitar skills. Knowing he couldn't force his will, he had to immediately look for other alternatives.
He was no longer disheartened, as his reputation had grown and more people had come to recognize him. When Alice gave her explanation, he responded, "No, although I'm a little disappointed, I think I can find another solution. I'm confident that I can achieve much more now."
Alice's expression changed completely, and she became far more enthusiastic.
"But I have good news for you as well," she said with a grin. "Do you want to hear it?"
Talon furrowed his brows in response to her words.