The crystal-blue waves lapped over the golden sands of Listun beach. Figures dotted the beach, lounging in chairs, swimming in the warm water, or building castles for ants. The only thing it was missing was music. 

Arthyn approached a spot near the tavern, where two large wooden doors opened onto the beach. Sand slipped through the slats of the decking the owner had laid to create a seating area with a mix of round and long tables and stools. People sat with their mugs of ale, chatting or looking out to the sea beyond. 

Arthyn dragged a stool from the deck and shoved it into the sand until it was steady enough to sit on. He surveyed the hot, sweaty crowd; most looked happy, but the exceptionally warm weather was clearly irritating others. Music would cheer them up, he thought, and he'd make a little coin along the way. 

He placed a plain wooden mug within arm's reach for the offerings he was sure to receive. The sun beamed down, showering him in its golden rays as he drew the harmonica from his short-sleeved robe. He blew into it a few times to check it was clean and ready, drawing a few curious glances. 

Then he started. The Elf put the harmonica to his lips and took a deep breath. The first note was raspy, giving way to a bright, twangy mix reminiscent of a folk melody. It was upbeat, bouncy, and magical, at least in his head.  

The reality was far from what he imagined. Instead, it was a shrill, high-pitched sound that pierced the eardrums of everyone nearby. 

Unfortunately for everyone there, the Elf didn't stop. Fortunately for Arthyn, his disillusioned mind led him to believe the murmurs and groans were ones of encouragement. 

The corners of his mouth curved as he blew into the harmonica. His head bobbed to the uneven rhythm as he let himself lose himself in the music, closing his eyes. For several minutes, all was perfect in his world.   

“Shut the fuck up.” The voice was loud and booming.

Thwack

A stale lump of bread thudded against the side of his head. The next note dragged as he exhaled, his eyes widening at the sudden interruption. He glanced around, looking for the culprit, only to find several eyes glaring at him.

“What seems to be the problem?” Arthyn said, completely oblivious.

“Ya shit, that’s the problem,” another voice shouted.

“Go practice elsewhere.”

Arthyn opened and closed his mouth several times, struggling to find the right words to convey how distraught he was. However, he didn't have a chance to say them. 

A young woman, human by the shape of her ears, beautiful in a way that stole his breath, came out of the tavern and stopped in front of him.

Hands on her hips, she looked down at him, pity in her eyes. “Look, you're going to have to leave; your music is upsetting my customers.” There was no malice in her voice, no hate, though she kept it carefully neutral. “You understand, right? That little instrument isn't for everyone's ears.” 

Arthyn sighed, conceding to the goddess standing before him, even though he wanted to admit he had some vocals to go with his playing. All that mattered now was that he'd caught her attention. “As such a beauty as you is asking, I shall cease playing.” He pocketed the harmonica and stood. “Perhaps you'd do me the honour of a stroll under the stars later, as the sand seeps between our toes.” 

The woman raised an eyebrow, her mouth trembling as she stifled her laughter. “Do those lines ever work?” she asked, patting him on the shoulder as she wandered back inside.

He huffed as those around him laughed at his failed attempt to sweep the human off her feet. 

Today had not gone at all to plan. Arthyn had only wanted to perform, catch the eye of some young, attractive female, and fulfil his dream of having sand in all the wrong places after a long, deliriously good fuck on the beach. Wasn't that the point of being a bard? To sing epic love songs or tell tales of adventure, to lure in females and have the time of your life, and then move on? 

With a heavy sigh and another failed attempt, Arthyn left the glistening sands behind, off to find another place to terrorise. Surely, someone out there would appreciate his fantastic playing, he thought as he took one last glance over the sun-soaked beach.