The man put on quite a show. If his music was as good as his showmanship, he would make a fine addition to the staff of Mosaic Reverie. Azrak would relay his story to the management, along with her observations, for now it was just an extra thing to enjoy or forget. The bard was angling for an audience with the boss, and she could actually see it happening. He certainly had the charisma to get his way, and the boss would probably want to hash out some of the details without entrusting them to the management.
Azrak let him at the card dealer table and headed off to notify the higher-ups before the next tide of clients rolled in and left her too busy.
***
The master of the palace was approached by the management the moment he returned from his morning affairs. The sun was already high up in the sky, its rays caressing the glazed roof tiles of the massive dome. The desert heat was slowly rising from the sands of Essyrn and it was a pleasant relief to be finally back within the stone walls of his home. The western entrance didn't lead directly to the main hall, it opened onto a greeting chamber that was currently unoccupied. He accepted a glass of sweet water and shrug off the cloak that was already a little dusty after his excursion. That was when a waiting member of staff informed him of Azrak's new idea.
It was a good idea, and if the bard was employed, Eltanin would instruct the coinkeepers to give Azrak a bonus. He's been considering adding some music to enhance the atmosphere of his palace. It would have to be balanced, he didn't want it to become the main attraction and draw the guests' attention from the games. This was the reasoning that kept him from hiring entertainers of other professions. Music was this fascinating grey area, the art that could demand complete attention or just its sliver. He was looking forward to solving this puzzle.
"I'll see him in the southern study" he commanded. The room in question was located on the highest floor of the palace, and was best utilized in fair weather. The outer wall was replaced with purest crystal glass, spanning from the ceiling all the way to the floor. On good days, it offered a stunning view of Le'raana's greatest city sprawling below, horizon patterned with spires and walls of Essyrn. The altitude meant that dust storms and powerful winds were still a problem, but Eltanin managed to enlist the service of a talented enchanter. Only the wildest haboob could now scratch this glass.
The ceiling, floor and the other walls were covered in mosaic depicting various scenes from Essyrni myth and history. Three perfectly carved loungers provided a comfortable seat to admire the view from. There was a small slot in the middle of the floor, where lamps could be set if needed. Eltanin liked to decorate, but adding more would only detract from the true treat of the view and the pleasant visions on the tiles.
The vista was truly arresting, and it made waiting far more compelling than it had any right to be. Eltanin stood in front of the window, hands clasped behind his back, turned away from the door. He knew the blueprints of the palace by heart, he could describe the route the the staff would take by bringing the bard without as much as a thought. He wouldn't have to wait for a long time.