Two Crows Watch from the Gallows Tree (part 17)

(Hah. Nopeeee. Today is gonna be at least a full day in 40s raining literally all day. Usually we work 10-14 hour days. I’m hoping for 8 today but that’s not likely)

“…I, uh, got to play the hurdy gurdy when we were in the village,” Rek said, trying to keep the conversation moving. “That was pretty neat. The bards were eager to show me how when I expressed interest.” And coin.

"Oh did you?" He raised an eyebrow. "That's a fascinating instrument. How did you do?"

(Oh goddd)

(Yeah. Thankfully my boss just decided one crew instead of two. Which makes my life significantly easier since we can trade off but it’s already raining and it’s super dark even tho it’s after 7 and it shouldn’t be)

“Alright.” Rek shrugged. They’d been pleasantly surprised with how quickly he’d picked it up, but he was notoriously modest when it came to his musical ability. “It takes a very long time to get good at an instrument, which I haven’t had. But I purchased one to play around with and it’s been fun to pluck at it.”

(Aw man
Storm is brewing here too. Big one I think)

Gaius looked at him in surprise. "Well, then. That's commitment. Very impressive."

(Ughhhh
We are in a drought and need this rain but not today when I have to be out in it lol)

Rek shrugged again, blushing a little. “Just a hobby.”

(Ick)

"Even so, not one everybody tries to pick up."

“True,” Rek agreed with a nod. “It is a bit challenging since it’s so different from what I’ve been trained in. But I’m a pretty patient person so it’s been okay. I’m enjoying the challenge.”

"That's good to hear. Will you be taking lessons?"

“Um… we’ll see…” Rek answered. “I’m not quite sure how long we’ll be up here or how much free time I’ll have now. But I’d like to, if it works out. No worries if not.”

"Fair enough. They don't have hurdy-gurdies down there, do they?"

“No.” He shook his head. “I’ll need to learn the premise here then practice once I get home. I purchased some music as well.”

"Do you have any instruments from the South that you'd recommend for young learners?"

"Mm..." Rek thought for a moment. "How young?"

"Let's say we start them around six or seven."

"Well, I started on a lute about that age and it worked out alright for me as a first instrument, though that's tough on the fingertips so they may not be into it if they're not super interested in learning... crumhorns are a bit harder to play well what with learning the right breath support and such but they're pretty beginner-friendly as well if you don't mind a bit of a ruckus to start." He smiled a little at the joke.