"Oh, um..." Her hand found the back of her head as a sheepish smile worked its way across her face. "...just...part of being a bard, you know? It's important to tell stories that not only entertain, but soothe and inspire as well. It's a worthy profession."

Rialynn couldn't take the compliment personally, but she was proud of her trade, and grateful that Ramza seemed to recognize that. Not many people did.

Her smile faded as they walked, and for a moment there was an awkward silence punctuated only by the sound of their boots clicking on the paved city streets. "I wish we knew how to fight the Calamity. Lifting spirits is well and good, but it's a temporary solution. The threat is still there at the end of the day."