If the young man was just a normal person, he could ignore them. David had passed by people busking on the street before. This bard was an elf. Golden blond locks, pointy ears and jade green eyes were striking features. The majority of the customers they got at the forge were human. Aside from the occasional halfling, half elf or half orc, that was it. The young man in front of him was a full-on elf. Zachary the Bard nodded his head. "My professor heard a rumor of a lost tome in a dungeon nearby the duchy. With enough funds, we can go and found an expedition to go look for them with some adventurers for protection. If we don't have them, a journey with only the students will have to do. Obviously, it will be a lot less safe for us." he told the group. David asked "Where would we go if we wanted to join the college ourselves?" He looked us over and said "Oh? Do you play any instruments? The Bard College of Babi welcomes all." David shook his head. "No. But we are blacksmiths and we would be willing to learn some instruments. Or even make them for the college." he explained.
Zachary's eyes lit up. Bringing it up was a good way to market his skills. David was near Journeyman rank in the Smithing Guild. At that point, he could set up and sell all his talents to anyone he wanted to. He said "I'll say I've never thought of that before. You can go to the college and ask them about it. I'm sure that we could use some new instruments." A quest was then given to him. It was to go to the Bard College and talk to the headmaster. The quest was most likely the one to join the college. That was something that David was going to keep in mind. It was probably the best way to get David in a combat role. Even bards could fight in a party of adventurers. Being a strong bard at a college would not be as flashy or draw as much attention as a fighter that came from nowhere. David could not stay at the forge forever. As they were going home, they were accosted by some street urchins. All of them were kids younger than 15. They were "begging" for charity, but it was clear that they would cause a fuss of they did not get something. David gave them money and they continued home.
As the week passed, they all passed the threshold to become Journeymen blacksmiths. The guild sent a messenger with the paperwork. It was after we closed up, so we were not bothered by his arrival. "I hope I have come at a good time." she said when she gathered around. David nodded and said "What is it? We just closed for the day." Master Danie seemed to already know what was going on from the way he was smiling. He gave a low whistle and said "Wow. They've done it already? Looks like this batch was a group of prodigies waiting to be found." She smiled and opened the letter. Clearing her throat, she adopted a more authoritative voice and said "I come from the guild's main office. Peace be with you Joe Shcmo, Alec Peachy, Alex Peachy, Wendy Peachy, Claire Peachy, Chris Peachy and Sasha Peachy. You have done well. From your customer's appreciation to quality of work to sales records, you have shown that you have skill in your craft. We recognize that skill and have deemed it appropriate to grant you the rank of Journeyman blacksmith. Congratulations. Keep up the good work."
Being that they were Journeymen, they could start their own forges. Because the guild was so large, they could set it up anywhere in the Duchy of Azul. David already had his plan for moving forward. The Bard College was in the city. After an hour to clear out all their stuff, they stood in front of Master Danie. He said "I know that you will be able to make anything you put your minds to. It was a pleasure teaching you and it was fun." David nodded and said "Thank you for picking us up and giving us a place to stay." "You can come to me if you need help with anything." the master said before letting us go with a wave. David was going to let him leave before suddenly calling out to him. Mater Danie paused and turned his head. "Do you need something now?" he asked in confusion. David shook his head. "Chris and I planted a tree in the yard out back. Help yourself to the peaches that grow. The other apprentices can get some use out of them too." he said. Chris blushed and turned to David. "What the hell!? I planted it there for you! He can't eat it!" he snapped. David just ignored him.
