[Ythri Drega Dun]

6th of Cryxatum, Summer of Era XIV Post Fractum
This thread will be self-moderated

Ythri wasn’t nervous. She was rarely nervous, not about anything, and certainly not about finally taking the first step on the training she had dreamed about for so long. But there was an anticipation that she felt, one that brought butterflies to her stomach.

When she cautiously pushed open the door to the room to which she had been directed, she was greeted by the sight of a tall, pale man in a powdered wig. His back was slightly turned to her, and he was holding a violin, which he was in the act of tuning. When he heard the door, he turned abruptly, and looked Ythri up and down slowly in a manner that made her feel vaguely uncomfortable.

"Ythri, is it?" he asked, though he was already nodding his head. "Yes, they told me you were interested in learning to be a bard. I suppose it's my job to tell you whether or not it will be worth your time -- and mine -- to proceed."

This was not the warmest of welcomes, but nonetheless, he motioned for Ythri to take a seat, which she did. "First things first, my dear. If you haven't the native musical ability, I'm afraid you've chosen the wrong sphere. I'd like a song, whatever you want, though do try not to make it too dreary. Once I've heard your voice, I'll be able to give you a more measured assessment of your abilities. Begin." He waved one hand in the air.

The girl sat up straighter in her chair. She took a deep breath in and began to sing, a song that she remembered her mother singing, before her death. It was a favorite of Ythri's, and she had sung it more than once during her long walk across the Empire.

"The sky is blue on the mountain tops,
The stars shine over the trees.
The air is clear in the desert's heat,
But my only love is the sea.

"The birds sing loud in the forest glen,
A bright song just for me.
But though I smile, I cannot stay,
For my only love is the sea.

The roads lead over the hills and plains
As far as the eye can see,
But my one true hope is to walk them all
And follow them back to the sea."

Her voice was high and clear, and she let it ring out as she reached the final stanza. For a moment after she finished, there was pure silence. Then, a slow, sly smile crossed Louis Montago's face.

"Ah yes, that's certainly sufficient. I can see why you've chosen to study here. I don't believe musical ability will be an issue, though you're in desperate need of training."

"Thank you, sir," Ythri said, her happiness at the compliment obvious.

"The first order of business then is to get you unbound. Only then can you sense the arcane forces and learn to shape them. The experience may be disorienting, but it shouldn't last long. Close your eyes, and we'll begin."