(15 Ivastaen 5115: Wehnimer’s Landing)
The bardess woke up in her room in the Landing to the sounds of a bustling and busy town. She rubbed her crystal amulet and almost instantly heard someone thinking. It may not have been peaceful, but it was a familiar chaos to her, and she smiled.
They had traveled late in the night from Ta’Illistim in preparation for the journey to Icemule Trace later today. That was the frozen destination for the celebration of Oleani – and her very first contest.
Her nerves were on edge, but she had to admit that the case of nerves could be, and had been, far worse. Her friends were so supporting of her; even the near strangers she had sang for the night before on the dais had busted out in applause.
She would have time today to see some friends while she was south, and then double check her bag to make sure she had everything for the performance. She would travel in warmer clothes and change into something nicer once they arrived in Icemule. A number of people had already warned her about the harsh weather in that frozen frontier. They were to travel later in the day and arrive in plenty of time for the event.
She reached for her harp, and tuned it carefully. Her hands lovingly polished the instrument until she was satisfied with the sheen on the wood. She had chosen her newest song, “Speak To Me Of Love” for her contest entry. She hoped she could convey to her audience all the emotions and nuance of this song.
But then, was that actually important? He heard it and loved it. That was the only thing that mattered to her about this song.
Every time she felt butterflies inside, she would look across the area, imagine him there, and look for his eyes, remembering what they looked like as she sang the song the first time for him.
That was her plan for this evening, she would sing the song, once more, for him. There was nothing at all to be nervous about, she already knew how that turned out.