Music

It was a surprise for Luna, Omboran and even a bit for yourself, when you entered the music classes of the academy. It is true that there are some mind mages who combine their illusion spells with music an become incredible famous artists, but since you already decided to become an adventurer with your friends, nobody could see a reason for you to take music lessons.

But you had a reason. A very personal one. When you once saw a street artist playing songs for coins, you suddenly got a flashback. A small vision from your old life. You an a guy were at a stage in a small café, playing music for the visitors. You were good, but it was just for fun. You saw the guys face in other flashbacks. You were always sure he was your brother. Not Theodore, you real old brother, back on earth.

You secretly hoped that you would probably discover more when you kept this kind of lessons. Sadly it was not the case. Now new flashbacks were coming. You remembered your skills in playing guitar from earth and quickly raised to the top of the class. But despite this, you got nothing. You spend the curses impressing the teacher and the upcoming bards. Honestly, playing music again was fun and you think you can use your skills to entertain your friends. So at least it was not a waste of time.

Professor Jerico, a 200 years old gnome and former star in the royal orchestra, welcomes all of his students and hands you your sheet music for today. Most nobles prefer classic music, because they consider themselves something better listening to such high class music. And since they pay most bards, Professor Jerico mostly teaches you such songs. His reaction was funny, when you played June Carters song, Ring of fire, during your first lesson. You remembered it perfectly.

“Good morning, my dear Clare” a guy next to your seat greets you “I am so glad that you once again found your way to our cultural halls.”

You turn around and smile. Gilvan is a minor noble who wants to become a bard in the adventurers guild. He is a cousin of Miriam, but always was much nicer than her. He even attempted to talk to her to leave you alone. Without success, sadly. You also like him because of his often **** overreacting and melodramatics. He is your age but already an actor and artist with body and soul.

“Good morning Gil,” you say and try not to think about your dream with his cousin, “how are you?”

“Honestly, I am shocked,” Gilvan replies overacting, “it came to my ears that one of my dearest friends had to face the abyss and returned as a hero. I can hardly imagine what you went through. And you did not even told me. I had to learn from my cousin. If I would have been with you, I would have made a praising song for you that could make a daemon cry.”

“Oh, you already heard about the chimera,” you mumble and blush a little, “that's really not worth a praising song. I was just ...”

“Gilvan, Clare, I do not tolerate chatting during lessons,” Professor Jerico interrupts you sharp, “I know you you are good, but not good enough to waste valuable lesson time. Thinking about it, how about you show us your skills. Come here to the front, both of you! I want you to play the music I just handed you in a duet.”

“What a wonderful idea, professor,” Gilvan agrees excited, “a duet between two artist souls. The audience will be thrilled.”

Unlike Gilvan, you better not annoy the professor. You know that director Tiberius is a fan of professor Jericos performances. He could easily lower your reputation in the mage guild. Quietly you take a guitar to the small stage in the middle of the room. Gilvan is a singer and does not need an instrument. He studies the text meanwhile.

The song is not difficult to play, but without knowing or training it, you already know this task is made to fail. You can only hope to be good enough to please the professor. You have to focus every second and play the music while reading it. To your luck, Gilvan is very skilled and a quick thinker. He covers one or two of your mistakes with his marvelous voice. You could listen to him singing for hours. People say the gods gifted him with a golden tongue. Still, it gets more and more difficult to follow the sheet music with every page. When you finally reach the end and Gilvan finishes the song with a long, deep tone, you are exhausted like after a tough workout.

You classmates are indeed thrilled. They applaud and one girl whistles. Even professor Jerico nods calm but approving. He seems pleased, which is always a big praise. You are so glad with your success, that you barely notice Gilvan turning around, gently putting a hand on your cheek and guiding your face to his.

“Gil what are you …,” you begin confused.

“Hush, my love,” Gilvan interrupts you gently, “just follow your heart. Or do it for the audience. They want to feel the emotion. The romantic. The beating hearts.”

This time you are not sure what Gil is up too. Does he only does this for the show or is he somehow interested in you? You need to decide quickly.