“I didn’t do anything!” squeaked Laora Nightwind as a hand grabbed the back of her tunic. She fumbled with the flute her twin had carved last year.

“You are massacring music, that is what you are doing!” a stern voice spat back.

Who was this stranger who dared insult her? She flailed in his grip until her foot found muscle. With a grunt, he dropped her. She landed on her feet, twisting to face her attacker. Somehow, she kept her grip on the flute.

“You are quite the hellion, you are,” said a tall, thin elf, rubbing his thigh.

“Yea, well, you started it!”

“So I did. I apologize. I should have been more diplomatic, but…” he trailed off.

“If you don’t like my playing, you coulda just asked me to find another corner, you know,” she said. She took the handful of coppers from her hat, tucking them into a hidden pocket. “Wouldn’t be the first time,” she mumbled, gathering her things.

“Wait, youngling,” he said, a hand on her arm.

Laora’s gaze shifted between his face and hand. The hand dropped.

“You are untrained, yes?”

She nodded.

“You have great potential.”

Her brows knitted, unsure if his words were genuine or hiding an agenda. Her experiences living on the streets of Brookhaven made her wary of “helpful” offers.

“Can we help ye?” asked Laora’s twin, Leissa, from behind him.

He spun, looking at both girls.

“You are twins.”

“Ye be perceptive.”

“Do you also have musical talent?”

“No. I sound like a bugling elk. My talent is with the wild things.”

“Ah, too bad,” he turned to Laora. “I am Stefano, Master of the Bard’s College. I apologize for assaulting you, youngling, the sound of your flute affected me in a way I didn’t expect. You have Talent. If you are willing, I would like to you be my apprentice.”

Laora stared at the bard, then shot a glance toward Leissa. Her twin nodded, eyes bright.

“Ye been saying ye wish ye had a teacher,” said Leissa. “Lo and behold, the goddess done brought ye one.”

Laora considered her twin’s words for a moment, then looked at Master Stefano.

“Sir,” she said, standing tall, “I would be honored.”