Apprentice

Apprentice

"I didn't do anything!" squeaked Laora Nightwind as a hand grabbed the back of her tunic. She almost dropped 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 thought to insult her? She flailed in his grip until her foot found muscle. He dropped her with a grunt. She landed on her feet, twisting to face her attacker.

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

"Yea, well, you started it!"

"So I did, and I apologize. I should have been more diplomatic, but..." he trailed off.

"If'n ye don't like my playing, ye coulda just asked me to find another corner, ye 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 looked from his face to his hand and back up. The hand dropped.

"You are untrained, yes?"

She nodded.

"You have great potential."

Her brows knitted together. She couldn't tell whether he was telling the truth or looking for something else.

"Can we help you?" asked Leissa from behind the elf.

He spun around, then looked from one girl to the other.

"You are twins."

"You are perceptive."

"Do you both have musical talent?

"No," said Leissa. "I sound like a bugling elk."

"Ah, too bad. I am Stefano, Master of the Bard's College. I apologize for assaulting you, the sound of your flute affected me in a way I didn't expect. If you are willing, I would like to you be my apprentice."

Laora stammered, "Sir, I would be honored."