I found some old writings as I was packing for Tero Ne.
The cool air brushed over her arms and face tangling itself in her long hair. The olive tresses fluttered behind her as she stood into the wind. The salt that was carried up from the sea spray kissed her lips. One arm hung lightly from the rigging, letting her keep balance against the rocking of the ship. She smiled as she watched the seagulls dance in the along the wave crests. The reminded her of women in the market squabbling over prices of the latest fashion.
She barely heard the scuff of a shoe against the deck before the person was at her elbow.
"Beautiful isn't it?" Syde asked her.
"Oh, yes! And I didn't realize there would be such a difference between the harbor and being actually out here. I now understand a little better all those who wrote about the sea," Tero Ne responded turning sightly to glance at the captain. Syde didn't brace herself at all; instead her legs swayed almost instinctively with the ship keeping her torso and head perfectly level. The sea breeze could only tease the short blonde hair and the end of the sash worn at her waist. The rest of her clothing was tight against her lithe body.
"I haven't read all that much, so I'll have to take your word on that, Tero. I am more at home on the sea than I am on land. The waters are my mother and skies are my father. They know me and I know them. I know their tempers and moods, their knowledge and secrets, their rules and allowances. Some see them as things to be conquered but they are simply forces to be respected. They are to be feared and loved. They grant us use and allow us to ride the waves and be driven by the breath of wind." Syde pauses as she sees Tero's fingers twitch towards her pack that was stowed away in her cabin. "My words are of no value, Tero. Others have better stories to tell."
"Don't say that! Everyone has a story to tell and everyone's story is special, unique. Everyone's words have meaning. In all my travels, I have never met a terrible useless story."
"What of your own story? If you cannot record mine, please tell me yours."
"Mine? Oh no, that's a terribly boring story. I just travel to collect stories. Like the old man's back at the dock. His was a fantastic story."
Tero Ne picked up the instrument. It fit easily into her arms as she cradled it close to her. The soft curves of the wood felt warm and soft. It was a strong comforting presence. It's hollow weight just fit with her. It was as if the instrument had be carved specifically for her instead of its current owner. She admired the painted swirls over its dark, smooth wood. She appreciated the fine metal work of the bridge, wires, pegs, and inlay on the scroll. The craftsmanship that went into this piece was flawless.
A soft grin slipped onto her lips as her fingers glided over the polished surface, along the neck and then pause over the strings. Conversations quieted, the clink of dining ware hushed, the sounds of the kitchen fell off, and even the popping and crackle of the hungry fire in the hearth calmed as the room seemed to wait for the sounds to come.
Tero Ne took a deep breath and then began to strum. The music burst into the air. Tero Ne's fingers flew across the strings, pulling forth a bright fast paced song. Her smile grew wider as the music danced around the room. In fact, almost everyone that the music could reach began to smile. The music danced and spun out until the patrons felt compelled to their feet to dance between the tables. Skirts swirled and hands clapped, boots clicked and laughs escaped, gentlemen bowed and ladies curtsied. Everyone joined in as Tero Ne's instrument sung forth.
The song cascaded through the notes as her swift fingers flew across the strings with nimble speed. It rose and rose until it burst with happy climax. There was a pause hanging in the air as the last notes lingered before the entirety of the tavern cheered and clapped for the performance. Tero Ne smiled and graciously accepted compliments and tokens given. She began a second piece but at a much calmer tone that allowed everyone to settle back into their seats. Conversation still hadn't resumed as they waited for her voice. She ran through the introduction twice as she brought the story to mind and then finally she began to sing. She wove a tale of courage and hope, of adventure and trials, of struggle and eventual success. Everyone was mesmerized and taken in, immersed in the lyrics until they could see clearly the scenes she laid before them. They could sympathize with the hero for momentarily they were the hero, for as long as her voice sung they could take on the same challenges and come out victorious as well.
Slowly she brought the story to a close and left not a heart untouched. There were no cheers to follow this one but more tokens and kind words. Again she took them graciously and then began to play something light and airy to background the normal tavern experience, turning to talk with her instrument's owner.
"That is how you capture an audience."
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