Love Story

The teenage boy wove his way between the throngs of musicians, artists, and performers. Others had brought brothers or sisters, mothers or fathers, and a few had brought their children, but the boy walked alone. He found a spare seat and sat, as he did he took the lute pack off his back and removed the instrument. It was made in the ancient style, and yet was brand new.
He absently played a few chords, expertly holding the strings he needed, dampening those he didn't. Those nearby payed little attention, not understanding the skill he desplayed, or being preocupied with their own preparations.
But Erthran was observant, and his eyes couldn't help but fall upon a blue eyed girl, sitting beside her mother. Erthran could see personality, he could see talent. The mind of a person was displayed in the must subtle ways in their body language, and Erthran could read it like a book.
After a few hours, his name was called.
Erthran made his way into the room where the four judges waited. They whitted on, asking his name? Erthran. They asked his age? Forteen. They asked where he was from? Erthran did not answer. He simply said "Can I play now".
After a few seconds of silence, they said he could play, and Erthran plugged the transmitter into his lute.
What happened next was, up until that moment, the greatest thing that had ever happened. His voice began deep and grew in intensity, his playing was expert as his fingers danced across the strings, seemingly with a life of their own. Soon his voice was soaring. It filled the audition room and the hearts of the four judges. Passion and tenderness poured forth in a heavy metal melody that was new and ancient, filled with rage and love. And then, abruptly, it was over, and Erthran fell silent.
The four judges sat in shock, barely able to believe what had just happened.
The most arogant of the four began to speak, but Erthran held up a hand.
"I need to ask a favour".
"Yes Erthran"?
"There is a girl out in the waiting hall, she has great ability, but she is nervous, I would like to ask her in".
"Her name"? Asked the one female judge.
"I just saw her audition number, 805".
"You know if you audition again, you will both be counted as one act"?
"I know", replied Erthran.
After two minutes, the girl and her mother were ushered into the audition room. She made her way to stand beside Erthran, looking very unsure of herself.
"I didn't think it was my turn", she stated.
"Its not", said another of the judges, "But Erthran here just gave the greatest audition we ever heard, and he asked for you".
She turned to the teenage boy.
"What's going on"?
Erthran turned back to her and took hold of her hand.
"What's your name"?
"Ginny".
"Listen Ginny, you're amazing, I know you can do this", Erthran then smiled, "we're going to sing a duet", and with that he named the song.
"But I'm not ready for that".
Erthran stared directly into her eyes.
"I believe in you".
Ginny started singing, at first her voice was petite, delicate, sweet. After a few lines she reached into herself and brought forth her power. a rasp tinged the edge of her singing as her confidence grew, and then Erthran joined in. His tone perfectly matched hers, but exactly one octave lover. Their vocals harmonised, at times one or the other singing a line alone. At the end, she dropped her tone and Erthran raised his, and they sang the same notes in perfect unison.
Again it was over, and for the second time that day, the greatest thing that had ever happened, had just happened.
"Who are you"? Asked the last judge, almost whispering in shock.
"I am Erthran, child of Apollo and Erato, and I am here to be her herald".
With that, Erthran faded out of reality, leaving Ginny to stand alone.
The female judge spoke up.
"Do you have a recording contract young girl"?
"No".
"You do now".