Coleen blinked at the girl's forwardness. "Ta." I do. "What is your name, girl?"

"Erin Healy, Master Coleen," Erin replied with a large amount of politeness.

Rick Knight

Just as the teacher came in, I felt the blood begin to rush from my face, leaving me rather pale. Whatever caused this, I was not sure - although the teacher was indeed rather intimidating, I did not think that her presence alone would make me feel so odd. My vision went a little strange for a moment, the whole world becoming fuzzy for the blink of an eye.

It must be just the nerves, and the anticipation of what is to come, I thought to myself, brushing aside the sudden change. Gervasius did not seem to notice - he seemed more interested in the Master, his round eyes watching as she entered, observing her body language to infer her intent.

She seems rather... strict. He shuffled on my shoulder. Since you are someone who is not particularly adept at music, I have a feeling that she will show you not mercy.

Coleen nodded, then turned to the rest of the class, all of which were staring at Erin. "In this class, you will learn the secrets to sound. You will be able to control it. You can make words that come out of one's mouth stop being heard." She turned her sharp gaze to a student talking to her friend. The girl's voice was easy to hear before, but now no one could hear the voice- even as the girl continued to talk.

Coleen continued, still without a smile. "You will have the power to break someone's eardrums, and to make people fall asleep at your feet with just the sound of your singing or music."

"Now, today I shall see how and where your power stands. Instruments, or your own voice? We will only focus on what you already are good at this year. Next year you'll learn the latter." She whipped around, and ordered. "Now, form two groups. Music, or vocals. You have fifteen seconds." She peered over her shoulder at the students, who were ready to hop out of their seats.

"Go."

"Master Coleen? What if we have both?" Erin asked as she walked towards the instrument section just in case.

Rick Knight

At the mention of the two categories, I found myself in a somewhat awkward position. I had never practised an instrument in my life, and neither was I particularly confident in singing. And this sudden nausea wasn't making things any easier for me.

Well, you can't play an instrument, so go for vocal! Gervasius urged, not wanting for us to be the last to take our places. Nervously, I went to the vocal side, glancing at the strangers around me. All of them can probably sing a lot better than I can. Just looking at them... I can tell they are practised. I... I have never attended lessons for either of these things. This mild terror at having to display my lack of talent was not making me feel any better, and I placed one hand on the side of my head. First lesson. I have to make it through the first lesson.

Coleen's eyes turned sharply to the girl. "Both- well, most of you do know both." She turned to the group. Some kids were nodding. "I believe that question was a waste of time Ms. Healy, but I shall answer it anyway with my own. Which one are you better in?"

"Well, I can be as fair a singer as I'm skilled with my instruments," Erin replied to the Celtic woman with modesty.

Rick Knight

It seemed that all eyes were on Erin and Master Coleen during their exchange of words. I, on the other hand, was not concerned with that. Blankly staring into nothingness, my conscious was more focused on what was going wrong internally. I still had a hand on my face, trying to cover how pale I was at that time.

I hope she doesn't hold the entire class up. Gervasius shook his head as the two talked. I do not wish to spend my time watching an argument over the slightest of things. She should just pick a side already and be done with it. I paid no mind to his words, though to a certain extent, I agreed. As much as the inevitable humiliation that would follow after my attempt to sing would be mortifying, standing around doing nothing was really the last thing I wanted to do.

Coleen raised an arched eyebrow. There was always that one student in class who was above the redt. She knew Erin would be the one this year based on her next statement.

"Okay Ms. Healy. Prove it."