Song 10

As the carriage drew closer to the Thronewood manor, Meloria poked her head out of the window, hearing the traditional style music being played from the manor. Such beautiful music carried through the winds of the city for all to hear. “Papa,” she giggled, turning back and sitting down. “The music is so beautiful.”

Edward nodded, his hands folded into his lap. “Indeed, it is,” He chuckled softly, facing out of the window as they approached the manor. To say it was unexpected for him to receive an invite to the Thronewood ball was an understatement; however, Evelyn made a fair point. If he and Thornewood could reconcile their differences, the doors to a broader education would open up for their children. He turned back to Meloria and Lucan, raising a finger and keeping a stern tone. “Remember, children, we must be on our best behaviour tonight.

Like himself, Meloria and Lucan were dressed in their best attire, accompanying their father to the party in place of his wife, who stayed home with the younger children. Meloria wore a sparkling blue dress, while Lucan wore a simple tux. Although it wouldn’t compare to what his former colleague's children would wear, they did the best they could with a small budget. “Remember to introduce yourselves formally, and Meloria,” Edward looked at her with concern. “Try not to sing.”

Meloria smiled, making a gesture with her hands as if to zip her mouth. “Good girl,” Edward chuckled. “I believe Thornewood has a son your age; perhaps you can make friends with him.” I heard he is a fine piano player.”

Lucan laughed, poking his Meloria’s side, making her giggle. “You do need a friend,” he mocked with a grin.

“I have friends,” Meloria protested with a smile.

“The librarian doesn’t count,” Lucan howled and continued to mock. Meloria whining, taking him by the shoulders and rocking him back and forth furiously, making Edward howl with laughter.

As the carriage continued its way to the manor, the party inside had started with full swing. The band played their string instruments with practiced ease, some of the attendants swaying in time to the music, while others drank wine and gossiped as Thronewood stood at the bottom of the stairs, hands behind his back, trying desperately to hide his sweaty palms.

When the RSVP list returned, he was surprised to see Edward’s name amongst the returns. His mind boggled as to how Edward’s name appeared on the list. He was adamant that he hadn’t written Edward’s name on the list, and yet the closer he looked at the paper, the more certain he became that it was indeed his handwriting. “Perhaps in a moment of alcohol, I wrote his name,” he murmured to himself, staring at the entrance. See the doors begin to open. Thronewood gulped, his stomach sinking, as he knew it was time. He was to face his old friend. “Edward…” he whispered, watching as Edward walked in with Meloria and Lucan by his side.

“Papa,” Meloria gasped, looking around, holding her cheeks. “It’s so pretty.”

Thronewood dropped his hands, smiling softly, Meloria’s kind voice resonating in his ears, making him feel instantly calmer. He walked over and knelt before Meloria, holding out his hand. “Why, thank you, young lady,” he chuckled, meeting her gaze.

Confused, Meloria looked up at Edward, nodding and gesturing for her to accept his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Meloria returned his smile, giving him her hand. “My name’s Meloria.”

“Meloria,” the name felt like a lyric on Thornewood’s lips. He smiled, kissing the back of Meloria’s hand, making her blush. “Such a beautiful name for an even more beautiful young lady.”

Meloria giggled and turned red, her hands back on her cheeks as she filled with glee. This is what being treated like a lady should really be treated like; She continued to giggle to herself as Thornewood turned to Lucan. “And who might you be, young man?”

Lucan held out his hand, standing tall. “I am Lucan,” he bowed as Thornewood took his hand. “Thank you very much for inviting us into your home.”

Thronewood let out a hearty laugh, letting go of Lucan’s hand, slapping his knee as he stood up to come eye to eye with Edward. “Your children are quite well-mannered, aren’t they?” He smiled, extending his hand out with caution.

Edward looked from Thronewood’s hand to his face. Smiling, he held his arms out, embracing his old friend in a grip so tight a bear would have trouble wiggling out of it. Thronewood smiled widely, patting Edward’s back before returning the squeeze. “It’s good to see you again,” he whispered. “My old friend.”

Edward pulled back with a sniffle, his back straight as he tapped Thornewood’s arm. “You have done mighty fine for yourself here,” he complimented as Thornwood wrapped an arm over his shoulder, guiding Edward and the children through the hall.

The older men continued their idle chat as Meloria started to turn her head, looking for something of interest to do. While she had attended events even in her previous life, if not as extravagant, Meloria was never fond of them, nor did she make friends easily at them. She pouted, blowing the occasional raspberry to satisfy her boredom, waiting for something interesting to happen.

Then, the soft playing of keys and a harmony of notes came into the room like a smooth, gentle breeze, passing by her ears. Curious, Meloria looked, seeing Edward and Thornewood deep in conversation; surely they wouldn’t notice her going for a wonder. She snickered to herself, hands in front of her as she tried to walk as if she belonged at the party. With ease, she was able to dodge the adults, moving past them as if she were a ballerina avoiding the rat king’s evil army. Then, as clear as the moon on a cloudless night, a white grand piano was being played by a boy, who couldn’t be much older than herself. He wore a tux and had sleek black hair. His fingers danced over the keys with grace, never hitting the keys too hard, just enough to make beautiful music.

Meloria’s heart raced and cheeks tinted a soft pink as she listened to the boy play. “Master Raville is quite the pianist, isn’t he?” She heard one guest comment to another.

“Yes, and so young as well,” an elderly woman chuckled. “He’s certainly going to be quite the charmer when he’s older.”

“Raville?” Meloria whispered with a smile, walking over slowly as he came to the end of the song, the guests applauding him. Meloria giggled, jumping lightly on her feet as she clapped along. “That was beautiful.”

Raville turned, his face stoic, not even the slightest sign of a curl in his lips as he looked at the young lady in front of him. Without a word, he scooted over on the stool, patting the space beside him. Meloria giggled, climbing up beside him, noticing the warmth radiating from his body.

Her smile grew wider as Raville began to play again, the guests drawing in closer. “This song,” Meloria whispered, her gaze never leaving Raville’s hands as they continued to move across the keys. The song was on one of the vinyls, but how did Raville know about it? Surely if the school locked up the songs, then people would be opposed to owning a copy. Raville gave Meloria a knowing smirk through the corner of his eyes.

Meloria’s heart raced harder under his gaze, his playing drawing her into the song. “I am glowing in the morning sun,” Meloria smiled as she began to sing alongside Raville’s playing. “With my wings, I’m reaching for the sky. Won’t you take my hand? Let me carry you to a place where we can glow together.”

Raville’s smile grew larger. Hearing someone sing to his playing for the first time sent sparks through his fingers, encouraging him to continue.

“Come with me~

I’ll take you where we can glow

Come with me~

Where the flowers blossom into the rainbow”

Soft balls of light emerged from the surrounding candles, circling the piano, dancing in time with the song. All the guests of the party had gathered now, some in awe and others fearful of the spectacle.

Meloria looked to Raville as she finished the last note, their harmony coming to an end. “My name is –

“Meloria!”