Audition

The waters of my home shone greenish-silver around me curiously brought me no content. Lately I had begun feeling restless, no longer contented by my song. The absence of my knight still ached unbearably in my breast, reminding me why I had gone into the long sleep many aeons ago. Being human hurt, more so now that I was so tied to the fountain. In ages past I would have been able to flow freely from my lake along the streams, visiting my brothers and sisters as I would in the mortal world, instead of being confined to a graceless hunk of stone. Then I was freely able to appear in my true form instead of having to wear a cumbersome shell of flesh around myself.

Nothing seemed to quell the ache in my breast at the thought of my knight. I had hoped that the odd people I had encountered by my fountain would be of aid in locating him, but I had not seen them since. The woman had seemed so kind. If I had not known better I would have suspected them of enchanting me, I had not been content since they had spoken to me…

I sighed, looking around my home pensively and decided to visit the mortal world briefly in an attempt to distract myself. I formed my husk around me and donned a dark burgundy silk gown and stepped out of my anchor softly, looking about warily. I did not often leave my home during the day, the people that lived around my house scared me, and during the day they weren't not as scared of the "haunted" fountain, occasionally even going so far as to touch it…the sun was sparkling brightly in the waters of my fountain, and after making sure I was alone, I sat at the bench near it and dangled my fingers in the cool waters. It was a windy day, blowing my dark tresses out behind me as I leaned over the water, a fine mist from the spray of my fountain beading among the strands of my hair, like a soft net of diamonds.

It was nice to feel the sun, yet it did nothing to warm or soothe the ache within me. Perhaps it was time to become more involved in the world, as much as the thought terrified me. I remembered the kind lady's surprise that I did not sing for others with a bit of wistfulness. If only I dared…

I sat there for I don't know how long, watching the people on the streets near me. Most of them did not spare me a more than a glance, obviously sensing something odd about me. Idly I picked up a bit of newsprint at it blew itself against my leg, the stuff was always trying to blow itself into my fountain so I salvaged it when I could and made sure it was off the streets. I started to crumple the sheets but a word caught my eye, "Auditions" Could it be…? The coincidence sent a sharp thrill through me as I scanned the ad, a group was seeking a singer, just as I had been considering taking more of a part in the mortal world…and the auditions were for today, at a small club not even 5 blocks from here! I nibbled at my lip worriedly, wondering if I could possibly dare…?

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An hour later I stood on stage nervously clutching at the harp that I had enchanted so long ago. The people at the club had been kind, although I could tell they were thinking of humoring me, since I was obviously terrified. Perhaps I should just go? The harp gave me confidence…it was fully capable of playing itself, as well as singing if I needed support. I looked nervously at the man before me, and he nodded reassuringly bringing a fleeting smile to my lips. I took a deep breath, closed my eyes, and SANG. The harp echoed in the hall strangely sounding louder that it should have, but then I was singing of it's history and it seemed to like being remembered.

Slowly the sound echoed to an end and I opened my eyes softly, looking about myself. The man who had been taking my audition seemed speechless and I sighed softly as I turned to depart, sure that I hadn't been good enough. "Wait!" I turned back from where I had been heading towards the stage door to go home, and looked in surprise as the man hurrying towards me. Now that he was closer I could see the tracks of tears on his face as he smiled happily at me, "That was fantastic! Why on earth haven't I ever heard of you before? I didn't think there was a singer of your talent in the entire state!"

"I…um…er." I stammered at him, feeling the faint heat of a blush light my face as I backed away a step from his enthusiasm. He seemed to catch on to the fact that I was started and took a deep breath, giving me another dazzling smile in reassurance.

"Well, anyway, if you want the job, it's yours! I haven't heard a voice like yours in years!" He seemed sincere, but could I trust him? My heart was pounding in my breast as I looked at him mutely for a moment, thoughts spinning in my head about having to be in front of a room full of people. I began to shake my head in a hurried rejection, but then remembered…the kind lady had seemed so surprised that I didn't want to sing for people…and perhaps my knight would hear me!

My voice was a faint whisper as I attempted a small tremulous smile, "I….er…yes." My heart pounded anew as I saw his face light up in joy. By all the waters, I hoped I wasn't making a mistake!