Chapter Zero - Bloom of the Sun

My back is pointed towards the tall tree as I effortlessly play my golden lyre. I suddenly stop when I see a lean boy almost float towards me, his assortment of tight and loose curls bouncing with each step. He sits down, one leg over the other and tilts his head with curiosity.

“Go on!” He encourages me.

I stare at him blankly

“Please? You’re really good” He gives a big grin, which makes me intrigued.

I let out a warm smile and wave him closer. He sits beside me and I take his hand in mine. I overlap my hands over his which has the contrast like a cloud on dirt. His hands had calluses and scruff spotted on them, which made me thirst for more knowledge about this boy.

I start to play a simple song as I guide his hands through each note. His hands are the slightest bit shaky, but I continue through. 

“It’s like a map. The strings are the locations while your hands are yourself. Just think of the notes as directions, and you follow them to get a pleasant sound. That is all it is.” I say, in hopes that would calm his nerves.

“I’m not much of a musician.” He admits as his hands find a way to his knees which are now to his chest.

“Nonsense,” I counter. “Everyone is a musician, some just do not know how to express the melody they create.”

He giggles at my words and introduces himself.

“I’m Hyacinthus, you?” His deep brown eyes flutter when he says this, my heart does the same.

“Apollo” I say, not sure of his reaction.

“That’s why you are so good at the lyre?”

I laugh. “Yes, I can teach you”

“You can? I mean, of course you can, but are you sure? That would take a lot of time, I’m not a very fast learner” “I’m a patient teacher”