Llhaesa’s first public appearance in a paid admissions show was as part of the N’rellia Naturally annual outdoor concert.

Students were chosen for solo performances based on a combination of academic achievement, actual performances during the year as they related to their course studies and the various clubs they were in, as well as by application for review by the N’rellia Naturally Board of Directors.

This organisation was a subsidiary of the school, but was independent in terms of finances and in the task of evaluating and choosing students who would perform. All those associated with the school respected and honoured this separation.

In practical terms, every student performed in the event on some level. Most students were not interested in the 5 slots as sole occupant of the stage; they were part of various ensembles or the two orchestra’s active within the school. Local folk could attend any of these shows throughout the academic year, serving a twofold purpose: hearing fine music, and encouraging the student-performers.

There was no doubt llhaesa was born to perform before an audience. Neither shy nor unsure of her own ability, she unhesitatingly signed up for N’rellia Naturally on the very first day of registration. Walking out of her advisor’s office, she spotted quite by accident the sign up segment on the electronic bulletin board just outside the office door. Little did she know that her advisor had called her to her office specifically for the purpose of having llhaesa spot the sign up notice.

Number 8 to sign, no sooner was the registration accepted than she was unceremoniously bumped out of the way by Sk’vra Eberhar, without so much as an ‘excuse me’ or follow up apology.

Sk’vra harboured a massive dislike of llhaesa; he could sense her popularity at the school, and he viewed her as his major competition for performance honours. In actuality, in his mind’s eye, llhaesa was someone he had every right to discredit in order to achieve his own goals.

Inevitably, because she was otherwise the overwhelming choice, llhaesa earned the prime spot on the N’rellia Naturally programme, and Sk’vra was livid. Like most that have little respect for the accomplishments of others, he was more inclined to stew over this turn of events. Perhaps he might mess up one of the various musical instruments assigned to her, though the grand piano was usually of the concert hall, and access was limited. It would be moved out of doors for N’rellia Naturally, and that might be an opportune time to strike.

Sk’vra immediately thought better of this idea, for the piano would be tuned and retuned just prior to the concert. Sk’vra felt there was little he could do to harm llhaesa.

As it turned out, he was wrong.