After the brief 8 date concert tour, llhaesa wished to settle down into her first assemblage of original songs. There would be writing music, writing lyrics, getting a band together, producing, editing, and releasing.

And she did not know how to start. Despite her impressive performance in school, llhaesa quickly learned that experience counts for much. Rather than wallow in uncertainty, llhaesa wished to get on with things. And so she placed a call to N’rellia, to the curator’s office.

Reaching staff first as always, it took but a mention of her name for llhaesa’s call to be routed to Aalon. His image quickly flickered onto her screen. “llhaesa! One of… make that my most favourite student ever! How is non-school life?” Aalon genuinely wished to know.

Llhaesa reciprocated and inquired into Aalon’s well being, prompting the long time curator to praise the incoming class of students. “You would love these students, llhaesa, so talented, so enthusiastic. And I hear your name mentioned quite frequently, though um… well, I’ll talk to you at some other point.” Aalon hesitated, realising he was going to reveal something he did not wish for llhaesa to know – yet.

Llhaesa picked up on the pull back, and smirked. Rumours had been making their way to her, and if true, it was fully understandable Aalon would wish not to reveal his plan. She would not spoil his efforts and his fun.

In order to deflect away from the awkward moment, llhaesa launched into her reason for calling. “Aalon, I’m at the point where I’d like to put together and record original music, but I’m at a loss on where to start.”

Aalon smiled. This was one question he could easily answer. “Write, llhaesa… write. Go away somewhere where you can relax for several weeks on end, and make use of your incredible self-discipline to accomplish your task.

As I recall, you aren’t seeing anyone currently. Has that changed?” Aalon was looking for obstacles that would impact his advice. When llhaesa acknowledged Aalon was correct, he continued. “Good, well, not good in terms of relationships, but you are the whole package, no issues there. That will come. First things first, and that is you setting out to complete your desired task.” Aalon always made too much sense, though llhaesa was still blushing over ‘the whole package.’

Aalon was not done. I know you have heard me talk about E’sphara many times, and I believe the E’sphara Artists Colony is the perfect place for you to spend time writing music!” Aalon was leading the way, and llhaesa loved it – almost as much as she loved the venerable curator who had done so much for her through her school years, and now beyond.

“Aalon, aren’t there waiting lists for time at E’sphara?” llhaesa asked, but she knew the history, and knew this as fact.

“I’ll place a call to E’sphara tomorrow. We are old friends, and think we can work something out.” Aalon was formally non-committal, but he well knew that E’sphara would find space for llhaesa, even if she built a new bungalow. Aalon had been privately praising llhaesa to E’sphara from her first year at N’rellia. As E’sphara was fond of teasing him, he was smitten with llhaesa, but she had come to see llhaesa play at the school on several occasions, and it was her own opinion of the young musician – and not Aalon’s insider’s clout – that would get her right in the door at E’sphara Artists Colony.

Llhaesa would never doubt Aalon on anything, but she preferred not to get too excited until a formal answer was given. The old mentor and the young protégé exchanged goodbyes, with Aalon promising to call the next day.

Aalon was too excited to wait until morning, and so he impulsively and quickly placed a call to E’sphara.

“Well, hello Aalon. Whoa. Not too excited, are you? E’sphara quickly read her friend, laughing beyond her last word. Not wishing to be rude, she tapered her laughter and segued into inquiry. “What brings you to call tonight, Aalon?”

Aalon took the cue, and outlined how llhaesa was looking to take the first steps toward an original recording. E’sphara needed no further information from Aalon; she now understood why the call was placed. “I’d love to have her hear, Aalon. All the bungalows are occupied, booked in fact for the next 30 months. I’ve been thinking on adding two more bungalows up by Musician’s Pond. A bungalow does not take long to assemble; they are basic structures with basic furnishings, relying on the out of doors and back to nature ambience to spur a mind’s creative element.

I’ll have one constructed and ready to go in 10 days.” E’sphara knew Aalon just received far more than he expected, at least time wise.

“E’sphara, you are still the best!” Aalon was now itching to place yet another call, this one right back to llhaesa. “Llhaesa will thrive in your care, E’sphara. I cannot think of anyone I’d trust more.” Aalon sincerely added.

“Tell her I said I cannot wait to meet her, and to bring you along when she comes out. Have a wonderful night, Aalon. I have to run, there is much I must do to prepare for the new bungalow.” And with that, the connection to E’sphara discontinued.