Nektara was a bundle of nerves as she travelled along the path to where her destiny awaited. She drew her flute to her lips and blew into it as she walked. The music poured out of her as it always did, the exact song she needed to set herself straight.
When at last she finished, a voice spoke out, “That was lovely! Does your song have a name?”
Nektara looked around to see who it was. Behind her was a young fox. By the looks of him, he was about her age, give or take a season. He was dressed in a rustic tunic with a pack slung over his shoulder. She hadn’t even noticed him following her!
“I don’t know…“ she answered. “Most of the time, I just play and whatever comes out, comes out. I usually have no idea if it’s a song I’ve heard before or just something that’s been fiddling around in my brain waiting to get out!”
The fox smiled, “Well, I say it was high time that song made its way out of your brain.” He held out his paw, “I’m Todrick.”
“Nektara,” the oursa replied, “Pleased to meet you.” She shook paws with the friendly fox.
“Likewise.” The fox surveyed her for a moment, “Looks to me as though you’re on a journey…”
“As do you…” Nektara noted.
“Only as far as the rookery,” Todrick said.
This was quite the coincidence, thought Nektara. “You’re meeting with Crismus as well?”
Todrick nodded, before adding, “If he’ll speak with me.”
“I was invited!” Nektara said, trying not to sound too smug or proud.
“How wonderful!“ the fox said sincerely. “As we both have the same destination, what say you to the idea of travelling together?” Todrick offered.
“Sure!”
And with that there were a pair of travellers along the path to the rookery where before there had been one stranger and another.