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Tera's hooves clicked lightly on the starship's loading ramp as she stretched her arms above her head. She thought the last month would never end, but finally she was on Roslyn's home planet, Earth. The sun was high over head and with a little breeze it was cool outside. Despite the fact humans here were behind technology wise, the space port looked fairly average...

Tera smiled, who was she fooling? She has been to, two counting this one. While she was excited to be on Earth, Tera was even more excited to not have her overbearing parents with her. She was also thankful her manager only dealt with her work not her whole life.

Tera looked around but did not see Roslyn anywhere, Nodrog was walking over with Winston and Wednesday.

"Was your trip pleasant?" Nodrog asked in Velopian.

Tera blushed and replied in English. "It was. I just wished it had come sooner."

At that the three of them were a little surprised. Winston was greatly relieved. "I was worried he would have to do all the talking. Well, welcome to Earth."

"You will have to excuse him, he gets nervous. It is so good to see you again." Wednesday said with a smile.

"It is good to see you again Sephya, I do hope this trip is less exciting than the first time we met." Nodrog said.

Sephya laughed. "I would certainly like that. Though you will find I am fiercely protective of my little cousin."

"Everyone insisted I have someone be my body guard. Thankfully Sephya volunteered before anyone else could say anything." Tera said with a smile.

Sephya put an arm around Tera. "She was afraid she would be stuck with a stick in the mud."

"It is nice to see you all again. So where are we staying for our month long visit?" Tera asked.

"Follow me." Nodrog said and lead them over to the off worlder's quarters. Cirrus lived in the same building as did most of the Velopians who now worked here.

For the young intergalactic singer, first class accommodations had been arranged. A two bedroom condo on the top floor had been reserved just for her trip. With Roslyn's help they made sure the fridge had things Tera liked already stocked in it.

"The accommodations are certainly nicer this trip. I will be glad not to be stuck on a ship for our long stay." Sephya said as they entered the rather spacious main room.

Nodrog pulled a pair of key cards out of his shirt pocket and handed one to each. "These are your keys to get in the building and into your room. The bedrooms are identical and both have their own bathrooms."

Tera walked over to the bed and pushed down on the mattress. Surprised that is was not overly firm and that is was considerably larger than her bed back home. So far the hardest part of the trip will be getting used to a twelve hour shorter day. "These are much more elaborate accommodations than I was expecting."

"I will agree, I had thought the others were exaggerating the conditions here." Sephya walked over to the window. Both rooms shared a small patio and looked south.

"The fridge and pantry are both full. This part of the building is designed for Velopian physiology so you do not need to worry about a thing." Nodrog said as the two looked around.

"I guess I do not understand, what is so different about them?" Wednesday asked as she sat down.

"Well I was trying to politely say that certain furnishings were designed for those who walk on four legs. Also humans and Velopians have a few different dietary needs. The water needs a little different PH balance. It's complicated and I only know the very simple basics." Nodrog said and shrugged.

Tera made an odd gesture. "Leave that stuff to the medical people, we are here for other things."

"I fully agree. I brought a couple music samples for the song we have been working on." Winston said and pulled out a small memory stick from his shirt pocket. He also had his computer tablet since he figured the computers couldn't read other species formats.

Nodrog and Sephya smiled as Tera quickly engrossed herself in music discussion with Winston and Wednesday. The young Velopian was a musical savant on the Velopian world, having mastered a number of instruments and writing techniques. It would be a tedious process to write her music so Winston and the other human musicians could read it. While tedious, for Tera it would not be difficult since she had focused on learning the English musical terms.

"This is quite the cultural undertaking. There are going to be a large number of ambassadors from all over attending the largest of her performances." Sephya said quietly so as not to interrupt the other three.

Nodrog chuckled. "I know all about it, Sharn and Queen Freya have been rather vocal about their trips for it."

"It is a little hard to stay focused on my job and not get swept up in the excitement I have being her family." Sephya spoke as they walked out to the patio.

"I am sure you will do just fine." Nodrog said.

"Of course I do have an easy person to keep an eye on. Since she has never been one to get into much trouble." Sephya smiled as she looked back into the condo. While they both had learned English, Sephya was glad Nodrog could speak Velopian. She tended to butcher any language she tried to learn. If she could, she would keep her power armor's translator with her all the time.

"Give her a chance, enough time with Roslyn and she might want to get into mischief." Nodrog said with a chuckle.

"Maybe you should keep an eye on Roslyn than." Sephya said with a smile.

Nodrog laughed. "She will always do as she pleases."

Sephya watched Tera with a smile. "Of course my little cousin is not as weak and frail as everyone seems to think. Music might be what she is famous for, but she is very quick on her hooves. None of us could catch her when we played games."

"I wonder if she has spread her wings and taken to the sky." Nodrog mused aloud.

Sephya turned back to look at him. "I am not really sure. If she has, no one knows. Would Roslyn know?"

"If she does, she has not said anything to me about it." Nodrog said.

"Maybe that is part of the reason she was excited to come, to have Roslyn teach her how to fly." Sephya said and leaned on the railing of the patio.

"Well, Tera chose the right instructor, I certainly could not teach someone how to fly." Nodrog smiled as he gave it a little thought.

Sephya giggled. "I think that would be pretty funny to see. A big metal dragon trying to teach a timid little fawn to fly."

"While I am sure others might find it amusing, there are far better instructors than I." Nodrog chuckled.

The more he thought about it, maybe he would ask Roslyn about it later in the evening. The two of them would be on site for the majority of Tera's stay. Which he knew made Roslyn very excited, even if she tried to act cool. Granted he found her sometimes poorly attempted cover up cute.

The three musicians quickly lost track of time and if not for Winston getting hungry they might not have known it was late in the day. With quick goodbyes the humans headed home for dinner, they would be back early in the morning. Tera and Sephya unpacked and made themselves at home.

"I wonder how much of this I can eat safely?" Sephya asked as the two looked in the cupboards and fridge.

"All of it looks imported, and with as many of us living here, you should be fine." Tera hungrily eyed a Velopian fruit that looked similar to an Earthen pineapple. "Oh you tantalizing pricklypiple how I love thy so."

Sephya giggled. "Strange how it seems there are so many of your favorite treats here dear cousin."

Tera paused mid bite to think about it. "You know, perhaps that was why Roslyn asked me so many strange questions in a couple of her letters."

Sephya settled for one of the pricklypiples as well. "It never crossed your mind that they would want to make you feel more at home?"

Tera was too busy slurping up juice from the fruit to really give a verbal answer, so she shook her head no. Pricklypiples had a thin and lightly sweet juice with a very soft flesh. Chilled like they were it was easy to eat too many and give oneself an upset stomach. Though Tera did not have to really worry about such things after her change. Tera kept talking in English to help Sephya get a better grasp of the language.

It slightly annoyed Sephya, but she knew Tera was just trying to help make the stay easier. Since the more they used English, the better she would get. The older Velopian was the only family that took Tera's change well. Simply because she knew what had happened to Tera because of what happened to Roslyn. It took some work on her part to get a dragon to look into it.

Sephya was also relieved that the only physical change was Tera's wings. Tera's side of the family were deep forest deer. The forests in certain parts of the world grew so thick with vegetation that those tribes from them are very small. Tera was only four foot nine inches by this world's standards and very light weight. They were related by marriage and not by blood.

At midnight the two of them forced themselves to go to bed and try and get some sleep. In that regard Sephya had it a little better than Tera since she had to adjust her schedule constantly being a warrior.

Sephya cheerfully answered the door in the morning when Wednesday and Winston showed up. "Please come in, my cousin is still in the shower."

"As excited as she was I had figured she would be waiting on us." Wednesday said with a smile.

Sephya smiled brightly. "My cousin is not really a morning person and will probably take a while before she get used to Earth time."

"I am glad there are other non morning people out in the universe." Winston chuckled.

"Plus I have the benefit of having stayed here several times. Though it feels strange to be so relaxed in my work." Sephya said.

Tera was getting dressed actually and yelled "I am almost ready!"

It was not actually morning for her, more like late day after a decent nap. Tera quickly ran a comb through her light blond hair and left it down. Today they were going down to the studio Wednesday recorded all of her music at. While they had more than a week before the first performance, they did not have much time to goof off. Since Tera did have other things she had been asked to go to.

"We do have time for you to eat breakfast first." Wednesday said with a smile.

"I should have something before we go." Tera said and made a jam sandwich. Most people did not think she ate enough, though most people did not know she ate constantly during the day. A piece of fruit or cheese here, an jam sandwich there. Tera was a snacker and ate lots of little meals during the day.

Sephya had her armor translator with her today along with the under suit they wore in it. It offered a little more protection than street clothes and had the pockets that held her side arm and stun baton. All conveniently hidden under her street clothes, granted she did have a small plasma gun in her purse.

While Sephya was relaxed and at ease, she felt a little better when they met Nodrog down at the van they would be taking to the studio. Tera and Sephya both thought he was rather handsome, his appearance was always neat and he was always polite. There just was something about a dragon that was always alluring.

While in the company of people she knew Tera was not nearly as shy as she was in the company of strangers. So around the studio heads and producers she was very quiet and shy. Though shy the humans quickly learned how talented the young Velopian was once she had an instrument in her hands. A few of her band members would be arriving later in the month for the largest of her performances. Because the humans did not have anything close to the pipes, Pipes played.

Working with the studio musicians Tera again impressed with how quickly she could write music for them and explain the sounds she was looking for.

"You look a bit envious Winston." Nodrog said quietly as Tera played on a harp.

Winston chuckled. "Perhaps I am, she is far more talented than I had thought. I suppose you are not at all nervous about our performance?"

"Actually I am a bit nervous, this will be the first time I have played in front of so many people." Nodrog said.

"You know that makes me feel a little better." Winston relaxed as he chuckled.

"It looks as though the two ladies are already quite comfortable with working together." Nodrog was for the first time pleased with the way his actions were making a positive change. He had gotten the humans and the Velopians to work together and the two races had quickly found a great deal of common ground.

With Alice stunning race fans across the universe, Nodrog was hopping Tera could have the same effect with her voice and music. It was not a big start but it was slowly snowballing every passing year. While the vast majority would never know what had brought about the past and future events, the very few who would know; are the only ones that mattered.

The immortals and monsters who had in the past damned him, and where frightened of him know that he was behind it. Freeing them from Glados' choke hold was an act they could simply not brush aside or ignore. With the Valkyries slow return that also was his doing and currently Tera was the most widely known of them. An outsider might think he was using them for his own goals but that was simply not the case.

Nodrog watched silently as they worked, why did he do what he has? That can simply be answered by the bright wide eyed smile on Tera's face. Or by the upcoming off world race that Alice and the other women across the universe would be competing in later this year.

They broke for lunch and found a new restaurant that catered to human and off worlder alike. Wednesday was more than thrilled to do a little shopping with Tera and Sephya. While Winston and Nodrog acted like it was a bothersome chore, the two were happy on the inside. Although they did end up having to carry several things back to the studio.

By the end of the day all parties involved were more than happy with the outcome thus far. Tera had learned enough in eight hours to begin translating her music to a readable form for the humans. Sephya cooked up dinner while Tera worked on her music.

"They really do have nice accommodations here. I think this is more like a paid vacation than work." Sephya said as she grilled some veggies.

"I hope you still feel that way when it is time to go home." Tera mused as she stretched her arms and wings.

Sephya set some plates at the table. "I know you are not a fan of people asking you questions, but I am a bit curious about something."

Tera giggled as she walked over to the table. "What are you curious about?"

"Have you actually tired using your new wings?" Sephya asked as they sat down.

"No, I have not... I was hoping Roslyn could teach me how to fly." Tera blushed as she spoke.

Chapter.

Flying would have to wait since Tera had other things to do. One of which was today and involved being on TV. At least she had done this a few times before or this would probably be a terrifying experience. Given her small stature, light coloring and wings people just adored her. This was the program Alice had been on and did not know any of the hosts' names.

Tera always dressed modestly and was fairly up on most fashion so in some regards she was an easier person to interview. At least for this particular group of hosts and they were impressed by how well she spoke English. While it always aggravated her manager, Tera did do a little singing when asked. Actually it aggravated her parents as well but she was starting to embrace her new found independence.

Tera and Nodrog were both happy that after three days Sephya's English was getting much better. Although Sephya's English was getting better, Tera's shyness was still rather rock solid most of the time. Usually more pronounced when the group of people grew above eight or so. Large crowds like those in the audiences at TV shows and red carpet affairs where the worst. Usually Tera stayed within arm's reach of someone she new personally, like Sephya or any dragon.

She hoped Roslyn would not mind if she literally hung on Nodrog's arm at the larger event before the biggest of her performances. Granted since Roslyn was also going to be attending that event, Tera might just latch onto the raven winged otter and not let go. The problem Tera had at many of these events with non Velopians was the size of the other races. Tera was tiny compared to even the shorter of most races and after the one attempted kidnapping was very afraid of another attempt.

Tera's Valkyrie life was a little less noble than Roslyn and Sarnia. She was not a great warrior, only a mediocre fighter at best. In her past life Tera was a scout; small, quick and nimble, she was trained to avoid fighting or at least trick her foe into following her back to someone better in dealing with threats. Though she was a Valkyrie, she was not very imposing or threatening, it made her an ideal scout or spy. Here greatest accomplishment is what killed her in the end and took several others to a death in the void.

While she was still small, quick and nimble; Tera did have something now that gave her more to work with and that was her voice. Music does sooth the savage beast as easily as it calms a crying child. Mianth and Tera had talked about it once after Tera had visited the Amazon world to meet Roslyn and Sarnia. While neither of them understood the why, they both did know their singing could hold people captive. Though that might be a strong word for the two of them to use, it did fit.

Be it monster, Amazon Warrior or even quite powerful dragons they could, just by their voices hold anyone listening captive. In a manner similar to certain spells only they did not need magic to do so. Tera learned that many races had tales of music leading people away. The Velopians also had a tale about a man who after ridding a town of vermin, took all of the children when the town refused to pay him.

The tales might be rather disturbing, but knowing that music was an important part of so many cultures made Tera feel a little better. If for no other reason than knowing that no matter where her long life took her, she would always find some common element to hold onto. Personally she loved nearly all kinds of music, though overly derogatory or sexist lyrics she tried to ignore. One only ran into that kind of music on male dominated worlds, like human and Yovar. They were the worst when it came to certain things Tera really did not like about music.

No sentient race was perfect, though some were better than others. While the Amazons looked down on males of any kind, they did not mistreat them as much as others mistreated females. As far as equal treatment went, the Grays of all the races had the distinction of full equality. As far as Tera knew that was simply because 'love' was not a concept or even a thought to the grays. Reproduction was a necessity, rather than a family thing.

It was something besides not knowing how to fly that was troubling Tera. A small part of her remembered that since she was female, she was superior to any male. Which contrasted greatly with her perceived view of the universe. For that matter standing up for her own beliefs and self was a bit of an internal struggle as well. One that her Velopian self was slowly losing. She was a little alarmed at how each time she said 'no' it got easier.

While it might throw people off for a second, Tera was still very polite about disagreeing or refusing to do something. The young woman was still struggling with her change, but considering her age that might be a little expected. Which was why Tera was grateful when she finally got to spend time with Roslyn.

Roslyn was greeted by Sephya at the door of the place they were staying. "Hello, nice to see you again."

"Please come in, always nice to see you." Sephya said.

Both turned as Tera happily yelled "Roslyn" from across the condo. Where the little Velopian excitedly bounded over the couch and coffee table as she ran over to them. She practically threw herself at Roslyn and her arms wrapped tightly around the otter.

"Not excited at all are you?" Roslyn asked as she returned her embrace. With greetings exchanged Tera let Roslyn the rest of the way into the condo.

"She might have had a few too many pricklypiples before you showed up. They are known to make younger Velopians a bit excited and full of energy." Sephya chuckled as they sat down.

"I only had three or four..." Tera said and blushed slightly.

"It is quite alright. Since Nodrog has told me how things are going musically, why not tell me how you are enjoying your stay?" Roslyn asked with a smile as Tera got excited once more.

Roslyn listened intently as Tera and Sephya both told her about their stay thus far. They had been here a full earth week by the time they had time to spend together. The three of them had dinner together and Tera had gone rather quiet again.

"Everything alright, you got quiet all of a sudden." Roslyn asked.

Tera blushed again and looked down at the floor. "I need some help with something."

Roslyn only needed to give it a seconds thought and a sly smile spread on her lips. "You don't remember how to fly."

Tera sighed, she didn't think Roslyn would figure it out that quick. "Correct, I tried once and nearly broke my legs... Do you think you can teach me?"

Roslyn's smile grew. "Of course I can teach you, I am a certified flight instructor after all. We can go to the gymnasium and start off there."

"Gynuasium? What is that?" Sephya asked and grumbled when Roslyn laughed at her mispronouncing it.

Roslyn explained as they walked. "Basically a big open building used for doing sports inside. There is a running track and provisions for basketball and volleyball nets."

"Would not outside be better?" Tera asked as they walked next to Roslyn.

"Maybe later, it is a little windy tonight and as small as you are, there is plenty of room." Roslyn said with a reassuring smile.

Tera still thought it odd to be staying inside to try and fly, but Roslyn did know what she was talking about. Which was considerably more than Tera thought there was to it. Maybe that is why she fell on her stomach so damn hard, it was not just spread your wings and think happy thoughts.

Eventually they ended up where Roslyn was taking them. Sephya figured out what it was after they got inside, the Velopians called it something far simpler; a sports arena. A couple of ladies came over to say hello to Roslyn and meet Tera of course. Roslyn had sort of went on and on about Tera's trip to earth. Cindy and Tamera did not luck out and get any tickets, they sold out before they could get any. Samantha was only getting to go because Sherman got a pair from his little brother.

The three of them found the tiny little Velopian's shyness simply adorable. Though they were a little surprised Roslyn knew anyone who was shy. Tamera did reassure Tera that Roslyn was a good, if a bit firm flight instructor. With that the three wished the young girl good luck and headed off to their own rooms for the evening.

Sephya stood to the side and watched, since her knowledge of flying was limited to using a jump pack and her power armor to quickly and safely disembark flying aircraft. Though as they started actually trying to fly, Sephya offered words of encouragement to her cousin. And winched a few times as Tera fell on her ass and belly a couple of times. But after a solid two hours of coaching, Tera could fly with relative ease inside.

Of course with that much physical activity Tera fell asleep before making it back to the apartment. Roslyn helped get Tera on Sephya's back so the older Velopian could carry her up to their condo for the night. Sephya smiled as they walked in the brisk night air. "It has been a long time since I have seen her this happy."

"I thought music made her happy." Roslyn said as they walked. She had worn herself out teaching Tera how to fly.

"Oh music does make her happy, when it is of her own accord. She does not get out much and do things with friends, so spending time with you, Winston and Wednesday... I think is doing her a world of good. One cannot spend all of one's time forcing themselves to do something because others say too." Sephya giggled as Tera very quietly sang in her sleep, oddly enough about pricklypiples.

"Is she singing about fruit..." Roslyn asked and paused to listen to the words before continuing to talk. "She is quick to respond to the letters Sarnia or I send her. I suppose a bit like Alice, her fame tends to get in the way of living life. College should be a little fun and not all work."

"I suppose if college is your thing, I never went." Sephya never really gave it much thought, her siblings and family told her all about it.

"I never went either, though I have heard enough stories about it... I wonder if that is something else that all of us have in common." Roslyn said as she held open the door.

"What is that?" Sephya asked after they were inside.

"Do things we are not proud of later in life while attending college. Like wild parties or lousy relationships." Roslyn said.

Sephya blushed as she recalled a rather embarrassing story from a friend of hers. "From the sounds of it, I would say it is probably more common than people think."

"The joys of youth and ignorance I guess." Roslyn chuckled as they stood in the elevator.

"Some have told me it was a mistake to become a warrior, but I look at the others and none of them have had the experiences I have, or am having. I know people who have never been outside of their home city or state." Sephya grumbled, but was a little surprised when Roslyn smiled and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know exactly how you feel. I got the very same questions when I said I was going to fly planes. Then went through it all again when after getting out of the military I was going to fly planes to fight wild fires." Roslyn's smile grew.

"But the two of us, we have been to different worlds and cannot wait for the next duty station or assignment." Roslyn said as they got off to head to the condo.

"Some of us are just different, never really content to stay put or do what others expect us to." Roslyn said.

"I never really thought of it that way. Most of my fellow armored warriors are all a little different. Perhaps that is our unspoken bond that makes us stronger." Sephya said as Roslyn unlocked their condo before handing back the key.

"It just might be. Do you need help putting her to bed?" Roslyn asked.

Sephya smiled. "Thanks, but I can take care of things from here. Have a good night."

"You too, see you later." Roslyn said.

Strangely Nodrog was not at home when Roslyn arrived. Not that it really mattered, because Roslyn really only wanted a hot shower and to climb into bed. If it was important he would tell her, or it could be nothing at all. Teaching Tera had been exhausting, physically and mentally. Roslyn did get frustrated but unlike teaching pilots, Roslyn could not yell at Tera if she made a mistake.

Of course it also did not help that every time Tera fell, Roslyn just wanted to scoop the little Velopian up and make sure she wasn't hurt. A couple of her landings were rather, hard and one was face first. Though Roslyn could tell she wanted to cry and give up, Tera shook it off and kept on getting back up. Roslyn wondered if the constantly getting back up was Tera's Valkyrie self pushing through.

At the end of it all, the bruises and bumps must have been worth it judging by the wide eyed smile Tera had as she flew around the gym. That smile, the euphoria Tera was feeling, Roslyn knew just what it was like. From the first time she took to the sky in a plane and the very first time she spread her own wings. That euphoria was freedom. Freedom from being stuck on the ground, freedom to go places and see things others would never get the chance.

The following day Tera was very excited to spread her wings outside. So excited in fact that her good cheer overrode her usual shyness. Wednesday was more than happy to chat away with the cheerful little singer about all kinds of things. Nodrog only chuckled while the others could only shake their heads or shrug it off. Today was exciting because they would be practicing for the first of Tera's performances during her stay. Which was the smaller on down at the club, with the whole band down at the studio the club would be opening a little later than usual today.

For security and space allowances the practices would be held at the studio. Though Winston told Nodrog that the music industry folks and Tera's manager probably didn't want to give people a free show. Whatever the reason it did not seem to matter to Tera and after the first song, it did not matter to anyone else. Practice went smoothly for the most part, a few miscues or misunderstandings but nothing that couldn't be ironed out in one of the other preshow sessions.

Wednesday was relieved that after the few hour long practice Tera was a bit more open with everyone they were working with. That did not translate to her moving very far away from Nodrog or Wednesday. Tera was a little quicker to speak up and offer critique or advise. Still any little bit of progress was a good thing, since she would be here for a couple more weeks.

The Friday night of the show finally came and Sephya was not very surprised to find her cousin quiet as they got ready. Tera's manager always did Tera's makeup and hair for shows. The only reason Tera needed makeup was so she would not look so pale under the bright stage lights. Sephya would be sitting with Roslyn and a few others at a table close to the stage at the club.

Nodrog drove them down to the club and they went in the back door, as the line out front was nearly around the block. Plus it made Tera feel a little better. Nodrog held the door open for them with him. "Ladies first."

Sherman took Roslyn, Samantha and Sephya out to the table reserved for them while Nodrog took Tera to the band's dressing room. Not that it was much of a dressing room, more of a place to finish getting ready and sit around waiting. Wednesday scooted over so Tera could sit down next to her. "Already for tonight?"

Tera smiled. "Yup, been looking forward to this for a while. Where are Winston and Brian?"

"They are just making sure the staff are all lined out and everything is in order. They always get a bit nervous when Wednesday performs with us, so having you both here probably has them a little more on edge." Freddy said with a chuckle.

"Both of them take a lot of pride in running this club, they just want everything perfect for the performance." Nodrog said and glanced at his watch.

"Time for us to go out?" Steven asked as he got up.

Nodrog smiled and opened the door. "It is that time, after you."

Tera was the last one up and heading out the door. She was a little surprised when Nodrog took hold of her hand, she looked up at him as he smiled. Tera blushed and smiled, she felt so tiny next to him. "Thanks, for everything. I hope I can live up to any expectations you had."

Nodrog chuckled as they walked down the hall to the stage. "You have already surpassed them, and I should be thanking you."

"Why is that?" Tera asked and heard the murmur of the gathered crowd.

"For placing your faith in me." Nodrog held open the last door to let her through.

Tera stepped out of the doorway and followed Wednesday over to a part of the stage. The club was a much smaller venue, the lights were dimmer and the whole thing seemed more intimate. She could clearly see faces in the crowd, spotting Sephya and Roslyn rather quickly. Actually she was a little surprised how calm she was with only a few of her own kind in attendance. Though she blushed rather deeply as Winston gave her a far amount of praise when he introduced her.

Tera stepped forward and bowed slightly. "You are too kind, I am overjoyed for the opportunity to be here. I also thank all of you for coming out for my first performance here on Earth, it really means a great deal to me."

Tera's smile grew as the audience gave her applause as she stepped back from the microphone to pick up a Velopian flute. With everyone ready she put the flute to her lips and started playing. Wednesday would sing two songs before Tera sang chorus on the third.

The young Velopian's voice catching many by surprise and entranced them all rather quickly. While she did not have the vocal range Wednesday had, Tera's soft soprano was both beautiful and playful. They stood side by side as the group smoothly transitioned into the actual duet. Where the instruments took on a softer tone so the women's voices could take the spotlight.

Now came the tricky part, playing Tera's songs on their instruments. She had done the best she could to get the sounds to be the same. Tera was mostly nervous about how her style would be received on the human world. Performing was the easy part, waiting for the reaction was the hard part. As far as Tera could tell, the crowd was hanging on her every word and note.

At the end of her last song the entire crowd rose to their feet in applause, tears of joy ran down Tera's cheeks. She did not know what to really expect when she asked Nodrog to look into something for her. Tera glanced back at Nodrog who was clapping along with crowd and gave her a wink. To think that this was only the beginning, that there was a far bigger performance to come. The Iron Dragon had kept his promise and went beyond Tera's wildest dreams.