Blood, Sweat, and Hanon - A Ranger's Apprentice fanfiction

Chapter Twelve - Alyss

"Will, we really, really need to talk to you."

Alyss speaks seriously, her eyes seeking Will's nervously. He looks petrified - like a deer in the headlights. But he doesn't try to break her grip and run, which Alyss figures is a good sign.

Alyss has been elected spokesperson for the group, and she doesn't want to ruin this. She knows that their collective friendship might be in danger if she messes up, so she takes a deep breath before she speaks. It's only the first day of school, but she senses they will all need each other to pull through the challenges that this year will bring.

"Will, I don't know what happened with Horace earlier, and you don't have to tell any of us if you don't want to. But we want you to know that you don't have to run away and hide from us. We're your friends, and we're here for you."

Will glances nervously at Jenny, George, and Gilan before looking back to Alyss. But when he speaks, it's only to her.

"I don't - I don't think I'm ready to tell you about what Horace said," he murmurs.

"And that's fine," Jenny breaks in. "You don't have to. But you can trust us. I promise."

"But I'm sorry I ran away," Will says. "I just felt I couldn't burden you with my problems, because I'm sure each of you has your own."

Gilan speaks firmly. "Will, you're right. Each of us has our own problems. But we can help each other with them. It's healthier to let it out and let someone help you than to keep it all bottled up inside."

"Take me, for example," Alyss says. She exchanges a rueful grin with George. "George found me sobbing in a back hallway after orchestra because I couldn't tune my own violin and I'd just had a truly terrible practice session. And he gave me some great advice on how to practice pieces that are way harder than anything you've ever played before. Because that's what friends do."

"We're here for you, Will," George says, grinning at him. "Whether you want us or not."

Despite himself, Will grins. "Thanks, guys," he says. 

"Anytime," Gilan says. He smirks at Will. "So how'd your first lesson with Halt go?"

Will groans. "Hanon," he says.

Gilan bursts out laughing at the expression on Will's face. "Come one, they're not that bad," he says.

Will makes another face. "When's the last time you played Hanon?" he asks.

Gilan laughs again. "I take that back. Hanons really are horrible."

"What's Halt like?" Alyss asks curiously.

Will thinks for a moment, glancing at Gilan. "He's...something else," he finally manages.

"I think the word you're looking for is 'hilarious,'" Gilan supplies helpfully.

Will glares at Gilan. "Not helping!" he says. He turns back to Alyss. "Halt is...really amazing at what he does," he admits. "But he has this weird obsession with Hanon exercises, which are these really loud, annoying, repetitive, awful piano etudes that supposedly 'build your technique' and all that."

"'Supposedly?'" Gilan says. "I'll tell Halt you said that."

"Okay, fine!" Will says. "They really do work! I'll admit it! But that doesn't mean I have to like them!"

The entire group bursts into relieved laughter. "We're just pulling your leg, Will," Gilan says, slapping Will's shoulder. Then he pauses. "What rep did you get?" he asks.

"The D Major prelude and fugue, Prokofiev 1, the Chopin Sunshine Etude, and Islamey," Will rattles off. His face crinkles anxiously. "It's a lot."

"Wow, Islamey?" Gilan says. "That's awesome! That's enough for the Junior International - is Halt having you enter?"

"If I can get it together in time," Will says grimly. "What did you get?"

"Chromatic Fantasia and Fugue," Gilan starts, smirking goodnaturedly at Will's gasp of jealousy, "Beethoven Fifth for the concerto, and we're counting Liszt Gnomenreigen as both the etude and the showpiece since the other two are so long."

"The Emperor concerto?" Will says. "I love that one!"

"It's huge though," Gilan groans. "Beethoven added like a whole extra section as the coda."

Alyss is possibly the most relieved out of all of them. As they head out of the Conservatory building to go to dinner, still discussing competition repertoire, Alyss slips her arm through Will's, squeezing gently before letting go. He glances at her and smiles.

"So, how was your first day?" he asks. "Did you have a good first lesson?"

It seems such a long time ago, and Alyss has to think back for a few minutes.

"I did," she says. "Ms. DuLacy is an amazing teacher, but I'm starting to wonder if I'm maybe not good enough to be in her studio."

Will looks at her in disbelief. "Don't say that, Alyss!" he says. "You're an incredible violinist!"

Alyss looks at him with a confused expression. "You haven't even heard me play yet."

Will's face goes red, and he looks at the ground. He finally mumbles, "I heard you practicing this morning."

Alyss blushes, and she suddenly doesn't know what to say. The thought of someone else perceiving her playing, especially in the practice room, makes her cringe, but she's also flattered by Will's praise. The conflicting emotions confuse her enough that she has to force herself to focus on what Will says next.

Will continues. "But even if I hadn't, Alyss, I would know. Just the way you carry yourself even tells me. You're so confident, I can tell you're an amazing performer. And I know Mrs. DuLacy wouldn't have picked you for her studio if she didn't think you were good enough."

He reaches out to grab Alyss's hand. "Alyss, you're an amazing musician, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise." Then his face goes red again, and he drops her hand once he realizes what he's doing. "And I can't wait to see you perform sometime."

"Thanks, Will," Alyss says softly. She can feel her cheeks burning.

Will glances at her shyly. "Anytime, Alyss," he says. "That's what friends are for."