And so it was, that after Sonitrus "The Golden" became chief of the bards in Nolava, that the kingdom was blessed, and many years of prosperity were to follow. All manner of the arts, sciences, technology, and faith flourished. Disease and poverty were all but unknown throughout the lands, and an unhappy countenance became a rarer sight than meteor showers.
The bards of Nolava had never been more efficent and productive than they were under the direction and guidance of Sonitrus. They learned to work with masters in all the other arts and sciences so that musical arrangments were composed for every purpose and occasion: aside from songs for seasons and festivals, there were songs for healing, for learning, and even for military prowess. It is sometimes said that, during this age, Nolava's doctors prescribed songs more often than herbs, and that men cherished their ability to hear sound above riches and esteem.
During this time also, of course, Sonitrus, being chief of bards, worked very closely with the good Queen Kulambria. Many hours of the week they spent together, composing magical songs that would be taught and given over to bards to be dispatched and taught throughout the kingdom. It must be remembered that Queen Kulambria herself was the daughter of Melodia, the Goddess of Song, and was therefore fully-trained and abundantly gifted in all form and manner of music. Perhaps a better pairing of artists has never occurred in any land or age, and to this day it is nearly impossible to find songs that are more beautiful and better-crafted than the songs of Sonitrus and Queen Kulambria.
This went on for many years, of course, and the young Sonitrus had grown in wisdom and stature; never losing his fair looks or the eyes of damsels wherever he should go. This was not unnoticed by the Queen herself, and one day she sent for Sonitrus, to meet with him privately. The best translation we have of their exchange relates as follows:
Queen: My dear Sonitrus, I must enquire of you, and ask a favor.
Sonitrus: You need not ask, my good Queen, for I am your servant. Only tell me, and it shall be done.
Queen: I must first caution you that what I shall tell you can be spoken to no one. I confide only in you for this matter, as I trust none better.
Sonitrus: I am humbled yet more, my Queen, and you have my word.
Queen: We both know that I am very fair to look upon, and that a truer heart cannot be found in Nolava.
Sonitrus: Yes, of course, my Queen.
Queen: I know also that as much as our people admire and respect me, they speak often regarding my lack of a husband. They do not understand it, I believe, and perhaps they are right in doing so. I have begun to ask this question myself even, of late. I think, my dear Sonitrus, it is time I take a husband lest my god-given beauty fade for lack of intimacy.
Sonitrus: My good Queen, if you seek my counsel regarding this--I am sorry--but I am not fit to advise you in this matter.
Queen: I need not your counsel, my dear Sonitrus; I need your gift of song. There is none more qualified, and none esteemed higher.
Sonitrus: Thank you again, my Queen, but I do not understand.
Queen: Secretly, I have had my eyes set upon a man of our kingdom for many years now, and even my heart, but just a little. His identity is a secret, even from you, my dearest friend, Sonitrus. I ask that you compose the song that I will perform at the upcoming festival for my late mother, the Goddess Melodia. When I complete my performance, I will profess my love for this man before the whole kingdom and shall ask his hand in marriage; for I know he will be present.
Sonitrus: May I ask but one question of you, only that I might better compose this special song?
Queen: Yes, but only one.
Sonitrus: This man, whose hand you will ask in marriage: would he have any reason to suspect you have these feeliings for him?
Queen: No, of course not, my dear Sonitrus--don't be silly. And please, no more questions about this: I trust your skill better when you do not think with your mind. Listen only to your heart, my friend, and your song will be better than I can imagine. This I say of a certainty.
Sonitrus: Thank you again, my queen. It shall be done as you have asked, and I trust the favor of the gods to bless me with a song suitable for this most sacred occasion.
And so Sonitrus left the Queen's presence, and began work immediately on this song.
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