Stage Fright

Blaine engrossed himself in the home-reinforcement trend that seemed to be taking the Mythrite Crier by storm for the week, solely in a desperate attempt to take the focus off of his next performance.
Relax! It's only your first performance in a different tavern from Tryssee's, on an instrument you've never performed with before, in front of a completely new audience! You'll perform absolutely swimmingly! Blaine gulped as he stepped away. The rugged board only irritated Ginka, as she waited for him to finish up and walk with her.
"It's okay! You sounded fine when we tried to come up with the routine, so stop worrying!" Ginka tugged at one of Blaine's pant legs from below. "We'll meet new people, try something new for our performance, and have fun, okay? I think you should be worrying more about their patrons not liking the small dancing gnome more than not liking your own playing! Besides, you said you played harp before, right? That's sort of like piano."
"I know, I know, but... I haven't even had a week of practice. Everything is so new that I'm afraid of messing up big time, beyond belief. I know I made the right choice to make a change for the week, and I know this could be big for us. But, this realization won't soothe my quaking nerves."
Blaine recalled how playing at Tryssee's last week went. His lyre played out of sync with his heart. His usual crowd had not been present, and he could already sense the trouble that would stir over the upcoming days. He left Tryssee's Place with little coin, disappointed in his performance, before deciding that he needed to take a break and try a new instrurment.
"We just gotta do it. Let's go!" Ginka pulled his pant leg in the direction of Red Moon Tavern. He followed behind and bit his lip, feeling his fear in every step.
The two entertainers walked through the doors. Everything was noticeably bright and well put together for a tavern. Blaine could spot all kinds of patrons looking eager to hear some tunes from musicians while enjoying their spirits. If Tryssee's Place was a performance place for commoners, this would certainly be the next step up..
Unwilling to let his fears postpone him any further, Blaine walked onto the stage with Ginka as soon as they were given the OK.
"Alright folks, let's get ready for aspiring musician Blaine Lohk, performing for the first time at our wonderful establishment! He'll be performing piano for the first time, and as usual, he's accompanied by Ginka as his lovely dancer!"
The two of them bowed. Ginka stood at the front of the stage while Blaine awkwardly sat down at the piano bench. He took a deep breath.
---
He froze as he felt one hand on his back and another on his arm.
"Straighten your back and lift elbows high, Blaine! Posture's important for performing! Get it down now and don't forget it: it applies to every instrument you'll play in your life," Vivian told Blaine. "It's only the eleventh time I've reminded you."
Blaine took his hands off of the strings and puffed. "I feel quite relaxed this way though! Besides, the harp is stationary. It's not like lyre or lute where I'm trying to project my sound with positioning or anything like that! What audience will care how I stand if I'm just playing music?"
Vivian walked forward and poked Blaine's forehead. "Fourteen year-old you might not care, but believe me. Starting out with a good proud posture will make all the difference for your sound and your attitude. It'll especially be the case when you're trying out new instruments and traveling the world in a few years in your attempt to become... the 'Master Bard of Sword Coast?' Was that it?" Vivian laughed.
"It might happen! Just you wait!" Blaine's cheeks turned as bright as his hair.
"Don't worry, I'll be waiting." Vivian chuckled and patted his head. "I wouldn't start teaching any kid off of the street for free, you know? There's potential in you. I know it, and I see it. But first, start on your posture. I'll have you work on your chord structure after, and maybe I'll even teach you a song to play on this thing! There's a little something I've been working on."
Blaine groaned as he straightened his back and raised his elbows. "It better be a good song..."
---
Zen, composed by Vivian Reviere. Playful, yet gentle. Simple, yet masterful. Played well, it could ease the hearts of everyone around and bring peace to their minds. It was one of the many melodies that Blaine engraved into his mind, thanks to his mentor.
Blaine straightened his back and raised his elbows. He began to play. His hands gracefully pulled at the keys as he remembered the times he played this song on the harp and on his lyre. He plucked at the connections from the ivory to the hammers that struck the strings. The peaceful melody brought him back to the times when he played with his sister back in Daggerford, spending days filled with laughter in the fields. He remembered the days of his childhood, when debt and endless work didn't plague his worries and his time. He channeled his memories through his hands, and played his mentor's song, amplified by his own heart.
As he ended his playing, silence filled the air. Blaine looked at Ginka with fear in his heart. After seeing the tears in her eyes, cheers and applause rang through the entire tavern in approval.
"I told you, you'd be fine!" Ginka spoke through her sniffles.
"I... I guess it was," Blaine smiled. He played the night away with free drinks, many cheers, and hope for the future. Just for one night, "Master Bard of Sword Coast" seemed all the more feasible.