I swallow, then begin to present my work, starting with my best drawings, including the circulatory system piece. I read a short story and then demonstrate my ability to revive a dying philodendron plant. I was really nervous about this part, as my Sire abilities tend to be inconsistent, but after a nervous false start, I manage the task quickly. I then exhibit my design for window curtains made entirely out of woven living plants. I’d thought this was too silly to include, but Hypatia had told me it’s the kind of thing the guildmasters like. I hope she’s right.

It’s time for my song.

I grit my teeth. I can do this. I’ve been practicing nonstop for two days.

I lift the guitar and start with easy strums the way Michael showed me, nothing too intricate or easy to flub until I become more comfortable.

The whole room is focused on me. How the hell does Kor do this in front of entire stadiums?

I start to sing, my voice only a little shaky.

These hands of mine

Could sculpt a human out of stone

Could draw the views of worlds unknown

Could paint something with soul

But instead

These hands of mine are stained only with mistakes

These hands of mine

Could pull your heartstrings with a song

Could learn the keys to play along

Could write a symphony

But instead

These hands of mine stumble over clumsy notes

I remember what Madam Adelina said, to find the truth of the emotions of the song instead of focusing on the technique. “Your world ruined your singing,” she’d yelled at me. “They made you think that things need to be perfect. But beauty is in the flaws of truth. Stop covering up the truth!”

I try to sing my truth.

These hands of mine

Could reach out so I’m not alone

Could plant the seeds to grow a home

Could hold your face between them

But instead

These hands of mine stay clutched behind my back

I try my best to block out the crowd, to sing for no one but myself.

Will I do more on this earth than waste away my hours?

Can I do more for the earth than one day become her flowers?

As the last notes die out, I take a moment to compose myself. Following Madam Adelina’s advice had brought on more emotion than I had intended, but I think it went okay. Maybe not great but at least a perfectly acceptable level of good.

I take a deep breath. “That concludes my gallerie,” I say.

Although I’m mostly pleased, I can’t help but notice how anemic my presentation was in comparison to the others.

Headmaster Bloche and some of the other guildmasters ask me questions about my strengths (plants) and weaknesses (math), specific interests (healing), and methods used in the work I presented. I answer everything as best I can.