Nothing but silence. He ran the tip of his tongue over his lips, and a glorious rush of warm air thrust through his throat as he loosened his jaw and let his voice resonate. Like some wild creature let forth from bondage, it hastened out, growing in strength and energy with each uplifted note. Memories swept through his brain, and closing his eyes and lifting his chin, he could fairly feel the summer wind rushing through his hair. It was cool and sweet and open, and it smelt of wild grasses and warm soil. It fled through his open throat, filling his lungs and refreshing his body like a draught of cold water after a long thirst. His very muscles flexed in the excitement of the moment, and his heart pumped rapidly. The last note of the song lingered on his tongue, echoing throughout the room like the lonely cry of a mourning dove. He would not let it go…he could not…