The Guard—the last to arrive. Holding their equipment by the mounds, the females were as fierce as Amazons but as professional as Sirens. Togas and tunics were of their uniform, battered rifles and sabers on their backs and in their arms. They were quiet, whispering every stride or so and quickly beginning to warm up. No one knew of their where-abouts. Neither Woodwind Woods nor Battery Peaks had seen them. They kept to themselves, and as far as the band went, that was fine.
The Great Ones smiled with great satisfaction as all was in order. The three senators waited at attention in the front. The Head of the Great Ones stepped forward, leaning on the metal ledge overlooking the many sections. "Good morning," he greeted, silver robe finding the wind. "I see we're going to have a great year." The sections cheered. "I ask that before we begin, our section leaders come forth. We have matters to discuss." From the hundreds a few stepped forward. The drum majors smiled at old friends.
"It's been too long," Reid said, taking Drum Major Sal's hand. The two males were both seniors, buddies since birth. Even when Sal was known as Kee, a Clarinet like himself, before his light brown hair turned dark and he was chosen to be a senator.
"You're right," Sal agreed, seeing the joy in Reid's light eyes. "I never make it over to the Woods."
"Say," Liggy interrupted, taking her turn at Sal's greeting. "Don't forget about your little cousin." Sal smiled and gave the female junior a hug.
"Now you're a section leader? Amazing."
"She turned down the chance to be a Drum Major to stay with us," Reid said proudly, smiling at the soft-spoken Liggy. "We had to make her one."
"What an interesting way to choose leaders," Hunter said condescendingly. The group looked to the French Horn, now far from his horse. Mellody smirked devilishly and removed her tan riding gloves.
"I hope that isn't the way you were elected, Sal." Sal glanced downward, caught off guard. "Where's the…preferred Drum Major?" Mellody asked, looking about the bottom of the tower.
"If you're referring to Lute, he's over there, drinking with the Saxes," Mallet said angrily. The Horns left the rest to see their Drum Major—Lute used to be a Horn as well. Trill, the only Fluteling leader who could get a word in between giggles, happily joined the Clarinets.
"Hello, Reid! Liggy! Where are Bell and Cork?" Trill greeted. Reid pointed over her shoulder towards the Trombones.
"They're seeing what's been going on near the Peak. I should do the same." Liggy was left with Trill and her followers.
"Isn't Gliss just the cutest? I've always thought of him as the cutest Trombone." Liggy smiled uneasily, getting the hint that Flutelings didn't really mind the music, just the players.
"Liggy! Trill!" It was Cornett, one that had always had a place in Liggy's admiration. The young Clarinet immediately blushed and began to fiddle with her jacket. "How are you guys?"
"Just fine, Cornett," Trill muttered, watching Gliss from afar.
"Excellent," Liggy said clearly. "How was your summer?"
"It was fine," the generous trumpet replied with a smile. "A fine break from things."