The First Age

Days off usually found Cadence in a grumbly mood when she returned. But the past couple of days had been good ones. The day with Ilesha at Kallisti had been amazing for Cadence and the following therapy session, had reinforced that. So when she came in happy and well rested, her band mates were surprised. 

”Morning everyone! I brought coffee,” Cadence said, handing them out. 

”Someone’s in a chipper mood today,” Casey Bennett, the bass guitarist said. She was also the band leader, in charge of the band’s rehearsals.

Cadence gave her a smile, ”We got an album to record loves,” she said taking in the other three full time band members into her gaze; Matt West on guitars, Barry Jones on keyboard and synthesizers, and Cara Lopez on drums. Each took their own drink with gratitude as Cadence put down a bag of sugar and cream  in case they desired it. 

Finally, Cadence turned to Marlise, her agent, and handed her a coffee. A woman Cadence had never met, stood beside, and Cadence nodded at her. This was likely her new security detail. 

”Thanks, Cadence,” Mars said with a smile. ”Im pleasantly surprised- I did not expect this mood today.”

Cadence laughed. ”I had a good couple of days. Let’s hope that this momentum lasts.”

Mars frowned, ”I don’t want to ruin your mood, but I feel I should bring this up while you’re in a good mood. You know that I’m heading back to the states. My family is all there. This move to Moscow was a great move for you, but I can’t stay. I’m going to stay long enough to transition you to your new staff and hopefully your first few tour concerts.”

Cadence, although saddened by this, had expected this conversation to come. It wasn’t the first time it was brought up, but it was the first time it had been established. Mars was right though. It was a good time to bring it up. ”We’ve talked about this, Mars. I knew it was coming, and if I haven’t said it enough, I’m eternally grateful for everything you’ve done for me. You gave me my big break and have always been there for me.” she gave Mars a hug. ”Any potentials on that front.”

Mars nodded. ”Ive reached out to a man named Ezvin Marveet. He’s a producer and singer/songwriter. I think it would be a good fit. He has our recording calendar and I’ve invited him to show up anytime if he would like. He has contacts too, so I think we can start there.” Cadence nodded and Mars turned to the woman next to her. ”This is Aline Shaw. She works for Pervaya Liniya Security, and she’ll be your security detail for the tour. I thought it would be best for you to get to know her earlier.”

Cadence smiled. Mars knew her well, and that would be the hardest part of her leaving. Cadence reached out her hand and shook the other woman’s hand. ”A pleasure to meet you.”

Ezvin stood outside the door, his guitar case resting against his leg as he adjusted the cuffs of his shirt. He didn’t need a pep talk—this wasn’t his first rodeo—but there was a particular edge of anticipation to this meeting. Cadence Mathis. An artist whose music had made waves in ways that most people only dreamed of. Someone whose talent had both depth and range. No pressure, right? he thought, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. But he was ready. He always was.

He knocked once—firm, but not overbearing—and pushed the door open just enough to step inside. The hum of conversation paused as he entered, the kind of pause that always happened when a new presence entered the room. Ezvin let it roll off him. He was used to it. He stepped in with a steady gait, his guitar case in one hand, his leather messenger bag slung neatly across his chest.

“Good morning,” he said, his voice calm and composed, but with just enough brightness to show he wasn’t some bored suit dragging himself into the room. His gaze swept the space quickly—four bandmates, a woman in a blazer who must’ve been Marlise, and then her.

Cadence Mathis.

She was everything he’d expected, though not in the glossy, larger-than-life sense people often assumed when they met a star. No, her presence was sharper, quieter. She commanded attention without saying a word, and Ezvin respected that immediately. He didn’t let his gaze linger too long, though. This wasn’t about being starstruck. This was about showing her he belonged here.

He came to a smooth stop just inside the room and gave a polite, easy smile. “Ezvin Marveet. Marlise reached out to me about the project,” he said, keeping his tone professional but approachable. His eyes landed briefly on Cadence, meeting her gaze without hesitation. “It’s great to meet all of you—and I’m looking forward to diving in.”

Cadence turned as a knock came to the door and a man entered with a guitar. He spoke politely and with a calm voice.  If he was intimidated, he didn't show it.  Cadence knew that some felt intimidated by her even if she didn't understand why.  The man introduced himself as Ezvin Marveet.  They had literally just been talking about him.  The name Marveet struck a bell, and it wasn't long before she remembered that Scion Marveet was a rich and powerful businessman.

Ezvin addressed the room as a whole, but at the end, his gaze was on her, and Cadence met it.  Cadence felt Mars move beside her to approach Ezvin.  It was the common approach.  Cadence often had enough social anxiety that it was the best choice.  It was the way things normally went, but today wasn't a normal day.  Cadence reached out, stopped Mars with a touch of her hand, gave her a smile and turned back to the newcomer.

As she approached, she could see her band mates collectively raise an eyebrow.  She had already surprised them today.  This was just another one.  She could feel the anxiety building up in her and her fingers went instinctively to the rings on her fingers, twisting gently.  Her inner monologue, usually speaking loud and conflicting ideas at once said only one thing.

You did this once, and it was easy.  You can do it again.

Cadence got closer, offered her hand for shaking and spoke clearly, "A pleasure to meet you Mr. Marveet."  The smile she gave him was genuine and was reflected in her tone. "Some introductions, if I may." She gestured towards the band. "These are the permanent members of my band. This young lady is Casey, our bassist and band leader. That's Matt on guitar, Barry on keys and synths, and Cara on drums. The scary lady in the back is Aline - she's my security detail.  She just started, so not sure how she feels about me calling her scary," Cadence gave a playful smirk and the turned up smile on Aline's face said that she enjoyed the banter. "And this is Mars, my agent, who I believe you've already had some contact with. She does all the boring stuff so I can be creative and make her lots of money." She said, earning a chuckle from the band. "And I am Cadence. Vocals and the occasional dalliance on the piano. Now," her attention turned back to Ezvin. "What has Mars told you about our little project?"

Ezvin moved through the room like a man who’d spent years in the company of music royalty—not demanding attention, but carrying a quiet authority that proved he belonged. He wasn’t part of Cadence Mathis’s court, though; he was something more like a trusted steward, the figure who worked in the shadows to keep the kingdom running. Overlooked, perhaps, but essential. That was how he liked it. Ezvin had no hunger for the spotlight himself. He found greater satisfaction in helping others—artists with voices worth hearing, like Maksim—bring their gifts into the light.

When introductions began, Ezvin handled them with practiced ease. There was a rhythm to it: a firm handshake, steady eye contact, a respectful nod. Casey Bennett, bassist and band leader, exuded natural authority, and Ezvin made a mental note of the way her gaze lingered just a beat longer than the others—as if she were already evaluating him. Then there was Matt on guitar, a quiet presence but with a sharp, observant look Ezvin recognized in most guitarists. Barry, perched by the keys and synths, offered a small smile, his hands fidgeting unconsciously like someone always itching to play. And Cara, seated behind her drumsticks, gave a short but deliberate nod that told Ezvin she didn’t waste words.

Finally, he greeted Aline Shaw, the security detail, whose sharp posture and no-nonsense air reminded him she probably noticed everything. Ezvin respected that kind of quiet vigilance.

Ezvin nodded slightly, matching Cadence’s poise with his own steady professionalism. 
“Only what Marlise has explained so far,” he answered, his voice carrying an easy clarity that made him sound both measured and engaged. 
“But I’ve always found it works best to hear ideas straight from the artist.” 

He met her gaze as he continued, his tone sure, his words deliberate. 
“My job is simple: to help you see the music for what you want it to be. And then push it—gently—toward what it could be.” 

A subtle smile softened his words, a flicker of warmth that hinted at his belief in the process. 
“I’m just here to help you keep being awesome.” 

There was no flattery in his tone—just conviction, a quiet assurance that made it feel like a partnership, not a power play.

Adjusting the strap of his messenger bag, Ezvin shifted the focus naturally forward. 
“If you’d be so kind, let’s hear your ideas. Even a sampling. I brought my guitar, but if you’ve got keys or other instruments handy, we can dive in wherever you feel comfortable.” 

The invitation was delivered lightly, but there was intention behind it: Show me where you’re at, and I’ll meet you there. Ezvin wasn’t here to lead the way—this was Cadence’s vision. His job was to hold up the mirror, to expand the possibilities, to make the music sing.

As the room settled into the quiet space after his words, Ezvin let the moment sit, his confidence a steady current beneath the surface. This was where it started: the music, the work, the art. The rest would come.