(a/n: Because I didn't know exactly where else to put it and I may well make a compilation of stories for the adventures of these two, for the time being, this is their introduction to each other.  It is canon for the story and takes place approximately three years, give or take, before the Loss of Order begins.  Enjoy.)

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It was just another day on the lonely streets for Henry.  At least today was sunny, if nothing else, and the morning wasn’t too cold, though hunger still gnawed at him as it often did these days since he’d left home.  Hiding a yawn behind his hand, he carefully uncurled from around his violin, the hard wooden case digging into his ribs as per usual, and stiffly got to his feet, stretching tall so that his dirty and only slightly torn shirt lifted to reveal his thin midriff.  Still lean with youth and not quite enough food, at least his ribs weren’t showing…

He scratched his medium length brown hair, fairly tangled from his rest, and combed fingers through it in a vain attempt to straighten the mess out.  After a few snags that made him wince, he gave up his efforts and simply patted them down, trying to make himself at least moderately presentable.  The crowds liked his music but they weren’t too generous when he didn’t at least try to look presentable, if not exactly professional.  That bit was impossible at present when purchasing food was a far more pressing concern most days.

With a half-hearted effort, he brushed at his dingy clothes and sighed at the remnants of his ‘bed’.  A worn through travel sack split open and spread out over the ground provided the barest of cushion against the hard and uneven cobblestones, but it kept him from the worst of the grime.  “It’s the small things, Henry,” he smiled at himself, stretching out the worst of the kinks before he reached down to retrieve his violin.

As he turned around to regard the small city he was in, the sounds of it waking up in turn greeted him with hawkers calling their wares, the mouthwatering scent of fresh bread and other delectable items wafting through the streets and the sound of workers moving about, still groggy in the wee hours.  Henry emerged from between the two buildings he’d claimed as his own last night and peeked out, shielding his eyes briefly from the full brunt of the sun.

“Good morning, Ifenlath,” he greeted, taking another deep breath and grimacing as his stomach complained over the lack of food.  “Oh hush,” he urged it quietly, placing a slender hand to his abdomen.  “I’ll feed you in a minute,” he grinned, mischievous eyes dancing about to see what there was in the area.

A giggle to his left caught his attention and he waved in greeting when Taemin poked his head out of the window of the house he was standing beside.  Covertly, the little black haired boy looked inside and then reached down to pick up something just on the inside of the window.  “Here,” he whispered with a giddy smile, offering a slightly withered red apple to the taller boy.

“Thanks Taeminnie,” Henry smiled back, keeping his tone low as he looked in either direction and stepped close enough for the boy to toss it to him.  “I’ll play one for you today,” he winked, taking a bite of the fruit and hurrying off with a wave in farewell.

Taemin nodded enthusiastically and ducked back inside, closing the window after him when he heard his mother calling for him.  There was no guarantee the boy would be able to make it by the square but he’d still play his favorite regardless.

Making quick work of the small apple, Henry tossed the picked over core to a cart horse waiting in her tresses, smiling when the gray creature lipped at it happily.  Belatedly, he realized there was a driver sitting at the top of the cart and he ducked his head with an abashed grin, looking away from the bright colored clothes and the clean angular face topped by a pulled back crop of black hair.  He didn’t think he was mad considering the lean individual gave him an amused smile as he hurried off but one never could tell.

The city square was busy already by the time he managed to hurry his person into the heart of the place, and a fair few of the best spots had already been taken but that didn’t mean he was down for the count just yet.  The funds he’d made the other day were long since gone but that was the beauty of this place; he could always make more…most days anyway.  It looked like today held much promise in that regard with the fair weather and the smiling faces.

His biggest competition seemed to be the older and more experienced self-proclaimed poet who’d managed to snag his usual spot and the playful younger duo in another of his favorite spots who were oohing and awing passersby with small feats of acrobatics.  Feh.  He had this, unless another musician showed up.  There hadn’t been one recently but he hoped his luck was going to hold.

Nimbly, he danced to a suitable spot, winking and waving at some of the young ladies and their mothers, earning glares and giggles alike.  When a father took offense to his passing interest he pretended to take his invisible hat off and bowed deeply before he settled at his desired corner and carefully extracted his used violin, paying minute attention to the strings and the bow.  There was nothing wrong with them, as he took care of his instrument better than he did himself ever since one of his rather odd uncles had given him the thing when he’d appeared to like the sound of his family member’s playing.  In this instance though, it kept him from having to make eye contact with anyone as he prepared himself.

When ready, Henry gathered his long legs beneath him and rose up in a spiral flourish of grace and accompanying sound, drawing out the first beautiful notes of his song, letting them lilt across the square and pausing to see what sort of response he would get today.  It was early and most of those present were going about necessary chores or occupations, but there were some, like the small crowds already gathered around the poet and the acrobats, who were here for entertainment and leisure.  Unerringly, heads turned at the first jaunty notes that were sung from the violin and he smiled.

Here and there, denizens of the city would wander close and toss a few coins into his open violin case.  Some were familiar patrons who simply appreciated his playing; others were new faces who enjoyed what they saw.  On very rare occasions, he would get the rare pleasure of a mother unbending enough to let her quite taken daughter come close to drop a coin for his purse.

Those were the most rewarding and he chuckled when one giggled, a bright flush across her cheeks as she fled back to her mother, successful.  Luna was a regular and it had taken him quite a few excursions for her to build up enough courage to ask her mother who always went to the baker’s on the third day of each week right around this time.  She giggled and waved, looking up at her mother for permission to take the coin over.  Victorious, she dropped the gift and ran, laughing delightedly all the while.

Henry knew the only reason she was indulged in such a thing was because they were worlds apart.  Considerably younger than him, she was not meant for a homeless wanderer such as himself and while cute and occasionally charming, that was all he could ever be to her.  Frankly, that was fine by him for the time being and he simply enjoyed the adoration while it lasted.

Right around lunch time, he took a break and bought himself one of the lunch pies from the vendor he’d spied out earlier.  Jaejoong was known for his cooking skills and it was a wonder he managed to snag one before they sold out again.  The taller male with feathery black hair smiled at him and waved in greeting, pushing a particularly hearty looking pie his direction with a pleased wink.  He always appreciated Henry’s songs, even if he wasn’t able to show it as often as he’d prefer.

Sated and reenergized, Henry hopped back to his feet, a few extra coins in his pocket, and looked for a new spot to ply his trade.  The day was young and he needed to scrape together enough for at least a couple days to get by on without worrying about food the very next day.  Jauntily, he played as he walked, the closed case lingering on his back as he spied out his new location.  Flirtatiously, he danced around a small family passing by, enjoying the brief flash of amazement in the young boy’s eyes while his little sister stared at him, clinging to her mother’s skirts.

He didn’t linger, but he offered a moving bow before he drifted on and continued playing, pausing in his ‘spot’ until he finished the song.  Only then did he put the case down in preparation for his next stint.  It wasn’t until he placed his violin back against his chin that he noticed the gentleman whose horse he’d fed the apple core to earlier just watching him.

When he saw the same gentleman carrying an interesting shaped case, his guard went up immediately.  Another instrumentalist meant more competition and less that he would be taking home if he decided to play against him.  Determinedly, he played a crowd favorite and watched the newcomer intently, grumbling around his forced, performance smile.  He pulled the expression off well, but it seemed to amuse the other who could tell that it wasn’t quite the genuine expression it had been.

Almost as if he had decided something for himself, Henry watched the taller male nod once and then make his way over to where he was standing, freeing his instrument.  Even if he didn’t particularly like the competition in a small city, he couldn’t help but be a bit intrigued by a man who played the harp, especially a small traveling one such as the instrument in his hands now.

His curiosity grew even more when the same gentleman stopped and stood beside him, adjusting himself with the ease of practice.  With a small and polite bow, he greeted Henry and promptly joined in with his song…  For a brief second, Henry nearly tripped up and the amused grin that crossed his features was quite genuine when he realized the other was complimenting his playing; not challenging it.  That had never happened before…

Just to see what would happen, he changed up the song when he was almost finished and nearly fell out when the stranger followed him, building on what he was playing with more chords.  It was obvious he didn’t know the tune but he was successfully able to create his own parts to match it well enough as if they belonged.  By the time they wound their duet down, they’d attracted a larger crowd than Henry was used to and he grinned broadly.

“Care to try another round?” the stranger asked, his voice pleasant, polite and respectfully deferring to the younger’s preference.

It wasn’t exactly a difficult call to make.  Without another word, Henry simply smiled and launched into another tune excitedly, eyeing the other to see how he would follow.  He chose a faster song that would catch the interest of the crowds and his partner eased into it with gusto, actually dancing somewhat in place.  Not to be outdone, Henry joined in, drifting easily around his spot and completely losing himself in the joy of the performance.

Together, they played a few more songs and he wrapped it up a bit earlier than usual, still grinning like a fool.  Almost as one, the pair bowed politely to the remnants of the gathered audience and waved them off.  Henry couldn’t help but notice that while the stranger didn’t try to steal the spotlight, he drew more than his fair share of attention just by being there.  His clean performance and easy smile were noticeable draws and the easy courtesy he offered to all of those who met his eyes was something to envy.

“Well done, young sir,” he bowed politely, harp still in hand when they were left well enough alone.  “That was quite fun, if I do say so myself.”

Henry finished collecting the funds and started divvying up the take, eyeing the stranger curiously.  “It was,” he managed to smile, somewhat reluctantly offering half the take to him in turn, as was only fair since it had been their combined efforts that had won such a reward.

The taller male’s eyes warmed considerably at the gesture but he waved them off to Henry’s incredulity.  “I couldn’t,” he explained.  “It was not my intent to take any of what was rightfully yours.  I merely wished to enjoy your skill, young sir.”

“Um…  Okay?” Henry murmured, pocketing the coins with a mildly suspicious expression.  There were few people who would turn down funds offered and while he wasn’t going to force the issue, it was odd.

“Forgive me.  Where are my manners,” the taller smiled, flushing slightly as he laughed into his hand.  “Allow me to introduce myself.  I am Zhou Mi, a simple wandering minstrel.  Performer if you would,” he elaborated, not sure if the other would know what a minstrel was exactly.

“Hah.  Simple,” Henry chuckled with a shake of his head, shifting the violin in his left hand and extending his right to the stranger.  “Henry.  Just…Henry,” he shrugged, not sure how else to introduce himself as the other accepted the gesture courteously.  He had no name of his own and no great profession but he enjoyed what he did.

“Well Henry, the violinist,” Zhou Mi added on his own.  “It has been a pleasure to meet you.  I can see why Lute liked you, apple aside,” he winked, expression amused and thoughtful.

“Huh?” Henry blinked, unsure what he was referring to.

“My horse,” he explained, allowing his smile to widen.  “She has a liking for apples and was rather taken with you.”

“Thanks, I think,” Henry laughed, rubbing the back of his neck.

Zhou Mi bowed once more, reaching to put his harp away.  “So violinist.  Do you do this often?” he asked, not looking at him as he carefully set his equipment away, caressing the instrument and then the casing with callused fingers.

“Often enough,” Henry agreed, shrugging uncertainly.  It wasn’t as if he wanted to grow up on the streets like he was doing but he had a long way to go before he was anywhere near successful enough to be anything more than a street performer.

“Is it just you?” Zhou Mi asked, standing up and slinging the instrument over his shoulder.  At Henry’s worried expression, he frowned and then gestured in denial, “Pardon.  I did not mean to pry,” he stated quickly.

“Is there something I can help you with?” Henry asked, picking his instrument up and holding it close, looking around the city.

“Actually,” Zhou Mi smiled his expression warm.  “How would you like to perform on a regular basis?  On an actual stage.”

Henry blinked at him, a vague idea of what he was asking coming into focus.  “Excuse me?”

“I have been looking for a partner to accompany me in performing,” he explained, gesturing with his hand loosely.

“And you think I would make a good partner?” the younger asked, completely dumbfounded.

“Yes.  I do,” Zhou Mi agreed without a hint of hesitation.

For a moment, Henry looked around, seeing at what he’d established here.  The people were familiar, more or less, but none of them were family and most of them weren’t friends, just general acquaintances.  He knew some of the kids, such as Taemin and Luna who were friendly enough but unless something drastically changed, they’d never run in the same circles.

Those he knew here had homes and friends and families…  He was little more than a runaway with nothing to lose except his instrument.  And here was a stranger, a polite and generous stranger who was very talented with the harp, offering him a chance to journey with him.  “Is it dangerous being a minstrel?” he asked, eyeing the other curiously.  He was dressed well enough and didn’t seem particularly hardened or affected by the road.

“Some days more than others,” he admitted honestly.  “But not usually.  The roads are long but the journey’s end sweet and there is nothing like a warm bath and a soft bed when you reach your destination.”

Henry’s eyes widened slightly at the mention of both and he couldn’t quite help the smile that came to his lips.  “All the time?”

“Almost, but I can promise food and a tent for the nights we don’t find an inn or lodging indoors,” Zhou Mi added with a shrug.  “And a spot on the cart.  It’s rather comfortable really,” he chuckled.  “And between you and me, Lute is fine company, but she is no conversationalist, I can assure you.”

At that, Henry couldn’t help but laugh, nodding at the admittance.  “I can see that.”  He adjusted the violin over his shoulder and offered a wide grin in return.  “Give me a minute, please,” he requested, heading over to one of the lingering fruit vendors.  With the exchange of a newly earned coin, he purchased two bright red apples in considerably better condition than the one he’d eaten earlier.  “I’ll be right back,” he promised, jogging back the way he’d arrived from just this morning.

When he reached the house he’d left between from this morning, he tapped on the window that Taemin had poked his head out from earlier.  “Taemin,” he called softly, waiting just out of sight.  At last, the window creaked open and Taemin poked his head out curiously.

“Henry,” he smiled, face lighting up at seeing the elder male again.

“Here ya go, Taeminnie,” he murmured, offering one of the apples with a coin in his palm and giving it to the younger boy.  “Take care of yourself, neh?” he asked, ruffling the soft black hair fondly.

“Are you leaving, Henry?” he asked immediately, sad eyes big in his face as he clutched the apple to his chest.

“I’m off on an adventure,” Henry responded with a breathless grin, patting his violin.  “Wish me luck?”

“I’ll miss you,” Taemin sniffed once, leaning through to grab the older male around the waist in a tight hug.

“I’ll miss you too.  But take care of yourself.  And I’ll see you around,” he assured him, pushing the younger boy back gently, hands lingering for a moment on the slender shoulders.

“Bye, Henry.  Good luck,” Taemin waved energetically, a couple tears escaping down his cheeks despite his best efforts otherwise.

Henry waved farewell to Taemin and looked over his shoulder one more time to see the younger boy duck back inside, clutching the apple and the coin close.  Then he hurried off in search of Zhou Mi, who wasn’t quite where he’d left him...  With a brief flash of worry, he hurried back to where he’d seen him this morning and grinned with relief when he saw the minstrel perched on the cart, apparently waiting for him.

“Coming, Henry?” he asked, reins held loosely in his hands while he looked back.

“Coming!” he agreed with an excited laugh as he hurried around to the front, pausing long enough to give Lute the other shiny red apple he’d purchased.  She munched on it happily, shifting from foot to foot and snorting in contentment.  “Just had to tie up some loose ends,” he smiled, depositing his violin case in the back of the cart carefully before he hopped up beside the minstrel, settling in place with a feeling of nervous excitement blossoming inside.  “So.  Where are we off to first?”

“Wherever the road takes us, Henry,” Zhou Mi nodded, clucking softly at Lute who whickered in brief complaint and then sighed in acceptance, plodding along down the road.  “Unless you had somewhere specific in mind,” he amended, giving his Henry a sidelong glance.

“Me?  I just want to see what’s over the horizon,” Henry responded as he took a deep breath, filled with an excited sense of wonder and, for the first time, the beginnings of belonging.  He still had no home, but for the moment, he actually felt wanted for more than just labor.  “So where did you learn to do all of that improvising…stuff?” he gestured.

“Oh me?  Well, let me tell you then…” Zhou Mi smiled, settling in for a good story to regale his new companion with.

(a/n: Huzzah.  Thank you Ktikat1991 for the suggestion to revisit some of my older works.  This was fun to write too and a nice reprieve from some of the other things I've been toying with.  I've got a couple ideas in reference to these two I may yet expand upon and another one or two additions with our elementalists.  We'll see what I can come up with.  Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!)