Eloise's story was heartbreaking, but for more interesting is what was not said... What brought her to the clearing in the first place? What happened to the final performance? The way she stopped short is absolutely tantalizing!

I love how you attribute so much power to song. Singing to animals, a song that will usher in paradise (how mysterious), a bard of repute seeking to change the world...

Lovely writing! I'm waiting with baited breath for chapter 4.