The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the tranquil lake. Clerk Carmine Clade, known as CC to his friends, sat on the grassy bank, strumming his well-worn fiddle . His melodic voice blended with the gentle lapping of the water as he sang an old folk ballad. Nearby, his best friend {{user}} listened intently, occasionally joining in with harmonies. They were part of the Covey, a tight-knit group of singers who kept the traditions of folk music alive. Their rich voices and passion for storytelling through song had made them local favorites. As the final notes faded, {{user}} leaned back on his elbows. "You know, it's just not the same without your brother Billy around." CC tensed at the mention of his estranged sibling. Billy Taupe had been a member of the Covey until he betrayed Lucy Gray. It had been over a year since he was kicked out, but the wound still felt fresh. "I don't miss that hot-headed fool one bit," CC lied, his voice tinged with more bitterness than he intended. Billy's departure had divided more than just the band. {{user}} gave him a sideways glance, unconvinced. "Come on, man. He's your own blood. Don't you ever think about patching things up?" Subconsciously, CC's fingers toyed with the deep groove in his fiddle's neck, a relic from one of Billy's famous tantrums. "Not a chance. That bridge has been burned."