003 - [open/ the thermal pools]

[halfbrokenwings]

[There is the distinctive sound of a violin being tuned coming from an area near the thermal springs. Or is it more inside? First one note sings pure, then the next. Finally, the bow drags across the strings in harmony.

Before the sounds of it had faded away, a song begins.

Isabella is in the happiest place she could be at the moment, fully enthralled in the music and no longer feeling the pains of her wings thanks to the medicine from Sycora. Her eyes are half-closed and she steps into a dance that matches the tune of the strings, while continuing to play.

Little exists in that place of music but the notes of the song and the motion of the body for the bard. There is a smile on her face, if anyone is watching, and it reaches to the deepest parts of herself. This was home; with a fiddle in her hand and playing the songs in her heart.

She had finally found a violin with a richness of sound that matched the one she lost, and she felt a little more whole in acquiring it. Worries, fears, and any doubts that she had melted away as she continued to play. Then there was a pause, and a beat later where the song picks up, she laughs. Now begins a celebration. A sure boldness is in her motions and is evident in how she moves and plays. Different this was than, from the polite, submissive gestures that she seems to carry everywhere else.

Besides the frogs, does she have an audience? Will they approach? ]

Comments

[only-one-raoul.livejournal.com]

[This certainly takes Raoul back to when Christine would dance to her father's violin... Ffffffff, there is just no taking his mind off of her. "Nonexistence" be damned, Raoul knows he'll see her again, but the waiting sucks.

Instead, he tries to focus on the woman who actually is playing and dancing. Raoul isn't going to interrupt until Isabella finishes her song. When she does, she can expect quiet applause.]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[She brightens considerably at the sound of the clapping. With the exaggerated gesture of a bard and a sweep of cloth and feathers, she takes a deep bow to the gentleman's applause.]

Thank you, My Lord.

[She straightens and turns a bright smile on him. The grin extends to the corners of her eyes. She recognizes him!]

You were another soul at Lady Rapunzel's party, correct? I sadly do not believe I caught your name, sir.

[only-one-raoul.livejournal.com]

You play beautifully.

[He nods in response to the inquiry. Raoul recognized Isabella, since it's hard to forget someone with wings, but he wasn't exactly trying to remember names, so a second introduction is in order for both of them.]

Raoul de Chagny. A pleasure to see you again.

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[She beams at him and makes a more formal bow. ]

Isabella, sir. It is a pleasure.

[She raises the violin and sets the bow to the strings.]

Would you have a request?

[only-one-raoul.livejournal.com]

I suspect you would not know any of the songs I would request.

[Raoul certainly didn't recognize the music she played.]

It's a beautiful instrument. Did it come with you from your home?

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

You are likely right.

[She grins wryly, covering a twinge of sadness in her eyes.]

Sadly no. I was not so lucky, as that. Indeed, I was fortunate enough to arrive in my night-slip.

[She giggles. Laughter cures all ails.]

As lovely as this is, I do miss the familiarity and warmth in my own instrument. This would be a loaner from the Keep. It does very well but lacks a history.

[only-one-raoul.livejournal.com]

Feel free to play your own selections. I'd be happy to hear more.

[Oooh, how scandalous.]

I fared a little better. I was on my way to a masquerade, so all I had was my costume.

[Yeah, the masquerade he was going to with Christine, who he had very recently proposed to... weh. Now Raoul's covering his own downer feelings.]

Of course. I knew a great violinist when I was a child. His violin was well-loved.

Late to the party, but still grooooovin'!

[thequeensown]

[After a fairly long day becoming acquainted with the Keeps' newest mounts, Talia was ready for a bit of a breather. As she is making her way along the paths from the stables, a familiar sound reaches her ears and she gives pause before following the music to its source.

She watches for several minutes after arriving at the thermal pools, lips curling into a warm and happy smile as Isabella sets to playing rather animatedly.

Really, any who can't bring themselves to find the enjoyment in music was beyond the Herald. Her foots taps in time and as the song comes to an end, she claps earnestly.]

You play very well.

We like to move it, move it!

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[She had heard the tapping foot and noticed her new audience member, and plays enthusiastically for the young woman. When the tune finishes she bounces into a sweeping bow. Standing again she flashes the woman with a warm smile.]

Thank you very kindly, My Lady. If it pleases you, I could play another?

We like to ... MOVE IT!

[thequeensown]

[Talia can't help but be swept up in the girls' enthusiasm and nods, moving to sit where she can continue to watch and listen.]

Oh, please do! You've a definite affinity with the bow .. have you some training?

All Girls. All over the World-

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[She's smiling at the woman and nods.]

Music is my livelihood, my lady. I was showed a talent for it when I was little and refined it under several teachers.

[There's a twinkle in her eye.]

Helps me to keep my belly full.

[Then she pulls the bow into a dancing reel. ]

*shimmies* AND WTF IS HAPPENING WITH THAT FROG!?!? :O

[thequeensown]

[Talia can't help but smile warmly at the liveliness the young woman shows. She listens with interest, hearing the true notes as she plays. She can't help but wonder .. and as the song comes to the end and she claps gently, she speaks again.]

I do not know if it is similar on your world as it is mine own .. but you play as gifted as any Bard of Velgarth, good Lady.

I KNOW RIGHT?!.. *freaks out* !!!

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[You so totally have her attention. ]

Thank you so kindly, my Lady.

[She visibly perked up. Like a dog who just saw a meaty bone waved in front of it's face.]

You also have bards in your lands? Is Velgrath a kingdom? How many are they? Do you know of any music then?

[keep-hallways.livejournal.com]

[There is indeed a frog watching you, Isabella. You wouldn't be wrong to say that it was staring. Won't you come and say hello?]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[Isabella does indeed notice a frog looking at her. She finds this curious and cute. She trails off mid song to go over to the frog and put out a hand.]

Hello, little one. Did I disturb you?

[keep-hallways.livejournal.com]

Ribbit

[The frog jumps onto her hand and begins crawling up her arm.]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[Isabella giggles and squeaks, it tickles a lot. She tries to put a hand in front of the frog so that it crawls on that instead of making her laugh.]

[keep-hallways.livejournal.com]

[The frog obliges, crawling onto her other hand. However, upon realizing her mistake, it begins simply to climb her other arm instead.]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[Okay, frog, now you've done it. Isabella is giggling so much she's about got the hiccups. ]

Where are you g-going!

[She gives up on trying to get the frog to cease it's ascent up her arm and instead scrunches her neck up just incase the little amphibian decided that he wanted to tickle her there too. She is laughing and shaking from the feeling of little wet feet climbing up her arm.]

You realize I am not a tree, right?

[doctoral-bird.livejournal.com]

[Malkus just happens to be lurking around the area when he notices a most unfamiliar sound. Music? It's been so long since he's heard anything like it.

After a bit of sneaking, the doctor manages to find a proper spot to spy on this happy violinist from the other side of a wide thermal pool. Crouching down, almost as if he's pretending to be some sort of sneaking animal. Like a large bird minus the feathers. He doesn't realize that he could possibly be an eerie sight from a distance. He ALSO doesn't seem to realize that he's doing an absolutely awful job at hiding.]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[Isabella is not so well enthralled in the music that she would not notice there was a black bloby shape with a white face attempting to creep up on her.

She did not know what to think. She kept playing, but she danced in such a way that whatever it was would have to cross open ground if it was so very intent of coming after her.]

[doctoral-bird.livejournal.com]

[Your stealth knows no bounds, Malkus. She hasn't noticed you yet. This music so calming, Malkus could feel himself getting lost in your music, Isabella.

Perhaps he could sneak a bit closer... Sneaaaak, Malkus, sneaaa-D'OHGODNO.]

A-Augh! [SPLASH]

[Our crafty doctor manages to stumble and lose his footing, sending one leg plunging straight into the pool before him with a loud splash, soaking his leg from his foot up to his thigh.

He's frozen. Perhaps if he doesn't move, she won't notice... His startled cry and splash]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[The splash was unexpected and startles the bard. She stops playing and peers at the ... thing... that fell partly into the pond water. Who was frozen, as though it wasn't there even. Like a cat trying to pretend that it wasn't caught in the act.]

I can see you there. You can come out of the pond.

[doctoral-bird.livejournal.com]

Erm...

[Malkus slowly gets his leg out of the pool, almost stumbling forward and falling into it completely. This woman has the eyes of a hawk, obviously. Oh dear, Malkus, how embarassing.]

H-...er...Hello, there.

[He does his best to shake off the water, trying to act as casual about almost falling into a pond as someone can be.]

D-Don't mind me. Please. Keep...erm...playing.

[The doctor is humiliated.]

[halfbrokenwings.livejournal.com]

[She starts and when she sees him almost dump himself into the pond,The bow goes under her arm and she makes a reach to keep him out of it. He recovered his balance and she backed away to give him room. She peers under the brim of the hat, there were no lips and the sound was a little muffled. Perhaps that was a mask? ]

Hello, sir.

[She offers him a warm smile and nods to one of the rocks, where it was set away from the water but makes a good seat. ]

Would you care for a seat? Or have a request?