eachdraidh | 3rd libretto | video

[For anyone familiar with any semblance of the Wildcats, the pose Ryan and Kelsi are in is incredibly familiar, with Kelsi behind a large piano in the Seelie palace, comfortable and smiling, even if her hair is incredibly messed up and she’s in the equivalent of her pyjamas, glasses haphazardly perched on her face as she slapped them on in a hurry.]

I didn’t know there was actually a piano here--must be left over from a shardbearer, right?

[Occasionally the camera rocks back and forth as if whoever’s holding Kelsi’s locket is spinning it, but eventually it settles and Ryan answers as his free hand comes down to walk his fingers along the keys.]

Probably. Maybe you should just consider it a Christmas present?

Oh, yeah. I missed Christmas. [ She sounds nonchalant, of course, but anyone who actually spends two minutes with her can probably recognize she’s a little bummed about literally sleeping through her world’s celebration period. Good job, Kels. ] Hey--your locket? [ But she looks incredibly at home, hands already finding their place among the ivory keys. ]

[There’s a hum like Ryan’s not really paying attention, tone light when he speaks.]

Can’t remember if this one’s mine or yours. I kinda threw everything into one bag when we left the infirmary. But if you’re asking what I think you’re asking, the answer’s yes. [The chipper grin is practically visible just from the tone. He knows Kelsi is going to pick up on the implications immediately. He’s pulling her into the spotlight whether she wants it or not. Sorry.] ...hey. Know what we both missed this year? Christmas movie night.

I missed Peanuts! [Her lips turn downward, and it’s hard to tell if it’s a thoughtful pause or just her pouting before she starts playing one of her favourite tunes. It’s a little selfish of her not to play the main theme, but it was always the most fun to play. She looks up at Ryan while she plays, fingers gliding expertly across the keys like skates on ice.] Well, since you’re recording... I guess this is a little East High spirit for Drabwurld? This is something we do every year around this time, play and listen and watch stuff like this, so… Oh.

[She blinks.] I guess this is my belated present to you guys.

[Of course he’s recording, and it’s why the camera’s solely on Kelsi even as he talks.] Music’s kinda like the gift that keeps on giving, you know? And surprisingly Kelsi knows more than one song. [Is he teasing her? Yes he is.] Anyway she’ll be more than happy to take requests, too, won’t you, Kels?

If I can play it! [She’s still tapping away at the keys.] I know a lot more classical music, but I’m good with pop songs, too.

You’re good with a lot of things. [He’s just scolding her lightly as though they’re used to having this conversation, arguing about Kelsi’s skill level.] Guess now’s as good a time as any for musical education.

[ ooc: pink is kelsi, blue is ryan--responses will mostly come from kelsi, but ryan may threadjack! ]

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[ Kelsi laughs--not at Dorian, of course, but more because this entire situation is absolutely delightful. ] I couldn't act, either, but I learned from Ms. Darbus, and she was a good teacher. Anyone can act, even if they've snapped their cap like she did.

[ Careful though, Dorian, she's excited now. And speaking of classes: ]

Do you want to read my history textbook? It's all about classical music and the evolution and sociological implications regarding change and invention of different music genres in North America and Europe.

[WHEN TWO NERDS COLLIDE]

I should love to! [And then he smiles right at her, all boyish enthusiasm.] But to read of music without having the opportunity to hear it is simply unjust. You must promise me to play for me from these unfamiliar species of song.

[ Oh, no. Dorian, you've managed to fluster her. Not that it takes much but she's reminding herself not to let Ryan make video entries with the locket because it's really easy to tell when her face is read. ]

Well... How about instead of just playing them for you, I help you learn? And--um, if you compose, I mean--maybe you want to take a look at mine?

[ Don't sound too hopeful he might disagree DON'T SOUND SO HOPEFUL shit too late ]

[He's just so excited and happy, this is wonderful. He doesn't even notice the red.] You compose? I would be delighted to read your work, and to be taught by you to play music yet to come.

[ Her words are rushed, excited: ] I wrote the musical that was used at my high school, and I did a revue for the talent show at my summer job, and I wrote our senior year musical, too--and Ryan choreographed all of them, it was really good, so we both got into Julliard and--

--I mean, uh. Yeah, I compose. Sorry--it's just that it's really rare around here to have someone appreciate music for music, you know?

[The smile he offers her is calm, confident, reassuring. It a smile he has learned for having it turned on him in his moments of flustered enthusiasm.] I understand entirely. It is a true delight to meet someone who understands an art that means so much to me.

what's your favourite? Composer, I mean.

[ She's literally chinhandsing oh dear god ]

[He ducks his head, a little shy. Dorian bites his lip, trying to decide before he says out loud.]

If I had to pick, it must be Schumann. I do not know if I would call him superior to others, but I have a personal attachment to his music.

[Dorian looks up at her.] Who is yours?

Well, he's modern, but I really like Sondheim. [ She starts to play, talking as she does so. ] He's still alive where--when--I'm from, so he's definitely someone you're unfamiliar with, but if I can charge my iphone, but you might like Sunday in the Park with George! It's all about this painter, Georges Seurat, and his painting called 'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.'

[Oooh, new notes.] Perhaps you could charge it at the Station? I could take it there with you. We could listen together! [Stop you're making him so excited]

I could! Do you want to go with me, maybe? Ryan can come, too, if he wants. We can just hang out, and get milkshakes.

I have no idea what a milkshake is, but I should love to have one with you and Ryan.

...I guess the question is do you know what ice cream is? Has ice cream been invented in your timeline yet?

[Yeah. Yeah, he'll stay out of the composition nerd talk but he'll happily talk about junk food thank you Ryan your contribution is important.]

Yes, of corse! It is a rare treat, but a delightful one.

[the joys of being rich as fuck in the 1800s: ice cream, motherfuckers]

[also hot chocolate]

[HE LOVES SWEETS DON'T JUDGE HIM]

Okay, think of it like this. A milkshake is like ice cream you can drink.

[Okay no see he can be all over that! Why didn't they just start talking about this in the first place jeeze.] You'll love it.

Chocolate banana ones are the best, you have to have a chocolate banana one, no excuses.

[HELL YES DRINKABLE ICE CREAM] I wouldn't dream of arguing!

Promise me one thing though. Please tell me we can talk about something besides compositions the whole time? [Not that he doesn't love it. He kinda has to thanks to Kelsi but he can't contribute as much to the conversation and then he gets bored and being bored sucks.] There's a lot more about the arts that Kelsi and I can teach you.

3rd libretto | video | open to all

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