eachdraidh | 3rd libretto | video

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3rd libretto | video | open to all

[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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Like visions, or future-seeing?

[ she shakes her head ] Of all the things my Grace might be, it isn't one of the prescient Graces. And thank goodness for that, for they only make me feel a little less uncomfortable than the mind-reading Graces. Nothing but dreams I don't remember.

Prescient. [ That's a nice word. Kelsi nods to herself and scribbles it down for use later, probably in lyrics. ]

I think you're lucky. I can't imagine how much you get done without sleep getting in the way.

I've been told before it's too much. But I still need sleep and feel tired.

[Excuse him butting in.]

Still. Kelsi's right. I'd love to get a lot more done than I usually do during the days. [And that's even when he sleeps less than Kelsi does.] Doesn't the silence of being awake when everyone else sleeps ever bother you though?

[ shrug. ] I've more time with the privacy of my own thoughts.

[ her eyes widen suddenly, and a look of shame flashes briefly over her face. but it's quick, barely discernible, and she relaxes immediately after even if her next words are a little rushed. ]

It's mostly useful when I'm traveling and it's easier to watch guard. Though if anything bothers me, it's that people can be too careless when they sleep.

[…oh really. He lifts both of his eyebrows, lip quirking up slightly but knowing better than to say anything at all.]

Trust me, I know. It's always easiest to never be the first one to fall asleep because of what other people can do. [You know. First one to fall asleep at sleepovers get their face drawn all over with marker. Or in his case, first one to fall asleep in the practice room gets all of their shit taken and hidden around the Juilliard campus. That was fun.]

Do you really travel a lot?

[ katsa's going to be making a bewildered face at ryan. that isn't what she meant you know—seriously where are kelsi and ryan even from— ] You'd be one of those people giving me a headache.

A fair amount. I hadn't left the Middluns before a year ago, though I still did some travels along the borders. I've had the freedom to go places with things the likes of which I've never seen and move at my own will; I won't be giving that up any time soon.

Totally punk-rock. [ Yup, that's back again, deal with it, Katsa. Kelsi's smiling, though. ] Does it bother you, then? That you can't really travel into Seelie territory?

[ at the familiar phrase, katsa grins before demanding: ]

Who's going to stop me?

Probably the same people that would stop us if we barged into Unseelie territory. [...though. He's curious.]

Hey Katsa. If a person wanted to cross boundaries without really being noticed, what would you suggest?

Ryan!

[ Do NOT do the thing ]

I'm just asking! [He's not going to do the thing. He doesn't even have a reason to do the thing.

Not yet, anyway. Who knows if he'll ever have one?] Anyway there's nothing wrong with asking, right, Katsa?

[i.e. Kelsi let him do the thing!!]

[ oops, sorry kelsi. katsa always wants to do the thing. ]

Cross in through a way no one would expect. It's easy enough to hide if they're not expecting you on the other side. A tunnel or a mountain pass deemed too dangerous to pass... that's the route I'd choose.

[ like the insane choice she'd made to cross out of monsea through grella's pass in the winter, all to avoid being caught: a tried and true method.

katsa smiles faintly. ]

But until you've the means, I wouldn't recommend it without help.

...sneak attack. I like it. [He's nodding, but he's turning the camera again to face Kelsi instead of himself.] I don't have a reason to go over there, so don't worry about it so much.

Is it really as dangerous as they say it is?

Is what dangerous—crossing the borders?

Crossing the borders, the Unseelie castle, all of that. I mean I know the imps are sort of supposed to be kinda evil and there's a bunch of monsters running around but besides that.

[ snort. ]

The imps aren't any more evil than my uncle is evil: only stupid and greedy, and with fewer guards and less power and more propensity to fly a few feet when kicked.

Morla isn't the most pleasant of decorators. The castle is much like her king, still and dark and empty, and I always feel that there is something watching me around the corner. The beasts seem straightforward enough to handle, though I don't know much about those not claimed by this court on this side of the border.

[He's listening a little too closely and it's obvious he's thinking something through. He's not exactly planning, not yet, but he's definitely thinking and taking all of this into consideration.]

Good thing I've been practicing my high-kicks. [It's said dryly and he's letting the locket spin so the camera bounces between himself and Kelsi.]

I guess I was just curious, that's all. [And he pauses to give Kelsi a look.] You should come visit us sometime then.

[ katsa smiles at them—genuinely. missing that look he gives kelsi. ]

I've been wondering what the sights are like in the southern lands—mountainous or green or dry, or something I've never seen.

[ her way of saying maybe she just will come. ]

It's different than anything we've ever seen. Well, at least that I've ever seen. [Most of the Evanses vacation spots are in cities, after all.] We wouldn't mind showing you around...right, Kels?

We've ever seen, yeah. [ Kelsi's not really used to being in wilderness, either. Unless band camps counted. ]

Wait--you mean--I mean, yes! Of course. Of course, of course! And we can have tea--and I have all of Green Day's American Idiot on my ipod, I think you'll like that music the most [ katsa will always be too punk rock for school, man. ] and it's supposed to be up on Broadway next year.

[ there's a pause as katsa smiles, pressing her lips together hard in an attempt to keep herself from laughing—then lets it out in one short, loud burst. her face is flushed, uncertain, and there's a tight feeling in her chest and throat. this phenomenon of friendship is still so new, so unusual, different even from her friendships with po and raffin, and she's not quite sure how to handle the sudden affection that surges for both of them. ]

I don't understand any of that. But soon I will, I hope, when I come and—Kelsi. I'm really glad you're awake.

[ She slinks lower, a little embarrassed at the laugh, but the encouraging words definitely leave her a little more assured that Katsa was just being her usual slightly weird self. Panic mode: off. ]

I'm glad, too, Katsa. And thanks for listening, it really means a lot--probably a lot more than you realize.

Don't say absurd things. There's more I still have to hear.

[ katsa waves a hand, ducking her head ]

What do you plan to do now?

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