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! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I was kind of hoping to ignore all of that and hope I can magically figure it out...

And how'd that work out for you and Jason? [Just a look.] I'm serious though...what do you know about Saber besides the fact she's really pretty and a knight or whatever?

[....and then suddenly, an idea.] Wait. Wait okay I have a good idea. [He sits up a little taller, and Kelsi may recognize his expression as the one he usually wears as he slips into a new role.] Pretend I'm Saber. What's the first thing you'd say to me?

Ryan, this is-- [ she doesn't even bother finishing it, gaping at him. ]

You're 100% serious about this, aren't you?

Is that any way to talk to a knight? [He just arches a thin eyebrow, not bothering to shift his posture or anything. Yes, Kelsi, he's 100% serious.]

Okay, okay. Deep breath. [ Even if your cheeks are burning and you think this is the stupidest thing ever. ]

Umm... I like your outfit. Do you want to sit?

[ This is so awkward. ]

Thank you. [No. No he's really into this sorry Kelsi why the hell do you put up with him? But really, what did she expect when it came to befriending an actor? He sits up a bit taller on the piano, racking his brain to remember the conversation Kelsi and Saber had over the lockets.]

Your absence truly did not go unnoticed, dear Bard. I'm quite glad to see you're well, though I imagine it would have been more appropriately suited at the Barrel Yule. [A small, closed-lip smile graces his face.] Have you regained your strength? Surely being out in dreamless sleep must make you more exhausted than before.

[...okay. Okay, he's breaking character a little bit while trying not to laugh, but come on Kelsi, just loosen up a little. His logic is that if he makes this as dramatic and ridiculous as possible now she won't nearly be as nervous when she sees Saber.]

[ Kelsi bursts into laughter. If Ryan's objective was to get her to calm down, it worked, because Ryan is so serious and Kelsi thinks she catches a smug grin on his face, however briefly. She mock-curtsies, playing along. Anyone else and she'd still be frozen to the spot. ]

I dreamt of nothing but you, noble Saber! How I longed for hot cocoa and your presence!

[Good. Good, that's exactly what he wanted and he doesn't even try to hide how pleased he is. It doesn't take him long to slip back into his Saber-character.]

Fear not. We're together now and the hot cocoa will certainly ensure we spend a long time catching up. I've many things I wish to tell you but first, perhaps, you should tell me something.

[...yeah. Yeah he's breaking again.]

Wait have you seriously been dreaming about her?

[ Kelsi, who had been posed dramatically with her back against the piano and her hand over her eyes, stands up straight and puts an arm down. ]

What? No!

[ That's a total yes. ]

[Sorry Kelsi he's just cackling suddenly because embarrassing her is one of the little joys he has in life.]

Uh huh, sure. Look, I still think you're worried about nothing and she's the one who brought up missing you first. Shouldn't that be a good sign?

What if she's just being nice, though?

[ And goddammit, Ryan, that laugh just makes her wish she could melt into the floor. ]

[Aw Kelsi...okay, okay, he stops laughing and just regards her quietly before he rolls his eyes again.]

Why focus on "what if" instead of making it into a reality? You know how I feel about what ifs. It's going to be fine. I promise.

Okay. [ Deep breath. Ryan's the only one good enough to get her to calm down when she gets like this. She forces a bit of a smile. ]

You're right--no what ifs. Just be myself. Right? [ 'Even if myself isn't interesting?' ]

[He's had a lot of practice calming Sharpay down from her fits, let's be honest here. He knows the smile is forced and just gives her a look, laying both hands on her shoulders and shaking her a little bit.]

Listen to me. You're smart, you're adorable, and you're passionate. What about you wouldn't be interesting?

[Does he know her too well? Probably.]

Do you want that list chronologically or alphabetically?

[:|]

Okay let's try another approach. Would you let me sit here talking that way about myself if this was about a fantasy date with me and...whoever?

No! Not at all. But you and Chad already know each other and--

[ Oh, shit. Had she just really said The Name. ]

We are not talking about Chad Danforth right now. [You must not speak about He Who Must Not Be Named, god Kelsi.] Anyway you're already a step ahead of me. When's the last time I went on a date with Chad? Oh. Right. Never. Because that will never happen.

[Eyebrow raise. Just a very, very high eyebrow raise.]

Hey, you never know! Maybe Cha--he'll-- come by next feast! [ Never say never, Ryan, goddammit. ]

Kelsi. [He just sort of rolls his eyes.] Nobody's going to come by the next feast because I didn't ask them to.

[...Ryan what.]

You can't ask them because they're not here, silly.

[ what. ]

No that's not--[Ugh. Okay. Time out. He pauses to start over, frowning a little in thought.]

...I never told you about what happened right before you showed up, did I.

No.

[ And, eyes wide, suddenly: ] What happened?! [ Because if Ryan's keeping something than that? That's something big, ]

So you know how the fairies come to us every month and ask what we want from the monarchs? I asked them for you once and they told me no...but then you sorta showed up anyway.

So you think it's your fault. [ Kelsi's cutting through skirting around it; she really has seen that look before. It breaks her heart. ] You know it isn't, right?

3rd libretto | video | open to all

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