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! ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Pod laughs a little] I'm no Bard, but they have a nice sound to them, true enough. And I fear I might disappoint when it comes to dancing.

[Pod can't imagine herself in a long gown, spinning about on the floor of some ballroom. She's like to trip instead, she thinks.]

You'd be surprised how easy it can be to pick up. [Oops, you pinged him with his keyword.] I've taught even the most useless of men to dance. [Here's lookin' at you, Chad. And Jason. And Zeke. Damn Wildcats.]

He even taught me! he got me away from the piano long enough to try. And now, I'm sort of alright at it!

It's not the steps so much that worry me, but... the clothes. I've never gone about in even a set of skirts, much less a gown.

[Modern dance, what's that? Pod does blush a little, and picks at the neckline of her tunic. She usually doesn't care because the tunic means she's a Beast Healer, but it's hard not to feel a little underdressed when imagining noble ladies swirling around in gowns that might well be made of spun starlight for how they glitter and glow.]

Oh! Pod, oh my gosh, you can dance in whatever you want! Ryan can attest to my aversion to anything not pants unless it's a special event. It doesn't matter what you wear or who you are!

That does soothe my worries then.

[Though now she looks bemused. Well, maybe it's more like tapping and clapping along with a minstrel in a tavern than court dancing.]

I cannot say that I would match the grace of a court lady, but I've never been poor at learning how to move or things like that.

You'd be surprised how much grace can actually be taught. [Sort of. There are some people who will never be graceful but as far as Ryan's concerned if he can make Kelsi change from a baby giraffe to a cat he's in good shape.] Everything else you can fake.

I'd be more than happy to teach you if you ever wanted to learn.

A little learning won't hurt; I wouldn't be surprised if dancing turned out to be something useful, and it sounds fun. The trick might be finding the time when there aren't other things to be done.

Dancing's actually been really useful to me for learning how to move with my sword. It won't be too hard to make some time if you ever really want to learn.

True enough! I will make certain to call you when I feel ready to learn. I'm still feeling a little lost here, myself, and there's so much that's new.

[And, well, she doesn't want to miss out on doing something important by pursuing something fun.]

[...wait. Wait, important question!]

How long have you been here? [It might be something he can help out with there, too. He doesn't want to miss the chance if he can help a new friend out. It's only fair.]

[Pod has to think about it for a minute.]

I arrived just at the start of the Hunt for the White Hart, so it hasn't been quite a month.

Okay, well I've been here for a while longer than that. Almost five months, I think. Kelsi arrived a few months after I did, so if you have any questions you can ask us about anything.

Thank you for that, Ryan. I have so many questions that I don't know where to begin, though!

Good thing we probably have some time. I doubt we're going anywhere anytime soon. Don't worry, when you're ready we'll be here.

Thank you Ryan, and you, Kelsi. Kindness like this makes being in such a strange place easier to bear. If I think of any important questions, I'll be sure to bother you! But beware, it might be at odd hours of the night.

[She laughs at that, mostly teasing.]

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