Music, sort of, in the woods, kind of - OTA

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Open/locked?: Open
Who: Enki and anyone who might be wandering.
What: Trying to use nature and music to meditate and rework shielding, trying to relearn music in the process
Warnings: Anxiety, overthinking

Early on one evening, Enki decided to venture into what passed as nature around here to work on experimenting with music and meditation. While a thin strip of trees and very little undergrowth did not a forest make, it was also better than expanses of lawn and overly manicured shrubs. Or worse, than inside of a complex of buildings.

When... vaguely in the center, he sat down and let his shields down too. He didn't notice anyone nearby, but he wasn't actively using the ability either. He leaned his head back against a tree and sighed before pulling out his ryill, the lute he had brought with him.

He didn't play anything specific, or more accurately, he didn't play anything, instead he dug in his memory, trying to work out basic chords and patterns. Because he'd never realized when he'd decided to keep this out of sentimental value that playing it might actually be useful. If he'd known he might have actually bothered practicing from time to time.

So now, with an expression of intense concentration he went through those lessons, hating how much he'd forgotten, or just... hadn't learned in the first place. He had a good enough ear and knew enough that he avoided any overly discordant blends, or at least, avoided repeating them after the first time. Unfortunately, he was also far too uncertain and halting for this to be particularly useful for meditation even if he had reached the point of attempting an actual tune.

That what he was attempting went a bit beyond basics? Entirely lost on him. The idea that he could have attempted a tune with single notes instead of working out the full chords and patterns first? Ie, not something he'd have even considered trying.

All this meant that instead of helping, he had ended up more frustrated by this point, and set the instrument down with an intensely irritated sigh, before that got any worse. If anyone was close enough to overhear and did not have any kind of shield of their own, that last wave of annoyance might well have hit them between the eyes. (Oops.)

Comments

[smilingarmor]

Sylv had been walking the grounds when he heard music. Well, not precisely music. Whoever to was wasn't playing any particular tune; instead, it sounded more like they were practicing or tuning a musical instrument. In any case, the tone didn't quite match any instrument that Sylv knew of which had him rather intrigued, and he began to follow it back to its source.

He thought he was getting close when all of a sudden he was struck by a sharp feeling of annoyance. Moreover, it was a feeling of annoyance that he somehow knew originated from outside himself, though he couldn't have said how he knew that. However it came about though, it startled a wordless exclamation of surprise from him, one loud enough that anyone nearby could likely hear.

[under_the_raptors_wings]

It was for the best that Enki had set the ryill down already or he might have dropped it in surprise, scrambling to get his shields up, it was shoddy work, he knew it was shoddy work, but he'd have to worry about it later. He couldn't believe that he had been so focused he'd completely missed someone approaching. And based on timing, well, he didn't have to guess to realize he must have broadcast.

He picked the instrument up so he wouldn't accidentally step on it and went to the source of the sound. When he spotted Sylv he rubbed at the back of his neck with his free hand. "Sorry. Sorry about that. Are um, are you okay?"

It dawned on him then he'd probably been overheard too. He wasn't sure which part was worse at this point. He shouldn't have let his shields down, not until he was confident enough he could test out playing music to bring it back up. Not that he was confident he would ever reach that point. He flushed bronze at the whole situation, only not making a prompt retreat because that would just lead to even more awkwardness later. There weren't exactly many people here or many places to go to avoid them entirely really.

[smilingarmor]

Sylv just smiled, waving off the apology. "Not to worry, darling, you just surprised me really," he said. "Was that some sort of spell? I've never felt anything quite like it before."

"More importantly though, you didn't tell me you played an instrument! Was that you I heard practicing just now? I've never heard anything quite like that instrument of yours either, and I've heard a lot of different instruments. And played a few myself of course."

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Before Enki could reply about the empathy, Sylv continued about the instrument. He wrinkled his nose and looked at the ryill with some measure out disgust. "I'm... not sure you could call that 'playing an instrument'," he grumbled.

And then he sighed, letting the other hand fall from the back of his neck and starting to fidget with the instrument somewhat. "A spell is close enough, I guess? Except it's... passive, not deliberate. Unless I make an effort I sort of pick up and spill strong emotions."

He shifted his focus to the instrument again. "This is called a Ryill in Rihan, but I think I've mostly heard Terrhasu call it a 'Vulcan harp." As usual when he quoted something in Ængliish his accent ended up particularly heavy for those two words. "It's... an instrument shared by Rihannsu and Thaessu, or umm Vuhlkansu, I guess, to use their own name for themselves." He paused, realizing he was getting awfully close to the aimless rambling stage and then gave a small shrug.

[smilingarmor]

"Hmmm...", Sylv said. "This is the first I've heard of such a thing. It does sound like quite a bit of trouble, though likely useful too, under the right circumstances. Do let me know if my emotions are ever a bit too much for you though darling; I tend to get even more excited than my usual cheerful self sometimes and I'd hate to overwhelm you without meaning to." Intentional overwhelming- in a good way- might be a different story, under the circumstances, but he always strived for those circumstances to be the right ones.

"As for your playing, you shouldn't be so hard on yourself darling. You just need a tad more practice, that's all, and I'm sure you'll be wowing audiences in no time!" He considered for a moment. "I could even lend you a hand, if you like. I've never played a Ryill before of course, but I'm sure the school's music room has a guitar somewhere, and I have my dulzaina too. Maybe having someone to follow along with will help you find your musical feet, eh?"

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki waved off the offer, but gave a small grateful smile. "I mean thanks, and I will if I need to, but if I have a good shield up, it shouldn't matter. Now, I'm... not great at shielding when in contact, but that's easier to avoid when I'm overwhelmed anyway."

He wrinkled his nose then. "I... don't really want to play for others, but," he shifted to a shy smile and ducked his head again, "I wouldn't mind help with playing if you're willing. I do remember bits and pieces, but it's been so long since I've even touched this. Trying to remember how it works is... frustrating."

[smilingarmor]

"I'm more than willing, darling!", Sylv said. "Ill need to dash off for a moment to grab an instrument, but I'll be right back. Don't go running off now!"

[under_the_raptors_wings]

Enki's smile widened and he gave a small nod. "Believe me, I don't plan to go anywhere. It's nicer out here than in the buildings anyway." He said this as if he hadn't been living in a spaceship for the past several months before he'd followed Aqua. But in a way that was part of the reason he preferred it outside. He hadn't exactly enjoyed ship-side living.

[smilingarmor]

Sylv nodded. "I tend to prefer a roof over my head myself, for most things," he said. "But I won't say no to a bit of fresh air either. Anyway, back in a moment!"

And with that, he hurried off. Since the music room was actually a bit closer than his room, he stopped there first and as suspected, it wasn't difficult to find a classical guitar among the instruments stored there. With his find in hand, he headed back outside to meet Enki.

[under_the_raptors_wings]

If Sylv had waited a moment longer before leaving, Enki would have offered to go back inside instead. Honestly, he hadn't really wanted to go inside anyway, but if Sylv preferred it, and was helping this seemed... maybe a bit selfish. He chewed on his lip for a moment and then finally decided to wait, because after that delay, following felt more awkward than waiting.

He didn't want to have to bring that shield fully back up again AND focus on frustration at his instrument at the same time anyway. Which was funny since he had started working on the music to help with the shields. Ah well, the elements had a sense of humor after all.

He smiled as he heard Sylv approach and waved once he came where he could see him. "I suppose if we do this again we can meet up inside instead next time," he offered, unsure if Sylv would even want to.