video - no melody will soothe this outrage

[digophelia]

[ Here is Alice. Here is Alice trying to tune her lute and after a few strokes, Alice manages to remember a melody. ]

Ah, it surprises me, even now, I remember how to play it. It's been a few months.

[ It does sound a bit better after she's tuned it a few times. Maybe it was that out of tune? ]

And how the piano lessons I had as little girl have never really faded away. String or piano, music notes and scales are hard to forget. It's odd to think how much I used to loathe piano lessons as a little girl.

[ That's fine. Alice treasures them more as an adult, now. Especially this lute. ]

I recall some faces here in Osaka, but others... not so much. I do hope some of you have stayed out of some trouble, yes? I'm certain that some of you are already dreading the inevitable fussing from me.

Tell me, then, if you remember me... what did I miss?

[ That's her strange way of saying she misses some of you. ]

Comments

video; un: sakurakinomoto

[keystaff]

A-Alice.....?

[She's back. All she says seems to filter in one ear and out the other as Sakura stares, because the important thing in this, more than the music, is that her friend is back. Which is what might have her almost teary in relief. It isn't often friends come back after being away for a while, after all.]

[digophelia]

Sakura.

[ That better not be a glint of tears in her eyes. Nonetheless, Alice smiles -- a real smile. ]

Hello, again. Have you been well? Staying out of trouble?

[keystaff]

I, er, I've been trying?

[She's pretty sure Alice is possibly another one that would be decidedly Not Thrilled if she heard about Sakura's encounter with the Deemers in the previous mission. But that has been the most serious injury, the monsters while they were caring for the squidges aside.]

[digophelia]

Trying is just as good.

[ And, hilariously enough, neither will Alice mention her experience with the Deemers. ]

I'm glad to see you.

[keystaff]

I missed you too! I'm glad you're back. We should catch up? I mean, while we're at headquarters for a little in between missions.

[Because it has been a while.]

[digophelia]

Well, I shan't be going anywhere. There isn't any new mission quite yet, yes? Things in Oska haven't changed much. I'll be here as long as you need me.

video

[viscontree]

I remember speaking to you a few months ago, Alice. Back in Chantes you offered to fix my clothing.

[It was very nice of her. She offered her services to the fugitives and it feels like much time has passed.]

Good to see you again. Welcome back.

[keystaff]

Not yet, no. I think we have a little yet before we get sent out again. So....so I want to. To see you at least before then.

[Preferably like. Today even.]

video | un: Princess

[assent]

[ Considering Sonia hasn't been here all that long, she has no idea who this person is. She's struck by her mention of music though, or at least the mention of playing the piano. ]

It is a shame that we have no piano here, is it not? It would be nice to be able to share that with others who are able to play.

[digophelia]

The room they gave me hasn't changed. Since it's been some time for me with this lute, I'll be here for the rest of today practicing. You can come by, if you like.

[keystaff]

Ah, alright then. I'll be over soon! I only learned some with the recorders back home with music class, and I don't have one here, but. I'd like to listen to you. And catch up.

video

[digophelia]

The Chantes.. that seems like an awful awhile ago and it shouldn't be.

[ She says wistfully, though, more to herself. ]

Julius, yes?

[digophelia]

I would hope to find one in a world I can travel to, someday. It isn't out of the realm of possibility. That is how I found this lute.

[ A pause. She doesn't like to talk about that false reality ALASTAIR threw down on them. ]

In a way.

[digophelia]

If you know how to read notes and scales, music may come easier. That being said, you're most welcome to, Sakura.

[keystaff]

I'm still learning. Tomoyo-chan is better with music and all. She's in the choir for her singing and does competitions and stuff! But I'll see if I can help if you need it.

video

[viscontree]

You still remember. I feel the same way, much time has passed.

May I ask you a question? When did you return? [Was it just now or earlier? He wants to help her fill in some of the blanks.]

[digophelia]

Playing an instrument comes easier for some than others. Sometimes, it comes easier with age, too. I can't say I was very good at the piano or that I would be very good with the lute. I'm sure, in time, you'll be just as good as your friend.

[ From what little she knows about Sakura, she seems to compare herself to her friend quite a bit. ]

You're very welcome to help me! I'll show you what I know a little of the lute so far.

video

[digophelia]

I do. I haven't forgotten this place, at all.

[ Like with the rest of her past, Alice is grateful she remembers anything, good or bad. ]

Ah, I've been here for a few days, now. It's been strange to settle back in.

video

[viscontree]

Don't worry, you'll grow accustomed to everything soon enough.

I have faith in you, Alice. [He has faith in all of their teammates. They seem like a capable bunch. ]

[keystaff]

I guess it would. With practice and experience, like anything. But I'll definitely come by then! Just give me a few minutes and I'll be over.

[assent]

That is true, it seems every place has something new. Though that is quite lucky, I would say.

[ Though the way she finishes that has Sonia tilting her head. ] Unless... "in a way"...?

[digophelia]

So be it, Sakura, I shall be waiting here, in the meantime.

Re: video

[digophelia]

It won't be that difficult, it is cleaner and nicer here than-

[ She stops. What did he say? ]

You do?

[digophelia]

Well, it was another world.

[ She starts off slow, wincing as she recalls the details of the fireballs crashing into earth and how she was so frightened by it, she decided to hide behind Koltira's ice shield. ]

It was... how did they put it? A false reality. To test us.

video

[viscontree]

Sure I do. You've managed before, right?

There's no reason why you can't do it again. [That's the basis of his belief. Alice already got through a few missions. She'll be just fine.]