Drifting Notes (Open)

[Leopardstar]

(OOC: Being new and all, please don't hesitate to poke me if I do something wrong. Thank you.)



Low and dark, the notes he played were haunting and filled with distress. The sounds coming forth from the 1/8 size cello could be described as 'horrible in a beautiful way,' making nearby cards shudder. Few stayed to listen for more than a brief moment, the music made bad memories pop up that should forever be hidden. It made the heart feel heavy, and the soul ache for something happier. At least, that was how he felt.

Kaleo stared solemnly at his first cello. When he was little, still learning how to play, the bigger ones were much harder to play. So, he had been given a little one. It was obvious he was talented at string instruments, his own tail served as a bow. He could use it to play quickly or slowly. Once the Six had mastered the use of his tail/bow he could play better than anyone else who had to hold a bow in their hands.

Of course, that meant he had to endure the looks of envy and hate in his rivals' eyes. They would read his words, 'significance and truth,' and hate him even more for it. His only friends were those who did not play a string instrument, or at least without any real liking to play one. Villa en Miir children were all encouraged to play an instrument, to not was an absurd thought.

As the canine/mustelid mix sat there, in front of a door leading into some tiny cafe, his thoughts whirled once again to his home and family. Kaleo remembered little of his childhood, it was all a blur. Just a few memories, all of them about him playing a string instrument. And then...an empty home. It had furniture, rooms, food. Yet, there was no family. Did they abandon him? Or perhaps, he had just forgotten and moved out. Found his own home. Told them to never contact him again and they were still out there somewhere. He didn't remember.

It was horrible not to remember. The music went on, straight from the heart, and no one would share his sorrow. Alone. One thought of amusement was what he clutched to, the tiny cafe surely wouldn't get any customers now. Then, even that thought was lost as Kaleo remembered it was closed. Oh well, oh well. Just pour your heart into your song, do the thing you've always done. Let the drifting notes echo into the minds of others. Perhaps...you are not quite so alone.

[Kitty]

There had been another incident at the school he'd not only chosen for his children to attend, but that he taught at as well. He'd calmed his darling little daughter but had taken the rest of the day off for contemplation. His students wouldn't mind of course, the assignment he'd given them was complex and was for a large chunk of their grade. However.... he was going to expect some pretty fantastic compositions to grace his ears next class.

He was tugged from his thoughts by the sweet sound of strings, correctly played and beautiful in all their sorrow. He must find this source, it was rare to wander past a proficient string player in this area of town and... cello, ah, he hadn't heard those played well in years.

Following his ears he stumbled upon the mixed breed, his presence marked by the soft serenade of violins even before he rounded the corner. Thankfully he'd been fully prepared today and had his violin in tow, he would have been quite cross with himself if he'd left it behind today.

Excuse me sir, would you mind if I cut in?

[Leopardstar]

Lost to the sorrow in his own music, the young male did not even blink at the soft sound of violins that accompanied Takio. Even when a question was raised to him, he pretended not to hear until the last note was played.

Slowly, Kaleo raised his head to stare at the man. His blue eyes began to drain of their sadness, pushed away to a far corner of his mind. "One moment please," he told the other in a quiet voice. From the way he handled his instrument, it was clear he did not think it a simple tool. There were so many memories encased inside...so many secrets. The simple case was waiting for its fit, as a glove eagerly waits for a hand, and hoarded the cello safely inside. Done.

"Yes? How may I help you?" The Six's voice was pleasant and friendly. Only some of it was feigned, he was still recovering from touching the instrument he told himself he would only play alone, so no one could hear his sorrow. Why had he done it? Surely, he hadn't done it to prove a point? Best to put it behind him.

Naturally, Kaleo's curiosity had begun to rise as he examined the finely dressed man before him. There was no way to tell rank or suit currently, though his own chest paraded it, if not proudly, without disgust.

[Kitty]

Perhaps it was a little rude of him, but this gentleman just may be what he needed for a few of his students. A fresh, passionate face to hopefully inspire them to continue their efforts. He was aware that he was a difficult, demanding instructor, but suits these were advanced players in a prestigious, private school .... what were they really expecting? Well, Sir Carrenhall had been a bit better but, still ... they should learn to get used to it if they were serious musicians. He had.

I couldn't help but notice that you are a rather skilled musician, and from your expression .... you've got the heart to match it.

He paused for a moment, giving the younger Villa a somewhat awkward smile ... this was not the time to freely display his fangs, and continued.

I was wondering if you might like to come and do a demo with me for my students? I'm afraid some of them just don't understand what it means to give your heart and soul to your melodies..

He wouldn't be at all surprised if he was told no... but he just had to make the offer. Especially to a celloist, he needed a string instrument besides the violin for the demonstration... and that was certainly a perfect choice.

[Leopardstar]

The pads on the bottoms of his feet began to tingle a little just from hearing the freely given out praise. Oh, he had gotten plenty of it as a child, he was sure of that, but lately there was little to none. Feelings of pride surfaced and Kaleo sucked it back in with one breath of air.

He adapted a thoughtful expression as he mused it over, the pit of his stomach clenching in reminder. Ah yes, he had to remain cautious. These days things were simply not what they seemed. The young Villa’s bright blue eyes studied the other’s red pools. The man seemed quite genuine and he didn’t detect a lie either from his words or his eyes. Well then…

“So, you’re an instructor then? I’m quite pleased you asked, really. Music is not at all music if you do not give your entire self to the piece. To make others cry, laugh, or simply feel the pleasure of listening…mmmm.”

Kaleo nodded to himself, his tail already twitching with a newfound eagerness. “One day they could turn out to be exceptional musicians, respected and unique each. Even the highest of the Courts will eagerly await their concerts and….eh, sorry I seem to have gotten sidetracked with my own little half-dreams and wishes. What piece do you have in mind? Anything in particular? Oh, and the date of course. Schedules and the like, sooner or later I’m taking a trip up to the Capitol for some new scenery and inspiration.”

This was quite true, the Six wasn’t quite sure how long he could stand living in the same empty house with no clue about what exactly to do. Pin a butterfly by its wings and watch it struggle…he felt something similar to that. Of course leaving the Cliffside could also turn out to be dangerous and everything would be unfamiliar. But musicians sometimes had to make a little journey of their own.

His paw reached out to draw the cello case closer to him, already contemplating exactly which cello he should bring. This one was made for him, yes, but it carried too much mystery and sorrow. One of the bigger ones would work just fine, carrying out a happy tune was no problem. Students sometimes were bundles of nerves ready to start a breakdown. What if you messed up? A scolding? Perhaps something more serious…oh no, not expelled! That was at least how the mix had felt at times, before…before. Back to business, back to business.

[Kitty]

He nodded at the other card's first bit of speech, knowing full and well most students didn't have the type of experiences he'd had when he was one. Well, he certainly hoped they didn't, it had turned out all well and good for him, but for most things wouldn't have gone well at all. A little stab of pain hit his heart at the thought, so many memories, so many.

Anything you wish, really, but I'm sure my students would appreciate something a little more upbeat for once, if you'd prefer.

his soul just couldn't seem to muster a happy tune any longer, but he had his reasons why. A few of his students knew why as well, but they didn't wish to say anythign that might throw him into a fit. Depressed as he was, he still had his temper and it definitely wasn't a pretty thing to see.

Ah, yes! A date. Sometimes I just get... caught up in things, my apologies to you sir. .

He reached into his pocket and grabbed a card and a pen, scribbling something on the back and handing it to him. It was like a business card, with the school's name, address, etc printed on the front. On the back he had put his own name, his class number and a date.

Hopefully Tuesday works for you?

He dipped his head courteously and extended a gloved hand for a shake.

Takio Kinsien.

[Leopardstar]

Upbeat, upbeat, exactly what he had been thinking. He would have to sort through some of his old pieces, perhaps change a few lines chock full of notes. Hmmmm, which to use? Oh yes, he was getting distracted again. The younger Villa reached out to snatch the card almost a little too eagerly. His blue eyes moved side to side, rapidly reading the front and back. There, most of it was committed to memory. Hopefully.

"Tuesday? Oh yes, Tuesday's lovely I don't believe I have anything on Tuesday." Not that he had anything on any other day really. Sheesh, maybe he should start finding a lady or something. "Kaleo, it's been a pleasure. Shall I call you simply Takio or Mr. Kinsien?"

His paw reached forward to nestle itself in the man's hand, not properly being able to 'shake.' Satisfied with the arrangement, he hid his joy behind a simple smile. Of course, that didn't stop his eyes from flashing with glee. True, he was a little nervous, how long had it been since he had last performed in front of a real audience? Ones who actually could appreciate music. Well....Kaleo couldn't remember. Stupid memories, blurred together and full of nonsense. He really needed to get out and create more. That's why he was going up to the Capital after handling things here at home. Like this.