001: Does that make me crazy? [ ACTION ]

[saxophone]

»ACTION: HAMETE STRIP MALL
[ Just outside of Hamete Strip Mall the croon of a saxophone overlays the rustlings of retail. The sound is piercing and powerful, dappled with shrill highs that dip into plush, undulating lows. Notes fire at rapid succession, whirling into existence from the lips of a tall, dark haired man who’s swaying to their rhythmic influence. Beside him a black sax case sits open on the pavement with a scrap of cardboard propped up against it. There's something scrawled across it. It reads, "Hey, I'm Gren. I spent all of my money on this sax." Gren, our responsible musician, has his eyes closed and his brow is furrowed by concentration, but his mind is nowhere near Genessia City.

The memory is mundane and old and foggy around the edges. A woman hums at a sink full of dishes as a relic of a CD player sputters out the sound of an old tune. The song was ancient to even his mother, released years before she was born and several decades before he was. Nevertheless she loved it and as a side effect of its repetitious play he came to love it too. She's singing it now, questioning the room around her with a voice that sounds like it’s swaddled in a heap of velvet, rich and fervent. Does that make me crazy? Does that make me crazy? In the present, released from that recollective trance, Gren breathes the last note of the song into his sax and then answers nobody. ]

Possibly. . .

[ Gren's new, unemployed, and broke. Won't you spare a bill or two? ]

Comments

[tsukihito]

[Tsukihito knows a thing or two about being broke.

He used the last of his red bill on the kiseru he purchased in Fayren a few days ago. While he certainly had the opportunity to spend the last of his funds or something more substantial, the idiot brought this instead. So cue in Tsukihito bemoaning his allegedly tortured existence as he strolls down the street.

Even if this is his second time in Genessia, the former deity isn't too happy about it. His last stay in this odd world was brief but it was long enough to carve unpleasant memories deep within his subconsciousness. That's one of the reasons why he wished he never returned but Fate constantly has the final say.

When he hears the soothing croon of the saxophone, Tsukihito pauses in his steps and listens. If he possessed any musical talent, he would've chimed in but he doesn't. His talent lies elsewhere.]

Pardon?

[His fluffy white ears arched upward. Did this man says something?]

[saxophone]

[ The residuals of nostalgia evaporate in an instant at the sound of that voice. Gren hadn’t noticed the man approaching at all. He’d have to be more careful in these strange, new surroundings. ]

Ah, I. . .

[ He trails off, finally noticing that fluffy pair of ears perched atop the guy’s head. He blinked, and then shook the confusion away with the shake of his head. He’s already seen some strange shit here. He’s got to get used to it. ]

. . . Yeah, hey. I take requests!

[ He hoists up his shiny new tenor sax with a big smile. ]

I can play anything.

[ He paused, his eyes moving back to the man’s ears. ]

Er. . . Almost anything.

[ There’s no telling what sort of forest incantations or howling hymnals this guy is into. This could be challenging. ]

[tsukihito]

[The kitsune lingers there looking mildly perplexed by that reaction. Does he truly look so odd? Tsukihito's hand reaches up to his ears briefly in a vain attempt to smooth them down. Despite growing quite accustomed to this form, Tsukihito still dislikes his appearance. Inari really screwed him over by allowing him to be reincarnated within this feeble body.

It's a blow to his ego.]

Please do not stare.

[Despite the "please" added there, that certainly sounds more like a command than a request.]

Do these requests cost anything? [His crimson gaze turns towards the sign.] Ah, they do.

[saxophone]

[ At that command Gren’s eyes slide back down to meet the other’s, all red and perturbed. Yikes. He clears his throat softly, resetting his composure and flashing one of his charming smiles. He’s got a whole collection of them. ]

Actually, they don’t. But tips are certainly appreciated. What would you like to hear?

[ . . .Hear. Ears. And without even really meaning to Gren’s eyes inch higher and higher until they settle on those ears again. ]

[tsukihito]

[There's a certain bit of humor to be had in all this, especially when the musician's gaze wanders upward again. A sigh escapes Tsukihito but he doesn't say anything. He might as well let the other look. Admonishing him each time would be tiring and ultimately aggravating. So instead of getting angry about it, Tsukihito merely smiles. He smiles and keeps smiling while showing off those pearly white fangs.]

Humans are so amusing. [He states with something akin to a grin upon his face.] Amusing and honest.

[The kitsune takes a moment to think of something that the saxophonist could play but he comes up with nothing. The kind of music he's familiar with is quite different than what the musician is demonstrating. This gap in culture and time period is quite vast but Tsukihito is eager to hear him play more.]

I don't know. [He answers quietly.] Why don't you pick?

I liked the song from earlier.

[holyswordarm]

[Bedivere has no job at the moment, either, but he does have some extra bills. He pulls one out of his pocket and slips it into his saxophone case.

When Gren finishes his song, Bedivere can be found gently applauding (it's the only way he really can applaud, since one of his hands is made of silver) several feet away, a bright smile on his face.]

[saxophone]

[Gren instantly brightens at the gentle applause, his reminiscing left on hold for the moment. A little acknowledgement clearly goes a long way judging by the smile curving across his lips. He clutches his sax a little closer to his chest and then tips into a shallow bow of gratitude. ]

Thank you, I’m open to requests! What are you in the mood for? Something upbeat?

[ He breathes a few peppy notes into his sax. ]

Or maybe the melancholy?

[ Almost without a thought he starts to play the frequent request of a lost acquaintance. ...No, friend. Goodnight Julia. Strange. Lilting. That’s what he thinks of it. ]

[holyswordarm]

[Bedivere has no preferences for music at the moment. He just wants to listen to something good.]

Whatever you feel like, sir.

[He then falls silent when Gren starts to play again, and lets his eyes close as he listens. Toward the end, he opens them again.]

Very lovely. Your skill is quite remarkable.

[saxophone]

[ For Gren that song elicits a mixed bag of memories and he typically finds himself saddened by it. Even so, it's difficult to part with. ]

Thanks. How'd it make you feel? The song, that is.

[ He wants another prospective from someone unmarred by its melody.

[holyswordarm]

How did it make me feel? Hmm...

[Bedivere ponders the question for a moment before coming up with an answer.]

In a word, I would say...calm. Or tranquil.

[rialynn]

[If there's one thing Rialynn can't resist, it's music. There's so much of it she's never heard before in this place, so the chance to learn a new song brings the bard scurrying as fast as her boots can carry her. She's even forsaking the little corner she'd justpicked out, fiddle still in hand, lute bouncing against her back with quiet little hollow 'plunks.']

[Not only is she faced with new music but a new instrument as well. Her hazel eyes boggle at the sight of the strangely curved golden...horn...? No, she's never seen anything like it, and she's completely entranced.]

[But then he stops.]

Mgh...

[Rialynn's brow furrows as she stares at his coin collection hat(?), for now she has a decision to make: hold onto her earnings to keep saving for that horse, or relinquish a few bills to make him play longer?]

[.............She'll just have to rely on her boots a bit more, and she scatters a fistful of crumpled bills into his hat(?) before taking a step back and holding her breath.]

[Please keep playing.]

[saxophone]

[ For Gren music is everything, that one safe and soothing constant in his life that keeps all of the broken pieces of himself from scattering too far. So of course the first thing he notices about the woman are her instruments. He smiles, feeling a hint of solidarity at their shared pursuit. But that smile grows even wider when he sees those bills drop into his open sax case. Make it rain, baby girl. ]

Appreciate it. Got any requests?

[rialynn]

Not really.

[She shakes her head. What's the point in hearing a song she already knows? Nice as it might be to hear what she knows played in a different way, she's more interested in listening to something new.]

Choose your favorite?

[With her shrug, the instruments clatter a little, and she smiles back. Maybe she'll offer to play back-up on one of her instruments later, but for now, she's enjoying the sound of a skilled musician doing his best.]

[saxophone]

Sure, I think I've got a few of those.

[ Following a ruckus of cracking knuckles he begins to play. It's slow, broody, and smooth. A sound he regularly indulged in. When it tapers off with a mellowing wail he opens his eyes to meet hers. ]

Your turn.

[rialynn]

[She's completely still as she listens, enchanted. The sound of the instrument has so much personality behind each tone, whether it's a long steady note or a quaver. It reminds her a great deal of a human voice. At one point she closes her eyes, lost in the melody, wondering if the song was written with lyrics in mind.]

[It's lovely.]

[When he finishes, she smiles. But before she can give her praise, he's turned the 'stage' to her. Her eyebrows rise soundlessly as if to ask if he's sure, but she knows he is.]

[So what should she play? Her favorite song has an energy that would clash with his previous melody, so that's out. After a moment of debate, she nods once, crossing the invisible line from audience to performer as she takes her place behind his open saxophone case.]

All right.

[She carefully lays down her fiddle and bow, then works the lute strap off of her shoulder to cradle the instrument in her hands. A few plucked strings, a light tightening to adjust the tone, and her callous-tipped fingers pick out a serene and solemn tune that, she hopes, matches the mood he's taken such care to set. She bows her head, lips faintly pursed in distant concentration. She first learned the tune from her mentor, as it was the first song she distinctly remembers him playing. Not her favorite, but it has more sentimental value, and it's oh so easy to remember the way his mouth creased and his wrinkles deepened when he smiled.]

[When she finishes, she allows her hand to drift from the strings back to her side, and she draws a deep breath. They've barely spoken more than a handful of words, but it feels as if they've just spoken for hours from simply sharing what they love. It's a good feeling.]

What's the name of your song?

[They can exchange their names later. For now, she's completely caught up in the music.]

[brbgettingwrench]

[Winry had been somewhat out of it of late. Trying to figure out just what she wanted to do with her life here. What she had back home and what is going on here were vastly different. She had admitted how she felt months ago and that went as well as she had expected. While her job here is similar but in a hospital, she found that the amount of work she got was a lot less because here people could help others regain their limbs if done in time.

So work wise it wasn't as busy as she had hoped. So she had been considering transferring her job to another place in the hopes that she could do more than just designs for possible prosthetics that might never be made.

But she soon found herself snapping out of her thoughts when she heard the music. She listened and she soon found herself going into her pocket and handing the money over. She had enough to do as such.]

[saxophone]

[ Gratitude lit up Gren’s eyes and he bowed his head in thanks. The women of Genessia have been quite generous. Unsurprisingly so since men are typically preoccupied with being scum. ]

Thank you! I’d be happy to take a request if you have one.

[brbgettingwrench]

Request... [Winry was no expert when it came to music and usually, it wasn't something she listened to often. She just enjoyed it when it was around.]

I must admit, I have no request, but if you have a song you enjoy playing the most I would always enjoy hearing that.

[saxophone]

Hm.

[ The indecisiveness of people doesn't bother Gren in these situations. It gives him the opportunity to comb through the musical repository in his head to find a suitable song for a passing listener. He doesn't have much to go off of so he takes his cues visually, gliding his eyes over the woman from head to toe.

He smiles once he's made a decision. ]

You have beautiful hair. The color reminds me of yellow honeysuckle. Soft and sweet.

[ He then closes his eyes and plays, conjuring those descriptive terms. The sound is soft and sweet. It doesn't pierce, it wafts. Almost flowing through anyone who's around to listen. It's soothing and pleasant. ]

[brbgettingwrench]

[Winry didn't really know a lot of music, or if anyone really knew how to play it. In her mind, it was much better to let people play what they were confident in rather than have them try something they might not even know.

But before he started she found herself pausing before speaking again.]

... Thanks... I think. [But she found herself listening to the music never the less. It was pleasant. Calming. It wasn't long before she put some more money for him./ It seemed fine to her anyway.]

[draconixaviarix]

[Just from hearing the music from this sax made this dragon tremendously happy. She had never heard from this instrument before! But a human making music was her weakness!

Pulling out a LOT of red bills, Hana sprinkled it in the case and sat down before the man]

Please tell me, what is that you're playing on? It is such a unique sound, sir.

[saxophone]

Wow, thanks!

[ Another beauty bearing bounties?! Gren presents a smile that pushes emotive limitations. Her generosity was one thing, but her interest in his beloved instrument was another. He shifts his sax to his side and lowers himself into a sitting position across from her. ]

This. . .

[ He props his sax up on one of his thighs and looks up at it adoringly, a hand cradling the bell of the horn. ]

. . . is a saxophone, specifically a tenor. We don’t need to talk about the other saxes. They’re not as important.

[ Shade. ]

But this one possesses a richness that pairs well with jazz and many other genres. I specialize in jazz, but I do like to branch out. I think this is an instrument that has a lot to offer. It’s powerful and bold, so it shines all on its own.

[ His eyes roam over the length of it, up and down, as if visually stroking it. Although this sax is brand new, he’s very familiar with its function and design considering he’s been playing them since he was a child. ]

When I hear a sax just erupt unexpectedly in a song that really gets me. It’s commanding. It drags you in, overriding your other senses and forcing you to focus on the only one that matters at the time-- sound.

. . .But maybe that’s just me.

[ He peels his eyes from his sax to look at the woman, hoping he hasn’t lost her. ]

Do you play any instruments?

You just won this dragon over, gg

[draconixaviarix]

[Throughout his explaining, her eyes grew brighter and brighter at how passionate this man was. Her kind, as Dragons, were reflections of those they cared for..and this man was no exception. She was wildly impressed and into this...jazz instrument.

Too bad a lot of things she didn't understand.]

Noo..not just you, but me and others as well. What a beautiful sound..

[Hana cooed, eyes on his sax] What is..jazz? I never knew there was a type of music. I..

I do not play instruments, no..only the humans did, but still. It was so entrancing..

the feeling's mutual.

[saxophone]

[ Gren smiles. He finds her enthusiasm endearing and her genuine curiosity is like the whipped topping on a metaphorical affirmation sundae. It's fucking delicious. ]

Jazz does a better job at explaining itself, really. It's so intricate and diverse. And this...

[ He gives his sax a fond, little pat. ]

Is just a small component of it. Imagine more horns like this, but in different shapes that emit different sounds. There could be vocals and percussion. And it all comes together in this... euphoric clash of sound. Or it could be soft...

[ He holds out one hand, wiggling his fingers as if he's playing an air piano. ]

With agile fingers sweeping across piano keys. There's a lot. It's too much for me to explain. I couldn't do it justice. If there's a jazz club around here you should go. I think you'd like it.

Re:

[draconixaviarix]

Okay..I will find this Jazz Club, then. It'll definitely tell me it's secrets and teach me the ways of this jazz musics, and these instruments~

[..Of course in her mind, Hana is thinking of a literal club that humans used and made from sticks. Regardless, his motion in the air with other music themes was entrancing]

Thank you for sharing your information, what is your name, friend?