002 | Raindrop (in D♭ Major)

[pianola]

[ VIDEO ]

Hello.

[ Dorothy seems to be in a store filled with musical instruments. In one of the more modern areas, perhaps Genessia City? She is addressing the camera directly, wearing her default expression. ]

Many people seem to seem to post videos of their performances accidentally.

I think that is unfortunate.

Here.

[ She seems to have set up the camera so it points at a piano behind her. She moves to sit down, primly. Her hands rest on the keys for a long moment before she plays.

It's a slow, peaceful song. Dorothy doesn't play mechanically, or even perfectly. There are small hesitations and errors here and there. The effect is human, and even emotional.

Perhaps a feeling of melancholy is imparted, and yearning. It's not morose, however. The piece ends on a hopeful air. She doesn't stand, afterward, and looks down at the keys, not at the camera. ]

Thank you.


[ A voice comes from off-camera - ] Hey! Are you gonna buy that or what?

Comments

[Text]

[xlvii]

Brava.

[The next line consists of three clapping emojis.]

[Text]

[pianola]

Thank you.

It has been chaotic. I've been told this piece is restful.

[Text]

[xlvii]

It's appreciated.

[Text]

[pianola]

I'm glad.

[Text]

[xlvii]

You're a fan of the classics?

video;

[misalignment]

[ The music might have had far more emotion to it than what he can read on her face. Interesting... ]

I might recommend asking permission before playing a display piece but that was lovely.

video;

[pianola]

It's free advertising.

[ Peers over her shoulder to see who it is. And yes, she may have come up with that excuse in advance. Not that there's a hint of guile in her voice. ]

video;

[misalignment]

[ A laugh. ] Very clever. I suppose he can't argue with that logic.

video;

[pianola]

[ Turns to face the camera a little better. ]

I'd demonstrate the high quality of their other instruments, but I've only learned to play piano.

video;

[misalignment]

That's one instrument more than myself. It's impressive all the same. I'm sure he can get someone else to advertise the others.

[Video]

[satori_komeiji]

It seems Satori has tuned into the broadcast at just the right time. A few minutes later, she makes a call to Dorothy. Satori's display shows her in a somewhat ornate sitting room back in Chireiden, as her standard vid-call.

"Masterfully done. There's no shame in enjoying music for its own sake, is there?"

Without changing her tone, and equally as bemused, she appends to the end of her statement...

"...If you're so enamoured with that piano, I'd be happy to buy it for you. It's the least I can do."

[Video]

[pianola]

The praise for her performance is easier to deal with, really, than the generous offer. Dorothy looks at her hands. Something ... something was there, inside of her, because of Satori's statement. She needed to figure out what it meant.

Very quietly, she responded, "I don't eat, and I don't pay rent. I make enough working for Miss Amagi's inn that, eventually, I can buy this on my own."

It was a novel idea, really, using her own money to buy things just for her.

She rather liked the notion.

"Thank you, though," Dorothy added. She still wouldn't look at the camera. Was she bashful? It was very hard to tell.

[Video]

[satori_komeiji]

"You're welcome. And that's fine. But if you ever need anything, I'd be willing to assist you."

Satori didn't seem all that bothered by Dorothy's refusal. The android was a good girl and a hard worker. She kept repeating those kind of facts that Satori probably got a good idea of how she thought.

"I see your reasoning, though: If acquiring that without anyone's help gives you some sort of pride in yourself, that might be for the best. Though I'm sure my sister thinks otherwise." With a small and thin smile, she added... "After all, meaning in life is made through action."

Always the philosophical turns with her, honestly...

"Before I go, Dorothy, how do you feel about adjusting to this strange world?"

[Video]

[pianola]

"I know. Thank you."

The philosophical bent of Satori's conversation didn't bother Dorothy. These lines of thought were much like her own. She was merely less vocal about it. Upon consideration, Dorothy agreed with her, saying, "Usually it's a person's actions or choices which defines them."

It took longer for her to decide how to answer Satori's question. She sat for a while, likely annoying the shopkeeper further, looking at the white keys as she thought. At last, she granted, "I rather I was home. It has not been long, but I keep thinking about returning. Even if it is not possible."

"However, I am also glad to see what I've seen, and to meet those people I've known so far. It's very different, but that isn't bad."

[video]

[youfool]

[Ted laughed at her monotone commentary. People sure do make a lot of "accidents" with these phones, don't they? Then he quiets down and enjoys the accompaniment to his walking.]

"What a gentle, lovely piece Dorothy, thank you. I'd no idea you're a pianist."

[video]

[pianola]

Thank you.

I haven't yet had the opportunity to play, since arriving here.

video;

[growsveggies]

That was a very beautiful piece. Though I guess you were playing it in a shop.

video;

[pianola]

I don't own a piano. Yet.

video;

[growsveggies]

But I assume you will buy one as soon as you are able to.

video;

[pianola]

Yes.

[ A pause. ]

It may be the only way I'll be allowed back in here.

video;

[growsveggies]

I guess people really don't like people touching the merchandise.

it's quite amusing, though honestly, it was a good way to show off how it worked and how well it played.

[initia_nova]

[The eyes of the boys in the vide are hidden by a visor but his smile can be seen without issue.]

That was really nice, thank you for the song. Are you in a music store?

[pianola]

You're welcome.

I am. I do not own my own piano. Yet.

[initia_nova]

Are you a professional musician?

I'm sure that the store clerk will be more than happy to sell you one.

[pianola]

No. It's very kind of you to say that. I am an amateur.

When I have enough money, he will. I have only been here for eleven days. I have been employed for ten days. It should not be difficult for me to save money to purchase one.