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.

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.

[Text]

[xlvii]

It's appreciated.

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. ]

[Text]

[pianola]

I'm glad.

video;

[misalignment]

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

[Text]

[xlvii]

You're a fan of the classics?

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.

[Text]

[pianola]

I suppose I am.

However, I do like the blues as well.

[Text]

[xlvii]

Me too.

I don't think I've heard much of the blues.

[Text]

[pianola]

I could play some, if you'd like.

[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."

[Text]

[xlvii]

If you don't mind, I'd appreciate it. Just don't get into any trouble. [He's not sure if the store will let her play their piano again.]

[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.

[Text]

[pianola]

It's free advertising.


[ VIDEO ]

[ This piece is less expert, less practiced. Some parts are more stilted and mechanical for it. Other times, it's as if she's trying too hard to inject some emotion. Still, the piece manages to convey a sense of playfulness. And still, that hint of sadness. ]

[Text]

[xlvii]

It's very nice. Thank you.

[Have some more clapping emojis.]

[Text]

[pianola]

You're very kind.

I've not much practice with that piece.

[Text]

[xlvii]

[Him? Kind? The thought would make him want to laugh, if he was a laughing man.]

I wasn't trying to be kind. I really did enjoy it.

[Text]

[pianola]

Your intention does not change the effect. Thank you.

This afternoon is the first time I've played since arriving.

[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."

[Text]

[xlvii]

When was that?

[video]

[pianola]

Thank you.

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

[Text]

[pianola]

Eleven days now.

Not very long at all.

[Text]

[xlvii]

You only arrived a few days before I did, then.