entranceway | ➶ ninth ( video )

[ If Robyn has thoughts about their recent trip to a bizarre other universe, those thoughts aren't made clear. ... What is clear, though, is that something is bothering her, though she won't disclose that information, either... save for a few people. ]

Good morning. [ Just another day in Wonderland, though there is decidedly something missing. ] ... I realize that just a few weeks from today will mark my having been here for two years. It's a little premature, and I don't think it warrants... much acknowledgment, or - Maker, celebration - [ Her relationship with Wonderland is "It's Complicated," okay? ] But it did make me think of what I had wanted to accomplish here. Or, rather, how I wanted to spend my time.

[ There's a little sigh and the Warden tucks a loose braid behind her ear. ]

I took up some practice with a longbow and sword, but I think my tutors have gone. [ She's out of practice, anyway. ] It makes me think, though, that there are other things that I could learn with the time that I have. I wanted to take up an instrument, if anyone is willing to share what they know with a new student.

[ Robyn offers a fleeting smile and tries very hard to sustain it. ]

I can offer a bit of my own knowledge in return. ... Oh, and, I wanted to get back into the habit of riding, so if there are any others who might like to take the horses out every once in a while, please do get in touch.

[ With that (and with something like a discontented expression), she ends the call. Soon after, Robyn sends out a few private messages: ]

[ private to anders, cullen, hawke, and nathaniel: ]

Leliana has gone, I think. If any of you see her, then I hope you'll correct me.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'm not sure how I'd do at teaching you to play anything, but I can teach you to read music, if you want.

[He plays the trumpet, and he'd be happy to teach her how to, but he doesn't want to put a limit on things.]

That's a part of it, isn't it? I wouldn't be much of an attempted musician without it.

[ She offers him a smile in return for the gesture. ]

Would that be all right?

Absolutely. It's not difficult, so I think it won't take you long to pick it up. We can start whenever you like.

Just give word when you have some time and we can meet. [ beat ] The music room might be the most appropriate place, don't you think?

I think so. There's a lot of music in there and we can use the piano to learn the notes.

Brilliant. [ Good. This is... good. Something to fill her time and to occupy her mind. ] Just say the word.

Any time is good. We can even start now, if you want.

Are you sure? [ The Warden perks up, clearly happy with that idea. ] If you really aren't busy, then... that would be perfect, thank you.

Sure. I can meet you in the music room?

Excellent. I'll see you there.

[ After which she'll make her way there, humming something nondescript to herself all the way. ]

[Souji's waiting for her in the music room. He's even gathered some sheet music to help her learn. He's sitting at the piano now, idly pressing a few keys as he waits.]

[ Robyn walks in not long after, offering a brief wave. ]

Hello, Souji. How are you? [ She settles in to a chair near the piano as she speaks, folding her hands over her lap. ] Thank you again for doing this: it really does mean a lot to me.

[He smiles at her and turns on the stool where he's sitting.]

I'm glad to help. I think you'll find it pretty easy once you get started.

[He scoots closer to her, a piece of sheet music in his hand.]

This is just some scales--which are sets of musical notes that are organized based on pitch. So usually they just go up or down.

[He demonstrates by humming a simple scale for her. His voice is pretty average, but he can carry a tune at least.]

[ She listens, nodding in turn, trying to follow his melody with the notes. ]

I was tutored in some music when I was young, but it didn't... ah, stick. [ She preferred to be running around outside at that age. ... And at this age. ] I think I remember a little...

[ She tries to copy what he's done; like Souji, Robyn has an average voice. ]

Like that?

[Souji smiles and nods in approval.]

Each of the marks here is one of those notes. [Assuming the notes either of them hummed were actually in tune.] How the mark looks dictates how long you hold the note for.

[He scoots back over to the piano and plays the scale on there. It's a bit slow--piano isn't his forte.]

All right. [ She knits her brow as she watches, listening intently. ] This isn't bad so far.

[ Of course, she knows, too, that it'll only get more complicated from here. ]

[It does get more complicated, though he tries to keep it simple as he explains time signatures and how to count beats to show her how long to hold each kind of note. After awhile, he sits back and looks at her.]

Make sense?

Mm. [ She hums in affirmation, but she still frowns down at the notes and chews on her lips. ] I think... at least, I hope... that I'm getting the hang of it.

[ Little by little, anyway. It isn't something that happens all at once. ]

It's been a while, [ Robyn notes, smiling sheepishly. ] and I shouldn't keep you here all day.

[He smiles. He thinks she's been doing well, and it is a lot to take in.]

We can do this some more another time, if you want.

Are you sure? [ She asks, perking up a little again. ] Well... only so long as it isn't a hassle for you. I would really like that, Souji.

It's not a problem. I'm glad to help.

[He gets to his feet.]

For now, it's probably enough for one day.

I think so, too. [ She rises, smoothing out her clothes. ] Thank you, again, for your time. For doing this.

Yeah. [He smiles.] I'll see you next time, then.

➶ ninth ( video )

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