[video&action for orlea]

[smallskull]

[Assassin has been dutifully following her Master's orders, tracking one of the natives as part of the "game" he proposed to her. Sometimes, though, something else catches her eyes, and she finds herself distracted from the task at hand. This is one of those times.]

[Her target lives in Orlea, and from what she has gathered, music is one of his primary hobbies. So, it's no surprise when tailing him eventually leads to her following him into a store centered on as much. She has never really had the chance to listen to music before, much less any of the modern sort, so it isn't long before her attention falls away from him and onto the racks of CDs.]

[This is the backdrop when she decides ask a question of the populace at large. She wastes no time on an introduction or an explanation when she opens her mouth.]

What kinds of music are good?

[After this question is asked, if anyone is in the area and interested in stopping by the store, they may find Assassin inside, headphones held over her ears as she listens to whatever CD she happens to be sampling at the time. She has been picking what to listen to by how much she likes its name, which is maybe a little childish, but she is a child.]

Comments

[smallskull]

[Oh. Well. It was because not many, if any, distractions were allowed when one was training to be an assassin, but she can't just come out and say that.]

I was told it would get in the way of my studies.

[There. That should be answer enough, right?]

"Impressionist"?

[Gosh, music was turning out to be more complicated than she thought!]

[defaming]

That's good. Studies should always come first. Before anything. Even music.

[Kristoph pauses, as if this statement holds some special, important meaning to him. But when he continues, his tone is just as light and friendly as before.]

It's another style of music, from a different era. There are a great many to choose from. I think the boldness of Baroque would suit your young ears best at first, then you can work your way from there to the subtler sounds. I don't want to overwhelm you with too much all at once.

[smallskull]

[She makes note of the pause, but she doesn't understand its significance. But then, she doesn't understand the significance of a lot of social cues, so it doesn't strike her any more than any other unfamiliar gesture.]

[She doesn't really disagree with the idea that studies should come first, even if she wants to experience normal things now. She takes in the new information he presents her with.]

I won't be overwhelmed. I want to try a lot of things.

By the way, video

[defaming]

Then might I suggest Debussy, Ravel, or even Fanelli?

If you like, I could come to you. You're not far from where I am.

[He knows where the music store is. He's currently out with his dog, talking on his cell phone.]

[smallskull]

If you want to. I think I can find them by myself, though.

[If it sounds like a snub, she doesn't mean it to.]

video;

[defaming]

[If Kristoph feels snubbed, he doesn't show it in the slightest.

Kristoph feels it's important to establish himself as a "friend to children" rather than a "man who would murder a child without hesitation if necessary". It's a very important distinction.]

I don't doubt that you can. You strike me as a capable young woman. But I may be able to recommend other musicians to you, and you must understand, not all recordings are created equal. Some versions of a piece fall far below standard. Not all orchestras are equal.

Ah, and what, may I ask, is your name?

[smallskull]

[It's a little strange being referred to as a "young woman," but she doesn't say anything about it.]

Ohh. I guess I don't know anything about that. [And, since she can't just introduce herself as "Assassin," she tells him:] It's Rasha.

[defaming]

There's a great deal to learn about music.

[Kristoph knows it, because it makes him look good.]

You have quite the adventure ahead of you, an entire world of sound to experience.

It's a pleasure to meet you, Rasha. I'm Kristoph.

[smallskull]

Uh-huh. Nice to meet you.

[Her reply is delivered a little clumsily, but she's still figuring this whole polite conversation thing out.]

Are you going to come?

video-->action!

[defaming]

[Assassin is fittingly surrounded by murderers.]

Of course. I'm almost there.

[And, not much later, Kristoph walks in, Golden Retriever at his heels, because he can bring his dog into the store if he wants to. She's better behaved than most people, in his opinion.]

Hello, Rasha.

[smallskull]

Hello.

[She looks at Kristoph only briefly, though. She doesn't actually comment, but it's obvious that the dog is what has most of her attention. She never had a pet, either...]

[defaming]

[Kristoph notices where her gaze is focused. Children love people with dogs, don't they?]

Would you like to pet Vongole? You needn't worry, she doesn't bite.

Vongole, sit. [The dog sits, on command.]

[smallskull]

[She looks back to him when he speaks again.]

Is it okay?

[She edges closer to Vongole, though, one of her hands half-raised. When the dog sits, Assassin reaches out to pet her, the action still a little bit hesitant. This, too, is something new for her.]

[defaming]

It's perfectly fine. She likes it.

[Kristoph continues to smile his usual sunny smile.]

She gets along well with everyone. She's a good dog.

[Vongole continues to sit still as Rasha pets her, seeming perfectly happy to do so.]

Do you like animals? [This odd, quiet girl reminds him somewhat of another little girl he was acquainted with.]

[smallskull]

[She strokes Vongole's fur a little more firmly as she gets more comfortable with the action. It feels nice.]

... I don't know. I wasn't allowed to have pets, either.

[defaming]

Vongole seems to like you, anyway.

No pets, no music. You must be very devoted to your studies, indeed.

And are you all alone here? [He is, of course, concerned about the welfare of this child.]

[smallskull]

[She doesn't respond to his comment on her dedication. Her eyes remain on his dog, and though her expression doesn't change much, she seems to enjoy petting her. When he asks if she's alone, she shakes her head.]

Uh-uh. I live with a priest.

[defaming]

[Vongole continues to sit, quite happily, enjoying the petting.]

Ah, a priest? I'm glad you have someone looking after you. Is he someone you knew back home, or someone you've met here?

[smallskull]

Oh. [Her hand stills, and she looks back to Kristoph now.] Someone I met here.

[defaming]

Then you're very fortunate, to have found someone suitable to look after you. If you should ever need any other help, however, I'd be glad to provide it.

[smallskull]

Okay. I think I'll be fine, though.

[This is the first time she's ever had to refuse this kind of offer. It's a little strange.]

[defaming]

As you like.

[Good, because he doesn't actually want to do anything.]

Let me see if I can't help you find a decent recording...

[He leaves Vongole where she is, and she continues to sit obediently, a very well-trained dog.]

Ah, here's an excellent recording of Bach's concerto for two violins. I've always wanted to perform it, myself... [But he would need at least another violinist for that. He frowns to himself, but he's smiling by the time he turns back to Rasha.] The interaction between the two instruments is complex and beautiful. So expressive! Like a conversation between two intimates.

[smallskull]

[Assassin is now torn between two new experiences: music, and a dog. She's leaning toward being more interested in the dog, if only because she doesn't need Kristoph to explore music; she does need him if she wants to continue to interact with Vongole.]

[She half-follows him when he moves to browse, but she still hovers near his pet.]

That sounds nice. [She tells him, genuinely enough. Though she doesn't quite understand his metaphor...] You can play the violin?

[defaming]

It's well-worth listening to. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. [He returns to the girl and Vongole, CD in hand.]

Yes, I've practiced since I was a child. Although it's only a hobby of mine. I'm an attorney.

Good girl, Vongole. [The dog turns toward her master, happily, as Kristoph leans down to rest a hand on her head.]

[smallskull]

[There's so much she wants to ask about that it's hard to know where to start. Eventually, she settles on keeping the topic related to music and asks about the violin.]

Why'd you decide to learn it?