middaeg | Catch-All Log 🎻 Mostly OTA

Who: Elliot Craig & You!
When: Early half of August
Where: Various Locations
What: Catch-all log for the month!
Warnings: Will add them as needed

I. Lunasa: Weddings
[If there was one good thing about the Lunasa celebration, it's that Elliot had no shortage of work. Violinists were in high demand for weddings, and with word beginning to spread about Elliot's skills, requests to play during ceremonies came flying in left and right. Scarcely was there a day during the festival that Elliot didn't have a wedding or three to play for. He was happy to do so - weddings were happy occasions and the pay was pretty good.

So maybe you caught him playing during the ceremony, or perhaps you stumbled upon a wedding and find yourself being pushed at him to dance during a rather lively reception. Later on in the festival, you might also find Elliot spending downtime in the more quiet part of the weddings - an empty room or around the corner, as if trying to hide from the celebrations or tune his instrument in peace.]

II. Wilde Quest #1: Out of the City
[Over the past three months, Elliot's gone to volunteer outside the wall. He's made a bit of a name for himself, performing his violin and giving lessons for free. The people in the slums are happy to see him, and he enjoys himself just as much. Music has the power to bring a little happiness and peace in an otherwise stressful life, and Elliot is happy to do that for them.

However, this time, his visit goes a little differently. There are people excited to see him, but several familiar faces among the crowd are missing. It takes a bit of prying to get what happened: they were infected and had to be quarantined. Some were taken to the Coven for "better treatment".

It was...worrying, to say the least. Elliot does his best to continue the lessons and performances as normal, not wanting to let the people down. However at the end of the day, when he's not longer being forced to act - it's easy to spot there's something subdue about him, more worried than usual.

You might hear him talking to himself]

Maybe I should go visit them...just to be sure...

III. Coven: Magic Practice
[Alas not everything in Elliot's life can revolve around violin playing. He still has to attend his classes at the coven. His third month in, and thanks to all the practice he's had, he seems to be getting the hang of things. Less and less does his magic backfire or go awry unless it's a brand new spell. He's friendly to his classmates, usually willing to practice together or help the newer students out.

After class one afternoon, he's sitting in the courtyard working on his own project. In front of him, he's got a collection of round marbled-sized quartz in a variety of colors. If you watch him, it appears he's trying to cast some kind of magic on them, but it's very much in the experimental stage. It probably wouldn't blow anything up if you approach him.]

IV. Music Lessons [Closed to students]
[Elliot's been doing lessons for a month now. Some of his students have already had a few lessons and are finally settling into the routine. Elliot's a kind and encouraging instructor, gauging his intensity on what push he thinks his students need. He does make sure to challenge them where appropriate, which is why this lesson time he seems to be pretty cheerful even by the end of the lesson]

Hey, so I wanted to ask you- how would you feel about doing a recital at some point?

V. Wildcard
[Got another prompt for me? Hit me up! Elliot is spending the early part of the month in the city mostly, but he can be roped into different quests and activities pretty easily.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Mikleo looks nervous, understandably. He's just started doing this and, surprisingly enough, he isn't doing it because he wants to perform for people.

He glances away.]

I'm fine not showing off, too. [He'd love to show off if he had any confidence in what he's doing whatsoever, but he doesn't have much.] I suppose if it isn't for a few months...

[He really just doesn't like the sound of that but maybe that'll change. There are some people he'd like to play for when he's... able to play, though mostly in a private setting-- one on one.]

[He isn't surprised that Mikleo seems nervous. This is a guy who spent a century being invisible to 99% of people, and now he was being asked to perform in front of people. Of course that would cause nerves.

All more the reason to do it]

Haha, it's not about showing off. [He's not asking you bring a guitar to a party Mikleo] More than anything, it's about learning how to do things in front of people. It's an important skill to have.

[Mikleo could choose to play Chopsticks for all he cares okay]

But yeah, it's not for a few months, there's plenty of time to prepare. And I'll be with you every step of the way.

[All the more reason not to do it, according to him.

Honestly, though, Mikleo's face says everything Elliot needs to know about his opinion of this exercise. It's an important skill to have, he says. That's logical.

Mikleo digs his heels in anyway.]

I can barely play without looking at my fingers and you think I can play for other people?

Yep!

[Elliot smiles brightly. Dig your heels all you want Mikleo, you're doing this. You are small fry next to Class VII and he stepped on all of them]

[Mikleo's expression is like a dark raincloud in comparison.]

I guess we'll see how misplaced that faith is.

Haha, don't be so hard on yourself. You've really been doing great!

Oh, and you'll get to play any song you'd like. It usually helps if you pick a song that you like.

[Mikleo tries to be resolute but there's a light blush at that compliment.]

I... I don't know. I think the one I want to play is too hard for me right now.

[That sure is an issue when you got hots for teacher]

Really?

What one is it? If it's not too advanced, we can work on it. You're not performing tomorrow.

I'll show you.

[Mikleo goes to find some of the sheet music that has been carefully collected and arranged. It takes him a few minutes, but he returns triumphant with a warm, autumn-themed song that's reminiscent of a painting. There's a difficult section in the middle with a few accidentals and a shift in tempo, but it's a beautiful piece.]

I've liked it ever since I first heard it. I might not be able to play it at the recital, but I will learn it.

[He'll wait for him, taking the sheet music and looking it over. Just hearing the notes in his head, he can tell it's a beautiful song..]

What a beautiful song...

[ A little advanced, for sure, but Mikleo has always been one to love a good challenge. And if he likes this song this much...]

...I think it's perfect for you. [He smiles warmly at Mikleo] If we tackle this one section at a time, I think you'll be able to do it.

[Mikleo's eyebrows rise, but there's a visible excitement in the way he straightens, as if invisible ears have been perked.]

You think so? [He looks at the piece again. He's already able to sort of... play the first few bars, though it's not very tight, but at least he knows how the song generally goes.]

Mm. I had better start practicing more seriously, then. [He will legitimately set aside one of his classes for this. He's never been one for divination anyway.]

[Ah yes, he loved that look of excitement]

Yep, I think so. It won't be easy, but if I know one thing about you Mikleo, it's that you thrive on challenges.

[So yeah, it's more than fine by teacher. Were if it another student, Elliot might have more hesitations. But he had faith in Mikleo]

Haha, good to hear. It's too bad you don't have a piano at your place, I wouldn't mind staying over to give you extra lessons.

[-- oh. Elliot really-- Mikleo is surprised again, and then a little embarrassed, but mostly he's just touched that his friend pays that much attention. He coughs lightly, as if that might detract from his blush.]

Th... thanks.

[Dere mode engaged.]

You know I'd love to have you over anytime you wanted. But, I think I'll be saving up a while. I haven't gotten promoted at the alchemist's yet.

[He sighs, but there's a bittersweet smile attached to it.]

I'll get there.

[And there's that blush again. It always tickles Elliot to see it. Mikleo's such a cute tsundere, okay]

Aha, you'll get there for sure. But really, no rush. I don't expect you to buy a piano just for my sake.

Though...I wouldn't turn down going over there, even if you don't have a piano.

It would be for my sake too, you know.

[Oh. Elliot is being very cute right now. Mikleo smiles a little, and there's something shy about it even now.]

Well-- yes, of course... I thought that would be a given.

I should cook this time. With the way the weather has been, we could have stew.

Eheh, well in that case, please do save up for one.

[Shy or not, it was still a cute smile. He glances at the clock. Officially, the lesson was done for the day. Elliot took lessons seriously, but now that it was done, there was no harm in this.]

Oh, I'd love to try your stew.

[He reaches out, brushing his fingers over Mikleos]

Tonight?

[Mikleo freezes as he's touched, not in a bad way but because he is suddenly Very Goddamn Red. He's used to having to be the forward one, here, so when someone else does it to him it always sets his heart aflutter.]

Y--

[The mental equivalent of JFDKDKLADSKALKFf here.]

Yes, that sounds-- yes. [Five Lords, this is embarrassing!!! It's not like they haven't done this before.] I'll swing by the market on the way back and see what looks good.

[Mikleo's reactions are always a treat to watch. This is what it's like to have your hints and flirtations actually noticed, what a revelation. There's a playful expression on his face as he keeps his hand on Mikleo's. He's clearly enjoying this.]

Hehe, okay.

Should I come with or meet you at your place?

Catch-All Log 🎻 Mostly OTA

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