2 [Video]

[somethingspecial]

I realize that this place is a far cry from normal, but I do have a question concerning the... natives and what makes them happy.

[Rachel, by the video, seems to be somewhere within the Odin district. She has an armful of books and her bracelet is turned on, precariously centered on her face as she tries to adjust everything -- but as her arm moves, it seems to show a collective of grey people staring at her.]

I was just walking home and a few of them started to follow me and I'm unsure on whether or not they want me to come with them or take me to their leader or -- well, it isn't as if any of them speak and -- this is so rude, they can probably hear me -- oh, no --

[And as Rachel turns, to face her followers, the books tip out of her arms to land on the ground. She curses softly to herself before she steps forward, to rescue a sheaf of sheet music from a puddle. And as she's about to proclaim that she doesn't have the money to replace it, one of the natives stoops to pick up one of her books -- and seems to point at the sheet music that she's borrowed from the library. She takes it gingerly before looking at it -- and she looks up at the taller being with a tentative smile.]

Do you like music -- ? Is that what you want to keep hear --

[And the feed shuts off as she hurries to pick up the rest of her things.]

Comments

[somethingspecial]

Then give me ten minutes and I will give you the performance of a lifetime.

[Without waiting for a response, Rachel shuts off the feed. But in ten minutes, she is in an empty room -- a performance studio, in Freyr, and she is setting up a stereo. The instrumental for the song begins and Rachel straightens instantly, her posture perfect, before she sings.

Due to her power, the emotion is even more powerful than it usually is. Desperation, sadness, determination, grief, the most crippling love -- wavering in and out, as her power is not strong yet, but when Rachel sings, it's with every single fiber of her being. And it shows.]

[madamemoiselle]

[And for once in Asgard, Diva actually has her opinion completely changed. She had expected the sort of pop idols that were just not to her taste, but Diva can immediately recognize the talent. She's mesmerized and even shivers at that last, powerful note. Once Rachel finishes, Diva breaks into enthusiastic applause, smiling brightly]

Oh my, that was amazing! See, and I've been trying to say, that's what music should sound more like, but no one ever sings like that.

[Her smile calms just a little] And you use Freyr's power really well too. Hey, when it gets stronger, I want to hear you sing again, since I bet you'd make really lovely illusions with it.

[somethingspecial]

[The instant Diva speaks, Rachel's shoulder relaxes abruptly, with a bright sunny smile as she wipes away her tears.]

I live and breathe for music.

[It's said honestly.]

But what do you mean, illusions?

[coloratura]

[She laughs] Well, I can't quite say that much, I don't think, but music, singing is really important to me too.

[To say the least. It was the one happy thing she had while she was locked in the tower, passing away endless hours by teaching herself music from birdsong, of all things. And really, since Diva is able to accept someone else as being talented, it's really nice to share in that joy.]

Ah, but the illusions, that's what happens when your power gets stronger. You get to make illusions with your voice, like you're painting a picture, except it's really realistic. Coming up with all the detail can be hard, but once you practice it enough, it gets to be pretty easy.

[somethingspecial]

Is that the power that you have?

[Somewhat eagerly. Meeting other talented people is a joy in and of itself -- it's the understanding that comes in music, that comes in passion. She doesn't often meet other people who truly get it the way she does.]

Could you show me?

[madamemoiselle]

Sure!

[She nods, then looks like she's peering over Rachel's shoulder] That's Draupnir, right? I could meet you in person there, but it works over the network too, but I don't think it works quite as well.

[somethingspecial]

[Rachel adjusts the camera slightly, to show her.]

I think so... I'm still sort of new here, I'm still learning my surroundings -- but if you'd like to meet me here, I wouldn't mind.

[New friends are exciting things.]

--> action

[madamemoiselle]

I'm pretty sure it is! I think I've even used that studio before, but it shouldn't be hard to find anyways. [She shrugs] So I'll be there in like ten minutes, alright?

[But she doesn't really wait for an answer, turning off the video to walk over. True to her word, it takes about ten minutes for Diva to get there, and to find the studio, since luckily the front desk said it was the only one in use. Easier than expected!] Hello...?

action

[somethingspecial]

[Rachel immediately turns to face Diva, with a bright smile -- and she smooths out her dress to step forward, extending her hand in greeting.]

Hello!

[madamemoiselle]

[Her smile brightens once she's addressed, and Diva takes her hand delicately to shake. Her hands are quite delicate, like she hasn't seen a hard day's work in her life. Which. Well.]

I realized on my way over that I forgot to introduce myself. [She laughs a little] My name is Diva.