18th Sending [Commentlog]

[thequeensown]

[Talia has a tray of food balanced carefully in her arms as she makes her way to Aht's room. She's been making a point of keeping a close eye on she and Kevas' adopted daughter since the dog debacle and today is no different.

She reaches the girls' door and gently taps on it.]

Aht, sweetling... It's Talia... may I come in?




[OOC: Let's get some proper CR for these two going!!!!]

Comments

[lucky_breath]

[Aht is still coping with the loss of her leg. She has withdrawn into herself to the point that it has become a bit worrying. Aht knows this, and is trying to climb her way out. But it's hard. And it's easier to just...give up.

Having Kevas helps. Talia too. Sometimes. Maybe.

When she hears the knock at the door, she sits up and maneuvers herself to her bed's edge.]

Come in.

[thequeensown]

[At the softly spoken answer, I open the door and step inside, tray balanced easily in one arm as I navigate the door.]

Hello, Aht...

[I give the girl a soft smile, opening my empathy and offering a gentle blanket of comfort and warmth. I do not press the emotions on the girl, allowing her to accept them of decline at her own choice.]

I brought you something to eat.

[I set the tray down on the small table we've moved closer to the bed for her.]

And I thought you might like it if I played for you a bit... I'm nowhere near as good as you are on your pipes, though.

[There is a lute secured to my back, visible now as I turn from setting the tray down.]

[The tray has a fairly good assortment of food on it, from bread and cheese to fruit. There is a decanter with watered down, spiced wine and some plain water, should Aht prefer that. Indeed, Talia has quite the group of options for her.]

[lucky_breath]

Oh. Thank you.

[It's said without enthusiasm. But not without gratefulness. She would've eventually pulled herself into her wheelchair and maybe have rolled her way to the kitchens sooner or later to get something to eat. But now she doesn't have to.

She looks at the tray carefully, before selecting a piece of fruit and nibbling it gently. But eyes the lute strapped to her notMom's back. It's been a while since she's heard music. Her own flute laid untouched her bed. Maybe this'll do her some good.]

Okay.

[There's a ghost of a smile.]

[thequeensown]

[Talia nods lightly, taking a seat on the edge of Aht's bed. When the girl shifts a bit and actually eats some of the fruit. Even if it's just a little right now, it's better than nothing.

When she agrees to let Talia play a little for her, the Herald smiles far warmer.]

I don't do this nearly often enough, so bear with me, mm?

[She pulls the lute free and after a brief check to make certain it's fully tuned, begins to play. It's a silly song about sheep, but it's one she's grown up with and knows well.

Her voice isn't bardic trained, but there is latent talent there. If she'd have gone to bardic rather than Heraldic, she might be someplace entirely different now.]



[]

[lucky_breath]

[Aht's smile grows as she listens. It's her first real smile in a long time. The song may be silly, but it is putting her in a better spirits. Before she knows it, she's finished her piece of fruit and reaches for another.]

That's a funny song.

[She's still smiling.]

[thequeensown]

[Talia loves seeing that smile reappear on Aht's face and even more she loves seeing that it is genuine and happy. The girl is too full of life to bear such sadness and the empath is not one to allow it to be so.]

It's a song from my home... I grew up on a Hold, a place where we worked hard and our destinies were set before us. I didn't stay there, much to the chagrin of my elders. I was Chosen by Roland and taken away to the Heralds Collegium at the capital.

He changed my life.

[All the while she is strumming gently on the lute, a soft melody always flowing; and with it her empathy, threading calm and love into the music as she plays.]

There is one that has been sung about me, actually... it is a bit harsh to have the reminder held in the song of bards, but I think the reminder is also good. It keeps me from making the same mistake again.

[And she begins to sing again, this time a song about her own past.]

[lucky_breath]

[Aht has polished off a bit more of the fruit which is a good sign! At least she's eating something. And by the time Talia finishes singing, the smile is much more tangible. This was nice. She liked this. And was beginning to realize how much she's missed playing music.]

Would you teach me that song?

[thequeensown]

[Talia notices that the young satyros seems to be eating a bit more, but rather than drawing attention that might stop her from eating, she just casually continues playing and singing.

She is strumming the chords or yet another song when Aht asks her if she will teach her the last. A soft smile touches the Herald's lips and she inclines her head ever so slightly.]

It would be my pleasure, Aht... would you prefer to learn on your pipes or would you like me to teach you the lute?

[lucky_breath]

I would like to learn the lute.

[She looks at the stringed instrument with interest. She's seen her uncle play one before. It makes a nice sound.]

[thequeensown]

[Talia's smile brightens all the more, happy to see the child so involved in a conversation again.]

I thought you might... well, hoped... I think this will help, then. [Talia reaches behind her back, pulling round a second lute that she had secured there. Surprise, Aht!!

She extends the instrument to the young satyros.]

This one should be small enough for you to comfortable finger and strum.

[lucky_breath]

[Oh wow would you look at that smile. The girl is practically radiant.]

For me?

[thequeensown]

[That smile alone is enough to have made this all worthwhile. It's the first time she's seen such genuine happiness in the girl since she was wounded.

Giving a slight nod, Talia smiles warmly at Aht.]

For you, loveling.