Private Lake Horatio Kokoro no uta (Song of the Heart)

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume's Song​

Yume sat with her feet hanging over one of the lower walkways of the small village of Oflainn. She was careful not to block the walkway itself, sitting as close to the edge as she could possible get without any danger of falling off. She'd rested her arms against the railing, letting her face rest atop them as she stared out at the melting snow in the fields beyond.

The view was peaceful, which after her encounter she didn't mind in the slightest - a break away from the dangers of the world around her. Not that she entirely minded those dangers - but she certainly preferred this over the constant fighting and bickering that came with a world in turmoil.

So, life is wonder; It's precious time for us, ah! Yes, I'm so happy, Shiny!

She hummed to herself as she let her legs flow back and forth in the air beneath her, the song coming to mind from a show she had watched once, not so long ago. A brief flash of a mountain, similar to one she had visited herself once, before she was pulled back to the alternate reality that was Oflainn. Casually, she continued her song, content just to sit and relax for the time being - away from the world, away from any obligations, away from anything pressing.

It's nice to just...get away, sometimes She smiled at the thought, before continuing her rhythm, parts of the song little more than a humming sound escaping her throat, and other parts coming out as the lyrics themselves - content just to enjoy the sound she was making.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird wished she had found Oflainn sooner. The world of Terrasphere was already quite fantastic, especially compared to reality.

But Oflainn was something straight out of a fairy tale. The towering tree alone was remarkable, but the village built within its branches was beyond anything she could have dreamed of. Arcia was her paradise... but she could see Oflainn becoming her home. And in the aftermath of Finweald's destruction and the growing tide of Landers escaping to the east, a new home might be necessary.

Her whistle followed her as she flitted from path to path, simply enjoying the feeling of flight and freedom. Perhaps I should bring Ruby here, she thought, then paused. A song carried through the air, unfamiliar and cheerful. She tilted her head, triangulating its source before resuming her travel, this time in the direction of the song.

Her claws clicked softly as she landed on the walkway, not far from the woman singing to herself. She waited for a pause before she approached with a smile, her footsteps tapping out a friendly pattern.

"Hello! I liked your singing.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The sound of steps along the walkway, followed by an almost friendly sounding voice caused Yume's head to turn towards the newcomer. Her eyes lit up in response to the commentary, and she had already answered before she realised that the other individual was different.

Oh...Arigatō! I don't do a lot of singing, but...it just felt right.

She paused for a second, realising that she wasn't in the position to do her usual greeting, before deciding to meet her traditions halfway. Giving a slight bow of her head, she introduced herself with a friendly tone - as if greeting someone she'd been looking forward to meeting.

Kyō wa! It's a pleasure to meet you, I'm MayoYume...but you may just call me Yume.

She held the other's gaze as she waited for a response, deciding it best to remain quiet while she waited. There were many questions she wanted to ask - including what the other individual was, but figured it was best to get the pleasantries out of the way before becoming too formal.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird returned the nod with her own, wings fluttering as she decided to take a seat next to Yume. She stretched her back and let her legs swing. "My name is Bluebird. It is good to meet you, Yume!"

It was a lovely view. In reality, Bluebird didn't care for high places, but Terrasphere gave her wings, and so nothing stood between her and enjoying the open air. "A place like this would put a song in my heart, too."

And as if to demonstrated, Bluebird whistled a short melody, echoing the song Yume had just finished. The wind shifted in response, rustling the leaves around them with a gentle breeze. She felt no need to try and calm any emotions, but she still let suggestions of friendliness wind through her brief melody.

"It is good to sing, here. Song has a power all its own." She smiled towards Yume with a title of her head. "You seem to have some skill. Perhaps you should consider singing more!"

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume cocked her head to the side slightly as the newcomer - Bluebird, she'd introduced herself as - spoke about the effect of song and heart. For a brief second, she remained silent as the other spoke their mind about song and its effects on the world around them, before Yume felt the excitement rising in her.

Oh...! I don't sing too often. I actually play guitar in - err...in my spare time. I guess...music just comes to me, somehow...and...

She faltered as she realised she'd almost mentioned the real world, without even knowing if this person was a player like herself, or one of the locals - a Lander, as she'd heard them called. Shaking off her own confusion, she redoubled on her excitement and continued.

I did hear that there was...Ongaku no chikara, from some others. I figured they were just being Gekiteki, but...you make it sound like there is actual power behind it?

Perhaps it was the casual way that the winged woman had stated it, but Yume felt like she was being sincere when she'd mentioned the capabilities behind singing - that, and the display they had showed made Yume think that there was something she wasn't necessarily seeing, so to speak. Her curiosity peaked, she wanted to know what the other had to show - what secrets the world here still held from her.

Is it...like some sort of magic, or something?

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird nodded. "It is, yes! It is called Harmonic Magic."

She hopped onto her feet with a rustling of feathers, before stepping back from Yume and the edge with a twirl. "You can stir the heart with a song, or lead your allies into battle with a rallying cry. You can even manipulate other schools of magic with song."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. After a moment, she let a gentle, wordless melody fill the air.As the song continued, Yume would feel a bracing warmth, soothing away any minor pains she might have been feeling.

Soon, Bluebird ran out of breath, and she let the song end. She clasped her hands behind her back. "That was only a healing spell, but there is so much more you can do! You need only know the proper rhythm."

Things one could do like harm, or manipulation - but she didn't need to share that. She didn't need anyone else looking at her with fear.

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume felt the warmth spread over her, a feeling of comfort - something that she aligned to the feeling of someone embracing her. Overall, the feeling was pleasant, enjoyable. Something that made her feel almost...safe.

That is Subarashī. Harmonic Magic, you said? How...how does one learn to manipulate such abilities?

Her interest was piqued, and in the moment she wanted nothing more than to spend the rest of her day learning from the other - but she also knew that everyone had their own errands, their own requirements. It would be rude to assume that someone else was capable, or willing, to simply spend their time teaching her something that may take hours, or days, just to get the basics figured out.

If you do not have time, I understand...but I would love to learn to manipulate the winds of the air with the sounds of the sky...

A thought occurred to her, then. Pausing to arrange her question appropriately in her mind, she eventually asked what had come to her mind - her tone full of excitement at the prospect.

Is this limited to only the...singing? Or can one use instruments, to implement the magic? Like...a stringed instrument?

She wasn't even sure what instruments were in this world - thus far she'd seen none, although that didn't mean that there was nothing to be found. Still, she didn't want to mention something that did not exist at all, and was careful to word what she was looking for to something more generic.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird tilted her head thoughtfully as she sat back down next to Yume. "Well, I simply... knew it, when I first came to this world. After that it has simply been... practice, and experimentation, I suppose. It is hard to put into words."

How did one explain the feeling of magic, the way it flowed through the air or crept through her veins? She felt as helpless to describe it as someone would feel explaining color to a blind man.

"But I can tell you that magic, even Harmonic magic, is not merely singing." She continued to swing her legs, enjoying the feeling of nothing beneath her feet. "My friend Ruby, she uses the power of dance. I saw another who wrote her words in the air and made them reality. And there was a man who bore a banner at the forefront and led with declarations of hope."

The memory of that battlefield made her briefly pause. She coughed softly into her hand, feeling that terrifying itch in her throat once more, but the feeling passed. "An instrument would be just as effective, I think!"

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The excitement of it all washed over Yume, and she missed the discomfort of the other as they mentioned someone holding a banner and leading declarations. She was already considering the implications, and her feet swung faster at the thoughts rushing through her head.

You...wouldn't happen to know somewhere that sells instruments? Specifically a gitā?

She doubted she'd find anything like her bass in this world, but perhaps she'd be able to find something similar in design. She was already beginning to pull herself back onto the main walkway, preparing to stand and rush off at the first instance of consideration, her body vibrating as she realised that she'd be able to transfer more than just her enjoyments to the world here.

Maybe I can...find a way to start using...Hāmonīmajikku. A way to bring joy to the world through music! That would be wonderful!

She was beaming as she knelt on the walkway, her eyes near sparkling as she thought about hosting concerts in town squares, pulling people in with the sound of her guitar in an effort to bring a little bit of joy to the world.

This is so exciting! I never would have thought I could use music, in this world! To iu no wa, I know there's music, but magical music! That's...

She stopped as she realised that she had rushed to her feet without properly thanking the other for all they had done so far. Giving a keirei bow, like she had been taught to do, she verbalised her thankfulness to the other.

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu. I appreciate the wisdom you have given me already. Would you mind...giving me a bit more wisdom? And help!

She waited for a response, hoping that the other would lead her to a musical shop, assuming one was nearby. She was certain there must be something, but her familiarity with the area was...wanting, to say the least.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird nodded. "I do not know where such stores may be here in this city, as I have only recently arrived." She tapped her cheek with one finger thoughtfully. "But there were many such places in Finweald, will all kinds of instruments. I'm sure we can find someone selling a... guitar, you said?"

She stood up and stretched, wings fluttering in kind. "I'm sure that if we ask around, we will find someone who can point us in the right direction. People seem kind here, so long as you are kind in return."

It was a relief, really. She had endured quite a few harsh glares lately.

"There was a shopping district near the tree's trunk. It seemed quite busy. It would be as good a place to start as any!" Bluebird offered Yume a hand, a soft smile on her face. "I can get us there swiftly, if you are comfortable!"

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She'd taken a good three steps before she realised the offer that the other had made, and Yume turned back with a curious glance. She wasn't entirely sure what the girl had in mind, but she figured that it likely couldn't be anything too extreme.

Hai! I had noticed how kind every one here seemed to be! It was rather...welcoming, really! Far different than some of the larger cities, that this world has to offer.

She'd spoken before she thought, and quickly rushed to add to her original statement, not wanting to upset anyone whom may have come from a large city such as she'd mentioned.

Tsumari...it's just not as busy, and rushed and...more relaxed! The big cities have their own...appeal, but...Watashi wa chīsana basho ga sukidesu.

She gave a half shrug, before accepting the offered hand, slowly realising that she was holding them up as she tried to explain herself - likely needlessly.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird briefly bit her lip.

"...It was not always that way. But recent events have turned many of the people in this land... sour, towards Travelers."

She shook her head, the dark look on her face quickly wiped away. "However, it appears that Astorea performed an act of great kindness towards the people that call this tree home, and so we are still welcome.

Bluebird took Yume's hand, and gripped it firmly. Her free hand began to tap out a tempo. She turned towards Yume with a smile.

"Hold on tight! I will not let you fall!

She took a deep breath, and began her whistle. The wind picked up around the two of them, sparkling with traces of starlight. She led Yume towards the edge of the bridge, spread her wings, and leaped into the air, Yume's hand in hers.

Bluebird's song bent wind and gravity both to her will. It was far from true flight - more long leaps from walkway to walkway, but it was something that no one would ever experience in reality. All the time Bluebird's whistle continued, pausing only a moment for breath between leaps.

Before long they had reached a denser part of the city, closer to the markets. Bluebird finally stopped her whistling, settling on a wide platform. A few people stared curiously at the both of them, but the dramatics of the Starcalled seemed par for the course, here.

"See? A song can do more than lift your spirits in this world."

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Flight. Or at least, something close to flight. A long, leaping, weightlessness that stretched between walkways. It felt as close to flight as Yume had ever been, outside of an actual aircraft. Their final touchdown on the walkway was met only with a few glances their way, before normalcy returned to the world.

That was...Ekisaitingu. I don't think I've ever experienced anything like that before.

Her grin spoke to her truest feelings, the joy escaping onto her face as she glanced at Bluebird. The warping of magical energies - she knew that much had occurred - still left her amazed, but also interested. Interested in how else magic could effect this world, the good it could do.

Yoshi! Let's find that music store...there has to be one around here, right? Sumimasen!

She pulled aside the first individual she could spot, politely introducing herself - albeit to weird, uncertain stares - before managing to obtain directions to what appeared to be the locals version of an instrument shop. Thankfully, not horribly far from where Bluebird had brought them.

Leading the girl by the hand, Yume half-dragged Bluebird along the walkway towards a smaller building, the interior brightly lit by a large pane of glass that provided sight into the interior. Yume paused to see a collection of wooden creations on display, everything from what appeared to be shinpads, right up to tables.

Oh...a Daiku!

Dragging Bluebird behind her, Yume pulled the door open and slid into the shop, glancing around more thoroughly before finding what she was looking for - or at least, somewhat of what she was looking for. A shelf filled with stringed instruments; ranging from violins of a length barely her own forearm, to harps that stood taller than herself.

Her eyes glazed over it for a while, before noticing on piece that stood out from the rest. Unlike the other bowed instruments, Yume could find no playing piece laying nearby, the instrument set aside by itself in a manner similar to the lutes she'd seen earlier.

That's weird...where's the playing bow...?

From beside, her a voice spoke up, startling the blonde as she glanced at the now-close Elf that had somehow crept up on her without warning. "Ah, you do not require a...'playing bow', for this piece. It is played with the fingers, like so..."

Yume watched in wonder as the Elf strummed a few of the cords, reminding her of her own talents in the real world. Her words were shouted out in excitement, before she managed to calm herself.

I'll take it!

Moments later, a surprised Yladian calmed, and a happy Yume, she turned to Bluebird with her instrument in hand, thinking carefully.

I need a name for it...

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

"It is wonderful, is it not? I never grow tired of it."

She was a little breathless after the flight. Such long leaps were draining, and she'd done so much today already. But it was worth it to share that joy with another. It was important to show people there was more to this world than fighting.

Perhaps then people would stop seeing it as a prison needing to be escaped.

She was happy to let Yume take the lead as she sought out an instrument shop. It meant Bluebird could focus on the subtle plucking of emotions to ensure people were a little friendlier, a little more patient. She snuffed out those uncertain stares and thoughts before they could bloom into something worse.

"A daiku?" Bluebird murmured, unable to parse the word as Yume led her into the little store. The number of instruments here were astounding, and she stood back as Yume wandered the shop. It wasn't long before the two were back out on the street.

"You wish to give it a name?" Bluebird looked between the instrument and Yume, head titled and wings folded back. "I've never heard of giving an instrument a name, but..."

She shook her head. Clearly, it meant something to Yume to do so. She tapped the side of her face in thought. "It would be wrong for me to name it for you. Perhaps you should give it a name to match the wishes you wish to fulfill with it?"

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

Yume settled back against her heels, holding the instrument out at arms length as she considered what to name the piece. She answered the unspoken question without real attention, the words tumbling out of her mouth as she considered what to name it.

Perhaps...it is just a concept where I'm from. But it is considered luck to name something that is precious to you...or that you think will become precious to you...so that it may be closer to your heart, and incur your dreams to reality...

She smiled as the name settled into her mind, almost obvious now that she realised what she wanted to call it. It was an amalgamation of words, truly. Nothing idealistic - and certainly not something that was easy to pronounce, but something that she felt would inspire what she was hoping to obtain with the instrument.

Dorīmuburingā...Dorī for short. Something that will bring the dreams into reality, to release the joy of the heart into the air, and the world...

She glanced at Bluebird, waiting to see what the other would think of it. She liked the name herself, but knew that others opinions were important - if only because she planned on incorporating it into her image, and didn't want to appear inconsiderate.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird took a moment to mouth the name, putting the shape of it together in her mind. "Dream Bringer... it is a lovely name for sure." She smiled, wings fluttering as the wind shifted around her. "I hope it lets you bring many dreams into this world."

She fell silent for a moment, head tilting slightly as she listened to the rhythm of the world. Then her smile grew wider. Bluebird clasped her hands in front of her, leaning forward.

"In fact... maybe now is a good time to start. Yume, won't you play us a song?" She looked towards the people passing the shop, many barely bothering to glance their way. "If not for me, then for the kind person who helped you find your Dream Bringer. You should show the world both of your crafts."

She looked back to Yume, and leaned forward. "I will even sing with you, if you will allow it. You won't be alone."

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

She considered her options for a while, trying to figure out what would be a good duet song for the two of them. There were many that came to mind, and many that Yume wanted to sing just out of the inspiration of her heart. What held her up, was the consideration of something that the other could sing - likely someone not fluent in her own, native tongue - as well as something that would be fitting for the occasion.

Actually...I think I may have just the thing...

She closed her eyes, letting her mind fill with the song before beginning to hum the tune ever so softly. The melody starting out slow and soft as she strummed the new instrument, enjoying the feel of it in her hands. While it's shape was different, it still felt almost familiar. Right, somehow.

I can't do anything without you...I want to eat your rice...if you come back...I'll hug you with a big smile!

A soft smile touched her lips as she continued, focusing on that feeling inside her that was slowly growing, slowly expanding outwards. In many ways, it felt similar and yet entirely different to how her Astramancy worked. There was a power behind the words, behind the very melody on the air, that she could somehow feel.

She focused on putting an edge of her own joy into it, trying to form the music into pure happiness. An attempt to manipulate the very emotions around her, in order to bring a measure of peace and joy to those who were within range of the song.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

Bluebird let her head bob along with with Yume's playing as she let her own magic reach out, dipping into the strands of emotion and fate surrounding the young woman. It was interesting to find someone with abilities mirroring her own after this long.

As the lyrics began, Bluebird began to follow along - first with simple humming, but soon finding the words and emotions Yume wanted within the fabric she was weaving. She kept her own emotions from the song, instead letting her magic buoy Yume's own, and carefully pruning away any of the doubts and worries she might accidentally let slip.

Yume would learn how to do that on her own in time. But right now she needed encouragement and guidance, just as a plant needed shaping to bloom. Bluebird began to echo Yume's words with a harmony to support the song, the words plucked from the strands of fate.

"I always thought that having you by my side was just something ordinary... I thought that days like these would continue on forever and ever..."

'...what a lovely song to be her first.'

By the time the song ended, they'd gathered a small crowd of interested onlookers. They clapped politely, and Bluebird gently pushed Yume forward with a smile. "Go on and greet them. They came here for you."

@MayoYume

 

[MayoYume]

140 / 140

Astramancy

The duet turned graceful, in Yume's perception. Bluebird joined in slowly, first a small humming to obtain the correlating rhythm, followed by a slow joining of the lyrics themselves. Yume smiled as Bluebird joined in, a feeling washing over her which she realised - rather delayed - that it was the effects of Bluebird's own magical abilities warping with her own.

The song had come to an end before Yume was even aware that they'd already made it so far through, her eyes going wide as she suddenly noticed the crowd - at Bluebird's considerate acknowledgement - that had gathered before them. Soft clapping met her ears, and she found herself mumbling a thanks, before bowing deeply to those gathered around them.

Nantekotta. There's so many people. Uhm...

Straightening, she turned her attention towards the woman beside her, before bowing even deeper, her hands clasped to her side as she gave her thanks to the one who had introduced her to the capabilities.

Dōmo arigatōgozaimasu, Bluebird-sensei. I could not have done this without your guidance, and skilled teaching. Thank you, again.

She straightened before flashing a smile at the other woman, her expression full of wonder and gratefulness. She was truly thankful for the assistance that the other had given her.

If you would not be against it...I would love to come together for another...performance. Once I've practised a bit, of course.

---

@Bluebird​

 

[Bluebird]

There was a different sort of happiness in seeing someone else receiving the honor they deserved. She had spent too long in that spotlight herself.

"I was happy to help. It would be a shame if you never knew what power your words can work in this world."

She returned Yume's bow with a curtsy and a smile. "I would love to perform with you again. You play well, and it would be a shame to stay solo." She folded her hands behind her back, rocking slightly on her talons. "I have another friend who dances... oh, right!"

Bluebird made a hand motion, one familiar to any players and Landers who spent time around players. "You are Starcalled too, are you not? Would you like to become friends? That way, we can more easily meet up again!"

A few tapping motions. A moment of thought before she hen-pecked in the name '@MayoYume'. And then...

Notice

Bluebird sent you a friend request!