Prescribed Recreation part 3: Chillax'n with a Vengeance

[fleurdesel]

Who: House 44, House 46, House 3, Saori, Steve Rogers, and whoever wanders in
What: Movie night on the beach
When: September 9th, in the evening
Where: The Beach
Summary: After an unfortunate tussle with a Chaos God, work on a farm, a swarm of refugees and stress piled upon stress, sometimes all anyone wants is to sit back and watch classic movies.
Rating: PG for possible adult language
Something that everyone could agree on was this: the past three weeks had been several shades of stressful. What they needed, what they all needed was something mindless and relaxing shared in the company of those they care for in a neutral environment. The beach works well enough, and it's not that far a trip for anyone involved.

Comments

[averybadfeeling]

[It isn't long before the movie is to start, but before it does, Obi-Wan approaches the woman with the instruments. He had thought the idea odd, but looking at her, here, now, he can believe there is something... more, beneath that harmless exterior. Even if it is something he cannot precisely sense.

The playing, at least, was exceptional.]

"Hello, there."

[windandrain]

[Saori looks up at the newcomer with a cheerful smile, setting down her instrument. Hige-san. Adele's romantic interest.]

Good evening.

[averybadfeeling]

"You play beautifully. I could not help admiring it earlier."

[... And then he gets to the significant part.]

"I don't believe I have ever thanked you."

[windandrain]

I appreciate your praise.

[She raises an eye]

Thanked me for what?

[averybadfeeling]

"Your intervention in the matter of Apep. It was you who bound him again, was it not?"

[windandrain]

Ah, yes. It was my doing.

[She nods confidently. She'd do it again in a heartbeat]

Though I don't believe we've met.

[averybadfeeling]

"Indeed not. Obi-Wan Kenobi." [He offers a small bow.] "It is an honor to make your acquaintance."

[windandrain]

Its nice to meet you, Obi-Wan. I am Saori Kimura. [She bows her head gently]

You don't need to thank me. I was only doing my duty.

[averybadfeeling]

"Perhaps. Still, enough people have thanked me for simply doing my duty that it only seems fair to do the same."

[He seems a bit more serious for a moment.]

"Besides, Apep hurt somebody I... care about."

[He knows it's foolish, but he can't help but admit there is truth to it. He was far too invested in Adele's well-being.]

"Had you not acted when you did, he may have done worse. To her or others."

[windandrain]

[Saori nods quietly]

You are very welcome, Obi-Wan. I

[She knows the scoop here, don't you worry]

If he returns, he'll die. Don't worry. I sealed him tightly, and if he does make it out again, I've placed traps within my seals.

[averybadfeeling]

"And there is no way to fully remove his presence from Helios?"

[He glances at the somewhat jittery mage as he speaks.]

"It is a rather heavy burden for him to bear."

[windandrain]

Not without killing him. Apep has wound himself tightly into Helios' soul.

[She shares his glance, her voice low and sad.]

Tis more than any mortal should have to bear. I...wish there was a way.

[averybadfeeling]

"I would consider it preferable to losing his life. I understand."

[He doesn't like it, but, well, Jedi are trained to deal with things they don't like.]

"Still, he is sealed away now. So he should trouble Helios, and us, no longer. For that, I am grateful."

[windandrain]

I would as well.

[She shrugs and gestures to a mat on the sand]

Sit, join me, and I will play for you once more.

[averybadfeeling]

"Very well. I believe I would enjoy that."

[He flashes her a grin and sits on the mat.]

[windandrain]

[When he sits, she begins tapping her foot and begins a much more upbeat, fast-paced song, her fingers flying as she plays.]

[averybadfeeling]

[Obi-Wan quietly and patiently admires the playing, and when she finishes he offers a small applause, but his smile is quite genuine.]

"You have remarkable mastery of that instrument. I can scarcely imagine the time it must take."

[windandrain]

[She smiles back, warm and open]

Centuries.

[Setting down the shamisen Saori takes a seat facing him]

Do you play anything, Obi-Wan?

[averybadfeeling]

"I've never had the time to cultivate skill with an instrument, I'm afraid. Most of my free time has been spent in meditation, and the cultivation of emotional control. Seeking inner peace, I suppose."

[windandrain]

And why do you want that so badly? Life is short, you should take time to leave something beautiful behind, like music or art. You aren't too old to learn, either.

[averybadfeeling]

"It is the calling of all members of my order... at least in my time. There are some who pursue hobbies outside of their duties to the Order. I have simply never been one of them."

[He considers it for a moment.]

"Perhaps it might serve me well to take up a less physically and mentally demanding hobby."

[windandrain]

In that case, may I see your hands?

[averybadfeeling]

[... Well, that was a new one.

Still, he offers them to her, palms up.]

[windandrain]

[She takes them gently, tracing her fingers up and down, feeling the bones.]

Strong hands, with a long lifeline. But you've got the dexterity for it. Yes...I think so...

[averybadfeeling]

"You think... what, sorry?"