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

[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?"

[windandrain]

Music. You have the hands for it.

[She pulls back with a twinkle in her eye and a teasing smirk]

[averybadfeeling]

"... I see."

[... This conversation took an odd turn somewhere and he isn't altogether certain where.]

"Perhaps I should try to find an instrument, then."

[windandrain]

[It always does with her. But its alright, she likes you.]

I have just the thing, Hige-san. A koto I crafted in a fit of boredom when I first arrived. You'll make a fine player given time.

[averybadfeeling]

"I'm afraid I'm unfamiliar with the instrument."

[Wait. What had she called him?]

[windandrain]

A zither, like a harp, Hige-san. It's an instrument associated with enlightenment, and inner peace.

[averybadfeeling]

"... I'm afraid I'll simply have to do research... our instruments in my home are rather unlike your own."

[Harp indicated strings, however, that much he did know. And it fit with her mention of his manual dexterity.]

"... And if I might ask, why do you keep referring to me as 'Hige-san?'

[windandrain]

Don't worry, the wind will bring it to your doorstep tomorrow. You can join Del-chan for her lessons.

[A wicked, wicked grin]

Beardy.