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 Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 4:20 pm
// Nadyris & Amadeo + Odell
// Early afternoon. Moderately sunny but pleasant.
// Odell's Place
--
This was the most miserable day of Amadeo's existence.
It didn't seem at all fair to the dust-child, that the deal struck betwixt guardian and boy had to be honored instantaneously. The blond lad had watched with wide-eyed interest as the mercenary had gone about his morning routine, a well-developed blend of martial arts and day-to-day exercises. Wheedling his way into lessons in hand to hand combat, however, had come with a price. Nadyris wanted his pseudo-offspring to train more than just his body, even at such a young age. The man had often wished that he'd been taught music as a youth, and he would not see Amadeo grow to adulthood with the same regrets.
So despite growled protests from the tousled blond, here they were.
The twosome had passed the park a thousand times, and that was one of the places wherein Nadyris had seen advertisements posted for violin lessons. Currently clutched in Amadeo's sulky fingers was the handle of a sturdy instrument case, inside it a well-strung violin of moderate value, one of the prizes that the mercenary had kept from past endeavors. So though he knew not at all how to play it, he did admire it as an art piece, and had kept it well-maintained throughout his travels. Now there was a use for it, and it had been dusted off and tuned for the occasion.
Approaching the address, which had been hastily scrawled on a scrap of paper by Nadyris, Amadeo was rather blatantly dragging his heels, unhappy to be here, unhappy with the crisp button-up shirt he'd been wrangled into, and even more displeased that he couldn't get away with an 'accident' concerning the conveniently wooden violin he was carrying. It hadn't been given to the dust, after all, it was on loan from his guardian, and should some tragedy befall the instrument, then Amadeo could kiss his martial arts tutoring goodbye.
Lips thinned into the most sullen of lines, he stood in front of the door to Odell's studio, watching as his guardian adjusted pine-green hair, self-consciously positioning the eyepatch that hid his one useless, violet orb. Heh. Even Nadyris was nervous about meeting this fellow. Apparently violin players had class, and even the hardened mercenary respected musicians. Bah. Amadeo was fairly sure this fellow was just going to be some annoying fop. Nadyris seemed to bump into people like that as a constant.
Nadyris rapped on the door lightly, and Amadeo's knuckles whitened around the handle of his violin case. "Do behave..." Muttered the guardian, all but crossing his fingers and praying that his fiery charge wouldn't singe something.
Oh yes. This was going to go splendidly.
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Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 4:52 pm
Odell himself had been a little nervous about accepting a student from a man with such a.....unique background. But a background check had proven the man was not overly violent and generally seemed to care about the young waif he called his child. The blue haired man walked over to a small stand where he planned to start his pupil off with simple note learning and posture when holding a violin. Then he heard the knock. He opened the door, his face soft and grey eyes gentle looking. "Good afternoon. You must be Nadyris and Amadeo. Please come in," he said in the smoothest of voices. Odell often left young girls and even older women in a blush with his voice, many wondering why he didn't sing as well as play. But the man hardly wished to trust something he had no real caretaking abilities over. At least if a string broke he could replace it. The tall man let them in and gazed down at the blonde boy. He looked ever so happy to be here. Most kids weren't, those that were usually came from rich familes who could afford a private tutor. Odell offered lessons to less affluent families, he himself had come from a modest farming family. Music was in everyone's hearts no matter what their social class. The studio was all hard wood floors, dark wood that gave it a warm feeling even in the cool weather. A roaring fire was in a stone fireplace and oil lamps shone all around. Well lets see how well the boy showed interest in the sounds. "Well Amadeo I will tell you this will not be easy to learn. The violin takes a great deal of practice but it is rewarding," he picked up his own well crafted violin and placed it to his chin, "We are not all foppy tightwads." He grinned a bit before sliding the bow across the strings. The violin sang beautifully as the man played a well known tune that only lasted a minute. Then he looked at the boy. "Most boys give up because it's far too hard for them. It also makes your arms strong and supple for fast, quick movements," he demonstrated that with a sudden flurry of sound. It didn't sound hurried, out of tune, or even bad. It sounded beautiful; his hands, arms, and fingers flying over the instrument. Finally Odell took the violin off his shoulder and chin to look at Amadeo. "So, think you have what it takes? Or is this too difficult for you?"
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 7:56 am
Nadyris raised brows at the man's straight-forward attitude, one coupled with his seemingly effortless grace. Impressive, and precisely as eccentric as the mercenary suspected of a man of his talent and class. In fact, Amadeo's guardian had been concerned, at first, that Odell would not take the boy on as a pupil, though the sum to pay for the tutelage was little issue. High standards, this one, and his living arrangements, though beckoning, seemed to reflect the grey-eyed man well. Taking a slow breath in, some of the obvious rigidity slacked from his shoulders as the violinist began to play, the fluidity of the music easing Nadyris' posture. He truly had always been fond of the sensation of song, the flow of melody...and he would not have any son of his miss out on the opportunity to craft such strains. His good eye flitted to Amadeo, knowing the dust-child's reluctance, wondering if Odell could succeed where the scarred adventurer had failed.
The boy's hand had begun to ease its death-hold upon the case, looking betwixt it and the beautifully crafted musical device that his would-be teacher held....drawing from it seemingly effortless melody. However, Odell had spoken the magic words, uttered forth a challenge, and if there was one thing that should be known about Amadeo, it was that he never backed down, fear of failure a thing nonexistent in his childish heart. "I can do that. If you teach me...?" The first statement seemed far more sure than the second, the question asked dubiously, as though significantly more concerned about Odell's ability to teach him, than he was of his own capacity to learn. He had after all, rather enjoyed the notes that string and bow had crafted, and borne within him now, was a desire to emulate.
Nadyris' lips twisted delicately in amusement, knowing full well that Odell had just won the harder half of the battle. Presented with such a hurdle, his golden-haired charge would put forth all the effort that he could childishly muster, almost brazen in his acceptance of such provocation. Leaning back against the wall, the violet-eyed man watched as the violinist effortlessly steered Amadeo in the right direction, something that the boy would never have accepted from his 'papa'. Well, sometimes it just took the proper sort of nudge.
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Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 11:06 am
He had been correct in his assumption of the boy's personality. Willing to take any challenge set before him without hesitation. It would be a good trait if he were able to learn harder pieces. Ah but he was getting ahead of himself. Odell always researched his potential pupils a bit before accepting them. It helped him understand their needs, their influences outside the studio, and any difficulties that may arise. This boy was going to be a challenge, but Odell welcomed it; thinking perhaps he could be of good influence to Amedao.
"Well if you are quite sure then we will start with your lesson. But first allow me to examine your instrument," he held out a hand for the case. Once obtained he looked over the piece, a nicely crafted one and well kept. His own was a masterwork but he had worked hard to afford it. But the boy could be taught on his own. It would also allow him to practice on his own. He gave it a quick tune, finding only one string slightly out of tune. Ever the perfectionist he fixed it before handing it back to the blonde.
"Your first lesson will not involve music. I must first teach you the proper way to hold and play your instrument," he glanced at Nadyris then looked back to Amedao, "Much like a weapon you must know how to hold it or it is useless. Even in physical combat one must know how to stand less he be beaten. I will show your proper stance and hold first. Then we will adjust if need be."
He took Amedao over to the stand he had set up and showed him how to hold the instrument on his should and under his chin. He even demonstrated with his own violin how a good player could hold it still without even using his hands. Next he showed him how to place his fingers on the neck and how the angle he held his bow would affect the notes he could play. During this, if Amedao looked carefully, he could see small scars on Odell'S fingers. They looked like wire cuts.
"So, do you understand proper hold?"
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Posted: Sat Nov 10, 2012 1:55 pm
Handing over the violin to his new teacher, as apparently he wasn't going to be able to worm his way out of this one, Amadeo watched, golden eyes alight with curiosity, as the man deftly tweaked the instrument. He handled it the same way that Nadyris handled knives, with the skill and appreciation of a master. It proved a grand love and familiarity with his subject, something that both dust and guardian could appreciate. The boy could already see his papa's eye light up as he observed that self-same intimacy with his subject. A common ground, though the trades that Odell and Nadyris practiced could not be more different.
At the pale-haired man's announcement of today's lesson, Amadeo scrunched his nose up in mild displeasure, wondering just what the point of such a thing was, impatient to actually induct music into these sessions, after all, that's what he was here for, right? Though he vaguely remembered Nadyris' rant on martial art stances, and his childish thought process at least considered the similarities between such ideas. Sighing heavily, he curled fingers 'round the instrument, positioning his feet rather awkwardly.
"It's like a back-stance, Amadeo..." The mercenary murmured, trying not to interrupt the learning process, though admittedly the guardian was at least as inquisitive now, as was his charge.
The blond boy nodded, a very serious look creeping onto his features, and he almost instantly mimicked the stance of his teacher. The pads of his fingers delicately applied pressure to the strings, gauging their tension with an amateurish fascination. "I think so..." He murmured, all of his concentration focused into positioning the violin 'just so'. It wasn't a bad recreation of Odell's demonstration, and he nodded his chin ever so subtly, so as not to jostle the instrument cradled precariously between jaw and shoulder.
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Posted: Mon Nov 12, 2012 6:33 pm
"Very good, a proper stance. I teach you this stance as most solo players perform standing. Only group players take a seated position. Also it will help you maneuver your arm better in the beginning." the man nodded, saying nothing about Nadyris's comment. The parent obviously knew something that would help his child learn and Odell did not mind a bit of help. After all he did not know of the child's previous training or talents, so he would allow occational commentary from a parent so long as it did not interfere with the lesson.
"Now, next you must understand your instrument," he walked behind Amadeo so the boy could concentrate on his fingers. He placed one of his finger's on top of the one Amadeo was testing the string. "Each string can provide a different note. Though there are only four strings they can create a variety of sounds. Their length helps determine this, that is why they are tighted up here at different points." He moved his finger as he talked, pointing to the head of the violin.
"The closer you hold the string down, the higher the note will be. The farther you hold, the lowest. The more pressure you put on the string determines how long the note carries," he explained as well. Odell did not go into the fine details of the names of every part of the violin. He felt he would lose his young student if too much information was given. But a basic understanding how the music would be made was important.
"Your bow is just as important as your fingers. The harder you press the different the sound will be. Backwards or forwards, the sound will remain the same if your fingers do not move. That is the basics of the violin," he moved to stand back infront of Amadeo. "Do you understand so far? If so, you may give it a try but I warn you it will not sound very pretty. Your next lesson will be to learn your scales but that can wait for later."
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 10:45 am
It seemed like a terrible slurry of information, all told and it caused the young dust to scrunch his nose in frustration. Quietly he regarded his teacher, not saying a word until the man seemed content with his explanation. Honestly, Amadeo wondered if all teachers liked to be so very one-on-one with their students, as both Nadyris and Odell seemed to be ever so involved with their subject and the person to whom they were imparting their knowledge. Perhaps it was a sign of those with a true passion for their art.
Flexing his fingers, he tested the tension of the strings, holding the bow of the violin awkwardly at first, until he found the correct, and far more comfortable position. Taking a deep breath inwards, he very carefully drew the bow downwards on a string, and though it did indeed screech a touch at beginning and end, at least the middle part of the youth's attempt sounded vaguely as it should. A single note, scratchy though it was, the dust's lips pressed together as his eyes bored into his instrument with a singular focus. It was rather terrible, he mused, as he was trying not to let that concentration channel to other places, where it might result in fire. Amadeo's control over his element was shaky, at best, and Nadyris had very sternly warned him that he should do his utmost not to slip-up in public and especially when visiting someone else's residence.
Sighing, he let the violin slide a bit, straightening to eye his teacher. "I think I understand." He had the sinking feeling that it was going to take a lot of practice, and judging from the bemused look from his papa, well...someone was going to ensure that he tackled his lessons with the proper dedication.
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Posted: Sat Nov 17, 2012 8:45 pm
Odell watched the boy take his first attempt at pulling a sound out of the violin. It was, as he had expected, not the most pleasent of noises. But if playing music were easy then everyone could do it. Some instruments were easily to learn basics but not this one. This one would require dedication; he wondered if the blonde boy had it in him. He was quite sure his father did at least, from the look on the other man's face. He was about to give Amadeo some advice on his bow pull with a door off to the left opened.
"Papah? What was that horrible noise?" a gentle feminine voice spoke as a red-headed young girl looked around the door. Her bright green eyes were the color of the summer foliage while her bright red hair seemed to touch on the autumn season. She even had maple leaves in her hair. She was dressed as a proper young girl of society, her colors seeming to be red and golden yellow.
"Samara. That was rude. I told you I would be instructing a new student today," the man turned to the girl. He looked to Amadeo and Nadyris. "My daughter, Samara. Samara, this is Amadeo; my new pupil; and his father, Nadyris."
"Oh! I am sorry Papah!" the little girl hung her head a bit but looked up at Amadeo. Her green eyes clear and serene. Something....was different about him. She could feel it but thought it might be impolite to ask. After all she had already been rude once today. She nodded to the boy then gave a curtsy to his father. "Good afternoon, I apologize for interupting the lesson."
"I apologize as well," Odell said as he walked over to put a hand on her shoulder, "I am recently a new parent so I am trying to adjust to both ours needs. I forget sometimes that Samara has rather sensitive hearing."
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Posted: Wed Nov 28, 2012 12:06 pm
Amadeo's golden eyes narrowed as the girl entered the room, hardly pleased about the fact that she'd just insulted his first go on the violin. Not that he'd expected it to be music just yet, but there wasn't any reason to be mean about it. Nose crinkling, the fiery dust shot a quick look over towards his guardian, who shook his head, indicating that yes, the boy should be nice, though that was clearly not at all what he'd had in mind at first. Heaving a grand sigh, he began to put the violin back in its case, making no initial move to introduce himself, until the teacher did it for him.
"Hullo." He murmured, "I'm Amadeo." Setting the instrument down gently, he thrust his hand towards her, as he had seen his Papa do time and time again upon introduction. It was just one of those things that seemed polite, and Nadyris had warned him time and again that he ought to be respectful of others, especially ladies.
Though admittedly, this one wasn't quite a lady, she was most definitely a girl, but to bring up that point would likely have earned the fire-dustling a smack from his attentive guardian. And sure enough, he watched Nadyris nod his head towards the other child politely, a faint smile playing at the edges of the mercenary's lips. "A pleasure to meet you, Samara." He responded quietly, his tone far more warm than that of his surly responsibility. Curiosity filled the man's good eye, and he examined both child and guardian for a moment, before he canted his head towards the violinist. "I too am a fairly new parent...sometimes Fate has a way of bestowing these things upon us...No harm's been done." And once again he glanced between the two children, lips pursing subtly as his mind made unspoken inquiries.
Amadeo leaned forward, trying to get a better grip on that sense of familiarity that this girl seemed to be humming with. There was a hint of a smirk. "Tch." And he waited, as their guardians conversed, waiting until he had Samara's focus alone, and then a tiny flame leapt from his fingertip, dying nigh-on instantly, as his own golden gaze never once left her face, desirous of her reaction. Was she special too?
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Posted: Fri Nov 30, 2012 6:53 pm
Samara smiled as the boy approached but looked a little started as he stuck out his hand. Odell had taught his daughter proper ediquette and it wasn't proper to shake hands with a gentleman. But she suspected it would be rude to not accept so she politely and very gently took his hand. She almost giggled but instead she just smiled, her emerald eyes bright and shining. "It is very nice to meet you Amadeo. I am sorry I was rude, I have not heard Papah teach one of his students before. So I haven't heard that kind of noise."
Odell nodded in approval, though he might consider giving a few ediquette lessons during their music lessons later. It wouldn't hurt the boy. But what caught his ear the most is when Nadyris spoke about also being a recent parent and having his child bestowed upon him. Could Amadeo and Samara be similair? His daughter was unusual and he did wish to find out more, thinking it might help him raise her as she got older. He gave Samara a pat on the shoulder and walked over to Nadyris. The lesson was most likely over now that Samara had distracted him.
"So, parenting is also a new experience for you? Um...forgive my forwardness but....did Amadeo start out...smaller? And ah...more shiney?" the poor man was at a loss as to ask how Nadyris found the boy. After all one mostly spoke of pregnancy or adoption. Not random bottles laying around. He spoke softly as to not let the children completely over hear his questions.
Samara looked up as her Papah patted her shoulder then went to privately speak with Mr. Nadyris. Once they were in conversation she looked back to the blonde boy who still had his hand out. Suddenly a whisp of fire lept from his hand then disappeared. He still looked at her, as if gauging her reaction. At first she was a little surprised, one did not just suddenly have fire in their hands. But immediately she was curious. This boy produced fire? Was he like her? In her own answer she reached out and touched his hand again, focusing. Her hand suddenly became completely solid, as in hard and stiff. Her skin felt like a smooth wooden doll. It faded away and she took her hand away. A smile gracing her face.
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 5:11 pm
The boy's eyes narrowed a touch at mention of his rather pathetic attempt at pulling a note from his instrument's strings, sucking in a soft breath as he remembered what his Papa had told him about how one must treat ladies. She might be a very small girl, but Amadeo was fairly sure that Nadyris would insist that she was a lady nonetheless. There was a bit of a nod, "S'fine." He murmured, all too delighted to put that particular issue in the past. The dustling preferred to excel, and he was still learning the concepts of time, practice, and patience.
Nadyris raised a brow at Odell's query, features tightening ever so slightly as the man inquired about his charge. Protectiveness quickly welled up in his chest, worry that his rather magical pseudo-offspring might be of interest to the wrong sorts of people. However, the mercenary's skeptical sight landed on the two children, lost in their own set of interactions, seeming as though they were another world away from the troublesome adults that plagued their existence...and his features softened, his face brightening with a touch of a smile that traveled all the way to his indigo gaze.
"Yes, actually." He confessed, voice a touch sheepish, were one to pay attention to the subtle inflections. "Amadeo came to me in the form of a rather...unruly bottle, as hard as that is to believe." There was a pause, just one beat, before he continued, "And I'm guessing Samara...as well...?" Shifting to stand just a touch straighter, a hint of a smile made itself present as he trailed off. Perhaps this whole arrangement would be beneficial for both of their charges. Surprise fatherhood, after all, wasn't something that happened every day.
Amadeo's smirk, by this time, had already widened, as he watched...felt her arm change around his skin, and his eyes came alight with pleasure. He had only met one or two others like himself, and from her he felt that steady thrum of familiarity. "So what are you, a tree?" It was harmless curiosity, stated in the most straightforward of ways. The fiery dust never did like to cut corners when it came to obtaining information.
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Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2012 7:29 pm
Odell noticed the subtle changes in the man after his question. Perhaps he had been mistake and had insulted Nadyris. But then the man smiled, which Odell found his heart flutter a bit at the handsome look it gave him. His marks and scars, even the eye patch, gave him an endearing look. Now now Odell, this is business; a student's parent. Not appropriate.....to look when he's aware of it. The man was only a hint shorter than the blue haired musician, of muscular form and build. Odell was reminded a bit of the farmhands that occationally helped out at the farm. But those were memories for another time.
"Yes actually. A lovely bottle containing the leaves of the maple tree. Thought not unruly she did....cause a stir in our home," he looked over at his young daughter, for he felt as if she were, and remembered when he found her. He turned his grey gaze back to the man, delighted to have met someone with similar experience. It would not feel as awkward discussing their offspring. "Does Amedao exhibit...magical abilities as well? Samara as far as I can tell has only one ability, other than randomly producing leaves from her hair."
Samara giggled as the boy smiled at her, a soft blush gracing her cheeks. She wasn't use to such attention other than from adults. The was interesting with golden hair and eyes. At his question she nodded softly, speaking in a hushed tone incase the adults heard. Not that she felt she had anything to hide since Amedao's father had a child like her. "Yes, a maple tree actually. What are you? You make fire, so are you from fire?"
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Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 12:58 am
"I found Amadeo's bottle on the tail-end of one of my jobs." He admitted, "The last dangerous one I ever accepted, actually." There was a tinge of embarrassment in the words, having, after all, never expected to settle down in any fashion. To this point he'd remained an almost stubborn bachelor after the sour end of his last relationship some years ago, and he rather had resigned himself to someday falling in the line of duty. Seemed fate had other ideas. "A house had burned down and I found it amidst the rubble...filled with ashes."
At the next question, Nadyris sighed, running a hand down his scarred features. "Oh most definitely." He murmured, "In fact, at first, I thought he was responsible for that house burning down, as he almost set fire to mine. He can create flames. Nothing huge, but...still...also he can make himself warm to the touch, scalding if he chooses to. He's a glowing ember all on his own." A very faint smile graced the mercenary's lips, as his gaze drifted once more to the two children, checking once more to ensure tht his little one wasn't causing a ruckus.
He seemed to have a talent for that.
Amadeo was currently nodding slowly at Samara's question. "Papa found me in the ashes." For Nadyris had never once made what he knew of the dustling's origin a mystery to his charge. To pretend that the boy was normal would likely only cause more problems in the end, for the both of them. "So I guess I am." The answer was natural, not a second of hesitation in the words. He rather enjoyed what he was.
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