30 Sep 2024, 03:06
To Become
As his music had meandered the compartment, the boy had been cycling his gaze between the window and the expressions of Alyss and Lev. The other songs that Ari had performed had provoked enthusiastic and rather favorable responses from the pair, yet he still found himself questioning if they gave him too much credit. Ari had never been properly trained; rather, he relied on his natural musical talent that a majority of his family expected him to maintain as he got older. These added responsibilities and pressures that came with such a gift made him occassionally wish he hadn't been born with such an ability.
As he continued to play, he found his gaze resting on the wilderness that rushed by the train and the compartment's window. He observed the trees and clouds, how the passing bodies of water almost melted into an infinitely blue sky. If he was in solitude, this is what he would admire for the entirety of the ride; he would be able to appreciate the ambiance around them. Unfortunately, that was not his reality. After a few moments, he was quickly able to recover his composure and flip his mind back to reality; a reality where singing was, in fact, his specialty.
Upon completing the song, he felt a sense of satisfaction, having fufilled his promise in maintaining focus throughout the performance. However, the silence of the song's aftermath lingered longer than anticipated, creating an unsettling feeling, as if something was not quiet right. Perhaps the others felt it as well, or did not. Regardless, it was most likely his tendency to overthinking.
@Alyss Gilmour, @Lev Makarov
4 Oct 2024, 03:33
To Become
September 1st, 2024 “English”
Alyss shot Lev a tight smile, clearly still a bit put off by before, with the gears of her mind still churning. However despite this, she still wanted to make sure Lev got the appreciation he deserved, which was more than a tight smile. “Thanks Lev.” she said quietly, this time with an actual smile on her face.
It was then that Ari began to strum on his ukulele. He was clearly a natural. He could sing and play at the same time, well, without getting distracted. Alyss, on the other hand? She got distracted by every other thing in sight. She, too began looking out the window during the song. It was beginning to feel awkward looking at Ari whilst he was performing, notably when his eyes were open.
She had found no problem with this prior to the two requests, but now that he was keeping his eyes open, Alyss felt uncomfortable, so she found solace in looking at the landscape outside their windows. Although the wilderness rushed by in a blur, you could still make out certain details, and a couple times Alyss almost blurted out about seeing an animal outside before thankfully having a handle on her mouth this time.
The few times that she would gaze at Ari during the song, she made sure to give positive and affirming facial expressions, and made sure to do this when she felt eyes on her, even if she didn’t know who’s they were, the made the automatic assumption that they were Ari’s, and so would give soft smiles, or sway along with the tune.
Once the final chord had been strummed, Alyss let it hang in the air for a second before clapping her hands together a couple times. Not enough for a full applause, but enough to express her gratitude without attracting any extra attention to their compartment because of it. “Great playing.” she commented, not quite as enthusiastic as previously but still very genuine.
“Like, if you ever get famous, make sure to mention that I boosted your ego early on!” Alyss joked, not wanting to deal with a long silence or tension from her less than reply. And maybe, this way, Ari would actually accept the compliment.
Reducio
@Ari Morozov @Lev Makarov
18 Oct 2024, 04:19
To Become
Lev closed his eyes for a moment, making his head rest on the compartment's wall. He was simply enjoying the moment, for once not hyper-aware of every one of his movements. Sometimes he felt the weight of a gaze passing over him, but for the first time in a while, it didn't send his mind into downward spiral of panic. When last had his mind been this quiet? Lev managed to do it when he was all alone, but around people? Especially kids of his own age he had just met today? It was a miracle.
Sharing the music was probably the main reason for Lev's calmness, but maybe simply listening to songs in his own time could help him relax. Maybe. Hopefully.
It was only when he heard Alyss clapping that Lev came out of his peaceful trance. He immediatly sat up, his hair sticking up where it had leaned on the wall. " Sorry, sorry!" Red cheeks, wringing hands and hair a shambles, the normal Lev was back as quickly as he had gone. He immediately started to clap along with Alyss, although his lasted for a lot longer and seemed a lot more enthusiastic. He was obviously trying to make up for his zoning out. "That was amazing Ari! And I truly mean it." His lips spread into a large, sheepish grin. "I only spaced out because it was so relaxing. Truly!" He added a little forcefully.
Lev then glanced in Alyss' direction, nodding along to what she was saying. The Ari getting famous part, not the getting an aknowledgement one. "He's definetly going to get famous!"@Ari Morozov,@Alyss Gilmour
1 Nov 2024, 23:56
To Become
"You guys really think I could become famous?" He spoke as he raised his eyebrows out of amusement. "I mean, thanks, but I'd have no idea what I'd write any of my songs about."
As he mused about the idea, he began to wonder if the magical musical industry was anything like its muggle counterpart. Growing up, the boy was taught to play the ukelele by his uncle, who is currently a famous musician in muggle London, however, due to this fact, he grew up knowing nothing about the musical industry in the magical world. He knew that there were a few ways that muggle musicians released music—albums, singles, and EPs. But without muggle technology, how would he even get his songs out into the world?
Secondly, he wasn't even sure if he had what it took to be as good as most of the artists that he had listened to before, especially his uncle. The very music they wrote, their lyrics and melodies, their everything seemed many years apart from his own skill. Truth be told, Ari wasn’t sure he could write anything half as good, let alone be on par with them.
For now, he couldn't see what the Lev and Alyss could. Their belief in his potential felt very unreal, and now that he was compaired against the word Famous, he had recognized the utter surreality of the concept.
@Alyss Gilmour, @Lev Makarov
8 Nov 2024, 02:12
To Become
sta 6 • eva 6 • str 2 • wis 7 • arc 7 • acc 7
September 1st, 2024 “English”
“Yes, of course we’re serious!” Alyss giggled, rolling her eyes. “You clearly have the talent! I’m sure song writing is a skill you could learn.” Alyss motivated him, smiling. She swatted her hand in front of her face, emphasizing that song writing was no big deal. She was glad that Lev had agreed with her, and she was seriously happy that her first impression of Hogwarts ended up being meeting these people, as not only were they kind, but they clearly had layers and lives that were very different than her own, which she actually appreciated seeing.
Given where Alyss had lived her entire life, she often met others who had similar experiences with her own, and hadn’t encountered many, if any, with lives drastically different than her own. But with Ari’s musical ability and clear access to instruments or even certain musical role models, along with the story of burn scars on Lev’s face, it was obvious to her that these people were different than those she grew up accustomed to meeting.
Glancing at the clock, she had a double take(heh did you get the reference-) as she read the time again for a second time to fully process it. The train would probably arrive within ten minutes, and she was still dressed in her everyday clothes! Although she was unsure of exactly where the restrooms would be, she was going to have to find them so that she could change into the school robes.
“Gah! We’re going to arrive soon! I- I need to go get changed!” she mentioned, gesturing at her normal, everyday clothes that even resembled muggle clothing. Alyss stood, quickly snagging the necessary items she needed before moving towards the compartment door. “I’ll be back soon, see you guys before Hogwarts?” Alyss phrased this as a question, trying to gather if the others were going to stick around or leave soon as well. Even if she was leaving, she planned on returning to grab her bag prior to up and abandoning the two, though the crowds could prove to separate them, and only time could tell if they’d see each other much after the train ride.
Reducio
Mentions:@Ari Morozov, @Lev Makarov
Action: Leaving to get changed!
Note: Finishing up the thread
Action: Leaving to get changed!
Note: Finishing up the thread
ALYSS EXITS THE THREAD
Last edited by Alyss Gilmour on 3 Jan 2025, 00:02, edited 1 time in total.
30 Dec 2024, 06:23
To Become
Lev had the urge to reach out and pat Ari’s shoulder, comfort him. He knew he would have liked that in his times of uncertainty but Ari seemed like the aloof type who disliked physical touch. Lev didn’t want to risk losing this new friend. Well, maybe friend was a strong word, but the seeds of friendship had been planted. Only time would tell whether they would turn into a beautiful tree or never even produce a sprout.
Lev continued smiling like an idiot, unsure as to how to respond. Alyss had already said what he thought and a hundred times better than he could have ever had too. “She’s right! Besides some artists don’t even produce their own music.” Lev wasn’t sure how encouraging that actually was, but he hoped it was enough to at least make Ari feel a little more confident.
Lev smiled one last time at the other boy before his attention moved to Alyss who had suddenly stood up. His scarred face morphed into an expression of both surprise and fear. Surprised that the train ride was already coming to an end and scared of what would come next. Lev had just started to get used to this cozy little compartment with both Alyss and Ari and already it was being taken away from him. He’d have to continue into the unknown.
Lev realized he’d started frowning. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to smile. He’d been sick all of last night thinking about the train ride and everything had ended up going smoothly. Why shouldn’t it be the same with the rest of his journey? Not to mention, Alyss looked perfectly fine. There was no reason to be apprehensive if she wasn’t, no?
Lev nodded to the girl’s words, her next words somewhat soothing him. “Yes! See you before Hogwarts!” He repeated enthusiastically, happy that he wouldn’t be alone. “Although I should promise also get changed…” He looked down at the oversized denim jacket he wore. It used to belong to his dad before he’d claimed it as his own. It brought him comfort, but it certainly wouldn’t be appropriate to wear this once they arrived at the wizarding school
He stood up, immediately slouching as he hung his bag over his narrow shoulders. He hoped he’d be able to find a bathroom and change over there. Then he’d come back over here to meet up with Alyss and Ari. Like that, he was sure he wouldn’t be alone.@Ari Morozov,@Alyss Gilmour