Flashback Music in the Snowy City

[Lyrri Snowsong]

20th of Winter, 505 AV
Text - Vani - Thoughts

I was thirteen when I came to truly love this instrument. Father had given it too me only a week before, and already I had taken to carrying it everywhere I went; it was something of a security blanket, proof that I was mature and responsible enough to handle such a beautiful thing. I cannot begin to count the hours I spent marveling at its lovely and intricate carvings, watching great bears and snow-laden trees come to life in the strong, ancient wood. In one such hour, I found myself at the home of Parrsni Snowsong.

He was a cheerful man, as friendly as the lot of the Snowsong Hold tends to be. I had never had much personal conversation with him, not like my parents did (and still do, I would think). We exchanged pleasantries; I asked how his day was, and his work, and his wife; after this small exchange, he fixed on me a broad smile and asked what I held in my hand. I looked down adoringly at the melodic thing before proudly boasting that this was my flute, and that my father had given it to me now that I was almost completely grown! With an indulgent chuckle and a friendly flash of blue in his dark eyes, Parrsni asked if he could see it for a moment. I hesitated, but quickly handed him the cherished instrument; I know you're my elder, but please don't break it!

The song he played was haunting; it captivated my young ears as it echoed through the frozen city. His wistful melody took hold of me and would continue to play through my mind for days on end; I still hear it every now and again. As the tune slowly faded into the snowy forest and Parrsni handed back the flute, I couldn't help but stare at him with wide eyes the awed color of a bright violet. This lasted for a very short moment, however, as I began to flail about cheerfully and sing the man's praises. "That was amazing! How did you do that?! What song was that?! Do you think I'll ever be able to play like that?! Incredible!" Parrsni continued to chuckle as I bounced around, gracious of my compliments, answering each question patiently. We talked until the day grew dark; then, he excused himself and I went on my merry way.

[Lyrri Snowsong]

The next day presented me with a fresh challenge. Kenava had agreed to give me lessons; each minute of the two-hour sessions were filled with methodical tapping, reminders to control my breath, and the gentle nudging of my fingers into their proper places. Many an aggravated sigh fell between short, simple pieces; even if I did this every day, I'd never be able to play like Parrsni!

"Try again," Kenava would urge with a smile. "All you need is a bit of practice."

Against the fatigued pleas of my small hands, I respected Kenava's words. Each session was given every bit of perseverance and sheer will that my young bones held; I will learn to play this, and then I'll show it to Parrsni! Even so, I left my teacher's home more exasperated each day than the last.

These days were also, of course, accompanied by visits to Parrsni's home; he would listen to my attempts, and I would listen to his masterpieces. The afternoons spent there, while lightening my soul and bringing a smile to my face, still reminded me of my own lack of skill. I sighed at my decidedly incompetent work with this beautiful instrument, and wished only that these thoughts would leave my head.

[Lyrri Snowsong]

This routine carried on for weeks, months even, until winter reached its darkest point and began to drift toward the light of Spring. My birthday was on the 1st of the year; a small celebration marked the beginning of 506 AV. I continued the arduous lessons of Kenava and the cheering visits to Parrsni, all the while practicing on this small wooden device which creates such wonders. One day I sat in Parrsni's home, surrounded by carving and carpentry tools whose names and purposes escaped me. Parrsni worked as I held the fragile thing, running my fingers once again over the wooden animals and wintery forests. "I don't think I can keep this up," I whined. "I'm never going to play like you and Kenava... What's the point?"

Parrsni sighed and turned around, holding a half-completed flute in his calloused hands. He smiled at me as he set it down and took up mine. "This is just a tool," he said, that friendly blue in his eyes once again. "But it becomes a part of you when you play; the music is yours and yours alone. If you want to show off, if you want to impress your friends or feel better about yourself, this is not the work for you. But if you want to create beauty, beauty that belongs to no one else, beauty that brings a smile to everyone's face, you will find a way."

I stared at him curiously; his words intrigued me but floated beyond my grasp. He continued to grant me that broad, indulgent smile. "Why do you want to learn to play?"

I didn't have an answer. Think about it, he urged me, and turned back to his work. I remained there for another hour or so, staring at the delicate tool and searching for its meaning, before making my way back home.

[Lyrri Snowsong]

Spring marked the beginning of a new year. The unending winter showed no sign of change, but nevertheless the Vantha shared a communal feeling of renewal. On the final night of winter, I sat inside, surrounded by warm hearths, friendly faces, and music from all corners of the hold. I sat among storytellers recounting fantastical histories with beautiful imagery and frightening beasts; I sat near a fire, holding on to my flute as I always did, and looked around with joyful blue-green eyes.

But something wasn't right; this night was incomplete.

Sighing nervously, I looked down at the instrument. Ever-so-slowly I lifted it to my mouth. Relax your bottom lip, Kenava repeated in my head. Sit up straight. Your left hand should be collapsed against the flute.

The instrument is a part of you, I heard Parrsni say. His haunting melody drifted through my mind once more before I took a deep breath and gently played the first note.

It was a jovial tune; simple, but happy. A tune to dance to. As I played, I noticed faces turn toward me one by one. My flute rose above the celebrating din and I continued to play, carefully breathing each small, delicate note. I saw Parrsni among the Vantha that had gathered; smiling his usual broad smile, he slowly stepped forward and sat next to me. He pulled out the flute he had been working on the other day; it was finished, with intricate curls etched into its curved surface. Wordlessly he brought it to his lips and joined my cheerful song.

He played with me through most of the night, until the moon crept toward the ice-laden trees. People came and went, some staying to listen, some even joining in with voice or harp or guitar. Kenava even joined us on occasion; she would glance approvingly at me between songs; I had made a lot of progress! When the moon sank to hide in the forest and people began to retire to their homes, I looked up at my friend, the old carpenter, with a smile. I want to create something beautiful of my own, and use it to make others happy.

"Thank you, Parrsni!"

[Noblesse]

Lyrri Snowsong :

Experience:

• Socialization +2
• Flute +2

Lores:

• Wistful Melody of Parrsni's Flute
• Contact: Parrsni Snowsong
• Flute: An Instrument of Wonder
• A Promise to Parrsni

Notes:
Hey Lyrri! I'm glad you decided to write a flashback to get in touch with your Vantha roots!

So... comments. I don't really mind if people write in the first person like you did here, but if I remember right I think it was stated somewhere in the wiki that writing IC should be done in third person view.

I would also be glad to see more details put in here, such as how did Lyrri struggle with playing the flute? Was it because her fingers were too slow? We need details like that to merit you more points in that particular skill.

Timestamping. Terms such as months and weeks don't really exist in the world of Mizahar, and we have bells, chimes, and seasons instead.

Aside from that, I liked this thread! It was short but very sweet, and you endeared me to Lyrri. Your depiction of Parrsni was spot on too, so I commend you on that one! Your writing is a little rough on the edges, but I can see that you have potential to improve and write better given some practice. Keep writing!

True nobility lies in being superior to your former self

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your grade, please send me a PM and we can figure it out. Heehee.