This was, as far as jobs went, one of the more benign ones. It reminded her of her earlier days as a Geisha to some degree though tonight she was not entertaining. She was still a status symbol on the arm of a wealthy man. However, tonight her notoriety was not what was called for. Instead, her client had asked for a cultured, educated young woman with a musical background. Akahana had chosen to come herself because the client was influential in Nachton. Vasili Bobrov was a relatively new player in the who's who of the city's rich and powerful, new even for a human. It was possible that he was already that puppet of one of her kind but Akahana thought there was a good chance that he was still unknown enough to still be a free (and free thinking) agent. She was here to change all of that.
He was a wealthy son of a chemist who had started his own bio-chemical company. What Vasili lacked in chemical knowledge, he more than made up for in business acumen. Tonight he was here to see his son play in the children's charity orchestra. Tonight, Akahana was here to make Vasili's ex-wife jealous and to point out very clearly that she could easily be replaced and traded up on.
The Ex-Mrs. Bobrov had been a decently successful runway model. According to Vasili, she was blond, beautiful, materialistic, high maintenance and not extremely bright. He might have that opinion because Nasya Bobrov was the one who had done the leaving. She had traded her wealthy husband in for another wealthy husband, a young athlete from one of the Nachton professional teams.
The whole purpose of the evening, on the surface anyway, was to see young Andrei Bobrov play his violin. She left Vasili glaring daggers into the broad back of Nasya's new husband and went to find Andrei. Someone should offer the boy some geniune congratulations before any drama started.
The brown haired little boy was not hard to spot. He had his mother's fine bones and big blue eyes and his father's long nose and thick dark brown hair. Andrei kept jerking his head to the side to knock his wayward locks out of his eyes while he concentrated on what the adult in their crowd was saying. He appeared to be about eight but Akahana knew that he was actually ten. His frown of concentration looked exactly like his father's as he listened intently, occasionally casting a cool glare of his own toward one of his more boisterous compatriots.
Waiting until there was a pause in the conversation, Akahana stepped forward and smiled to the children. "I wanted to come and congratulate you all on a wonderful performance. Mozart's Symphony No. 34 is one of my favorites. You all did very well.â€
A Second Childhood (PM for invite)
Julian was enjoying an evening at the Elmwood Opera House. Oh yes, he was playing. But not with the usual group. This groups was a whole lot... smaller. Figuratively and literally.
Some of the performers from Nachton's Symphony had been invited, or recruited, to work with young musicians from Nachton's middle schools. For the past six weeks they'd been practicing two songs, and Julian as one of the Symphony coaches had been working with the young violinists. It had been a lot of fun, and tonight was the culmination of their combined efforts.
The performance went off without a hitch. Or, at least, without any hitches that couldn't be hastily repaired with spare strings, tuning forks, rosin, safety pins, and glue. Sometimes all at the same time.
The crowd was large; this whole affair would benefit the music programs of all the Nachton schools. In a nation that was struggling economically, those generally got cut first in any district. Julian was happy to help out a cause like this. He was generally happy to help out any cause, this was what was fun about playing music. It wasn't just about making pretty sounds, it was about influencing people and using your powers for good, as it were.
When the festivities were over Julian spent time with the kids he'd been coaching; there was a reception at the opera house. All the families had been invited as well as everyone who'd decided to come contribute. The turnout wasn't bad at all, and there had been many donations made so far.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
"Julian, you promised."
"You said if we did well you would show us."
"You have to!"
Julian was outnumbered, and the fact of the matter was, the kids were right. As a reward for performing well tonight he'd promised them an impromptu fiddling lesson. Most of them had no exposure to anything but classical music so far, and that was shameful when there were so many more ways to produce amazing sound on any instrument.
"Yeah, I promised," he said with a laugh, shaking his head. Then he held his hands out as if to placate his small lynch mob. "We have to mingle first, though. Give it half an hour, be polite, and then we'll go have some fun. Okay?"
There was a chorus of agreement. Even at this age the aspiring musicians realized the niceties must be observed. As he turned away from them he noticed a smaller figure approaching. It was an exotic looking woman, Asian, wearing a gold dress that left very little to the imagination in spite of its modest cut, black hair caught up in a low bun and decorated with bright orange flowers. She carried an orange clutch and he noted that her nails were neatly manicured.
The woman spoke to the children and Julian remained quiet at first, letting them bask in their well-earned praise. He took another look at the woman, who seemed young to him. He wondered what she was doing here. Surely she wasn't one of the parents? A sister or a girlfriend of a parent maybe? It was difficult to say; none of the kids in his group here seemed overly familiar with her.
In the interest of keeping the kids engaged, Julian added his thanks to theirs. "They did a fantastic job," he said with a smile, nodding in agreement.
"You said if we did well you would show us."
"You have to!"
Julian was outnumbered, and the fact of the matter was, the kids were right. As a reward for performing well tonight he'd promised them an impromptu fiddling lesson. Most of them had no exposure to anything but classical music so far, and that was shameful when there were so many more ways to produce amazing sound on any instrument.
"Yeah, I promised," he said with a laugh, shaking his head. Then he held his hands out as if to placate his small lynch mob. "We have to mingle first, though. Give it half an hour, be polite, and then we'll go have some fun. Okay?"
There was a chorus of agreement. Even at this age the aspiring musicians realized the niceties must be observed. As he turned away from them he noticed a smaller figure approaching. It was an exotic looking woman, Asian, wearing a gold dress that left very little to the imagination in spite of its modest cut, black hair caught up in a low bun and decorated with bright orange flowers. She carried an orange clutch and he noted that her nails were neatly manicured.
The woman spoke to the children and Julian remained quiet at first, letting them bask in their well-earned praise. He took another look at the woman, who seemed young to him. He wondered what she was doing here. Surely she wasn't one of the parents? A sister or a girlfriend of a parent maybe? It was difficult to say; none of the kids in his group here seemed overly familiar with her.
In the interest of keeping the kids engaged, Julian added his thanks to theirs. "They did a fantastic job," he said with a smile, nodding in agreement.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
"Do you play a violin?†The boisterous little kid asked, showing her his case proudly, lest there be any doubt that he did.
"No.†Akahana smiled. "I play the flute.†She had no intention to brag so she chose the instrument they would most likely accept as a part of an orchestra and left it at that.
"No need to be modest!†Vasili's voice cut into the child's response. A possessive arm draped over her shoulder and then she was squeezed into a hug. "Hana here plays many instruments. Yes?†He looked at her and smiled. "She also plays piano and that...that...I am not sure what you are calling it.â€
"Koto.†She supplied for him quietly.
"What is that?†Boisterous Boy made a face like she was making something up.
"Wow, you don't know anything, Carl. Its a dragon lizard.†A little blond boy with thick glasses spoke with a smug expression on his face, apparently happy to be able to put Carl in his place. "You can't play a lizard.†He added and looked at her with a frown. A small bit of his confident air left him.
Akahana smiled. "You are thinking of a komodo dragon.â€
"Dragon don't exist.†Carl turned a smug expression of his own at the blond boy.
"The komodo is a lizard but it is very big so they named if after dragons.†She smiled at both the blond boy who knew something about them and Carl who still appeared somewhat doubtful.
"A koto is a stringed instrument from Asia. It lays on its side and you pluck it like a harp.â€
"Like pizzicato? We had to do that once on our violins.†A little girl added her voice into the mix.
"Like that, yes.†Akahana smiled. She wanted to bring the conversation away from her and dragon lizards. "I am curious though.†She turned to the young blond man who looked very dapper in his classic sleek looking black tuxedo. "What were you going to show them after the reception?â€
Seeing Bobrov's ex coming their way and not wanting a dramatic scene to begin, Akahana turned toward her date and gave him a big smile. "Would you be a dear and go get us a couple of glasses of champagne and something for your son.†She smiled as he frowned but removed his arm. "So that we can toast his wonderful performance and wish for many more.â€
Vasili smiled and then reached out and ruffled Andrei's hair before heading off. "Is good idea. You make me very proud, Andrei†Vasili's son stood a little taller and smiled hesitantly at his father. Akahana thought his manner suggested that he wanted such praise badly but seemed surprised by it and expected it to somehow disappear. She knew that Vasili often did not have time to raise his son and had instead brought with him one of the best nanny's that his money could buy, along with private tutors in the skills that Vasili deemed very important.
Andrei carefully straightened his hair when his father was out of sight once more and then gave his companions all a quick warning glance to forestall any teasing. To their credit, the rest seemed disinclined to say anything about the praise; that might be because they had each either already received an embarrassing parental display or expected one soon.
((OOC: Command in Red ))
"No.†Akahana smiled. "I play the flute.†She had no intention to brag so she chose the instrument they would most likely accept as a part of an orchestra and left it at that.
"No need to be modest!†Vasili's voice cut into the child's response. A possessive arm draped over her shoulder and then she was squeezed into a hug. "Hana here plays many instruments. Yes?†He looked at her and smiled. "She also plays piano and that...that...I am not sure what you are calling it.â€
"Koto.†She supplied for him quietly.
"What is that?†Boisterous Boy made a face like she was making something up.
"Wow, you don't know anything, Carl. Its a dragon lizard.†A little blond boy with thick glasses spoke with a smug expression on his face, apparently happy to be able to put Carl in his place. "You can't play a lizard.†He added and looked at her with a frown. A small bit of his confident air left him.
Akahana smiled. "You are thinking of a komodo dragon.â€
"Dragon don't exist.†Carl turned a smug expression of his own at the blond boy.
"The komodo is a lizard but it is very big so they named if after dragons.†She smiled at both the blond boy who knew something about them and Carl who still appeared somewhat doubtful.
"A koto is a stringed instrument from Asia. It lays on its side and you pluck it like a harp.â€
"Like pizzicato? We had to do that once on our violins.†A little girl added her voice into the mix.
"Like that, yes.†Akahana smiled. She wanted to bring the conversation away from her and dragon lizards. "I am curious though.†She turned to the young blond man who looked very dapper in his classic sleek looking black tuxedo. "What were you going to show them after the reception?â€
Seeing Bobrov's ex coming their way and not wanting a dramatic scene to begin, Akahana turned toward her date and gave him a big smile. "Would you be a dear and go get us a couple of glasses of champagne and something for your son.†She smiled as he frowned but removed his arm. "So that we can toast his wonderful performance and wish for many more.â€
Vasili smiled and then reached out and ruffled Andrei's hair before heading off. "Is good idea. You make me very proud, Andrei†Vasili's son stood a little taller and smiled hesitantly at his father. Akahana thought his manner suggested that he wanted such praise badly but seemed surprised by it and expected it to somehow disappear. She knew that Vasili often did not have time to raise his son and had instead brought with him one of the best nanny's that his money could buy, along with private tutors in the skills that Vasili deemed very important.
Andrei carefully straightened his hair when his father was out of sight once more and then gave his companions all a quick warning glance to forestall any teasing. To their credit, the rest seemed disinclined to say anything about the praise; that might be because they had each either already received an embarrassing parental display or expected one soon.
((OOC: Command in Red ))
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian watched as the Asian woman engaged in conversation with the kids. She seemed to actually enjoy talking to them, something that wasn't always the norm with them. Julian was only comfortable with them because he had a bunch of cousins, all younger than he was. And he wasn't the greatest. Doing this coaching thing had been fun, and educational for him.
The woman looked at him next, after her date mentioned the impressive number and type of instruments she played. Julian couldn't help but wonder who she was. He hid his curiosity behind a polite but friendly smile, though.
"I promised them a fiddling lesson for all their hard work," he said with a grin and a shrug.
His own violin was tucked safely away in the wings behind the stage, where no one but musicians were allowed. A good thing too; Julian's violin would fetch a fantastic price on any market. He was planning to get it after the reception wound down a little.
An blue-eyed blond now approached, as the woman in the gold dress sent her date away for drinks. The resemblance to Andrei was obvious; Julian knew from talking to the boy that his parents were no longer together. He hoped there was no animosity but from the glare the blond shot at her ex-husband's retreating back that didn't seem likely to be the case.
"Andrei," she gushed, running over and pulling her son into her arms, literally squishing his face against her chest.
"You were so wonderful, so perfect, my perfect boy."
Julian watched Andrei's face. The boy almost seemed to wince and roll his eyes at the same time, an amusing expression in one so young. Julian moved to engage her in conversation, try to pull some of her attention away from Andrei.
The blond saw him, practically shoved her son away, and stepped way into Julian's personal bubble. "And you," she said, curling her slim fingers into the lapels of his coat and sliding her hands up and down suggestively.
"You are the most amazing musician I've ever heard. I have seen you play before." Blue eyes glanced up at him through thick pale lashes. "You know how to tame the most savage beast."
Julian blinked. Then he looked down. Yep, sure enough, his eyes had not deceived him. There was an enormous rock on the woman's finger, and a matching equally glamorous wedding band.
"Thank you," he said, stepping away from her in order to bow, which had the added advantage of causing her to release his lapels. "I'm glad you enjoy it."
The woman pouted a little, and then turned toward the Asian woman. She looked her up and down, her smile still plastered to her face. "And you, you are Vasili's little trophy for tonight?"
She waved her hand. "He could do better."
Julian sighed and kissed his daydream of happiness and rainbows goodbye.
The woman looked at him next, after her date mentioned the impressive number and type of instruments she played. Julian couldn't help but wonder who she was. He hid his curiosity behind a polite but friendly smile, though.
"I promised them a fiddling lesson for all their hard work," he said with a grin and a shrug.
His own violin was tucked safely away in the wings behind the stage, where no one but musicians were allowed. A good thing too; Julian's violin would fetch a fantastic price on any market. He was planning to get it after the reception wound down a little.
An blue-eyed blond now approached, as the woman in the gold dress sent her date away for drinks. The resemblance to Andrei was obvious; Julian knew from talking to the boy that his parents were no longer together. He hoped there was no animosity but from the glare the blond shot at her ex-husband's retreating back that didn't seem likely to be the case.
"Andrei," she gushed, running over and pulling her son into her arms, literally squishing his face against her chest.
"You were so wonderful, so perfect, my perfect boy."
Julian watched Andrei's face. The boy almost seemed to wince and roll his eyes at the same time, an amusing expression in one so young. Julian moved to engage her in conversation, try to pull some of her attention away from Andrei.
The blond saw him, practically shoved her son away, and stepped way into Julian's personal bubble. "And you," she said, curling her slim fingers into the lapels of his coat and sliding her hands up and down suggestively.
"You are the most amazing musician I've ever heard. I have seen you play before." Blue eyes glanced up at him through thick pale lashes. "You know how to tame the most savage beast."
Julian blinked. Then he looked down. Yep, sure enough, his eyes had not deceived him. There was an enormous rock on the woman's finger, and a matching equally glamorous wedding band.
"Thank you," he said, stepping away from her in order to bow, which had the added advantage of causing her to release his lapels. "I'm glad you enjoy it."
The woman pouted a little, and then turned toward the Asian woman. She looked her up and down, her smile still plastered to her face. "And you, you are Vasili's little trophy for tonight?"
She waved her hand. "He could do better."
Julian sighed and kissed his daydream of happiness and rainbows goodbye.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Akahana smiled at the blond and nodded her head slightly. "It is good to hear the different things that you can do with an instrument.†She looked at the children, several were also agreeing, perhaps because it was something new, perhaps because it was a promised reward, or genuine interest. Whatever the case, it sounded like they were in for a treat.
"Well if you need a flute accompaniment to your fiddle session then I might be able to help.†It was a small instrument so she had brought it with her and left it in the Vasili's car. Akahana had learned through many centuries worth of playing the spy game to always be prepared, especially when playing a role. In this case, she was pretending to be the talented, educated girlfriend of Bobrov. He wanted her to have musical skill and so she brought a way to prove that skill if need be. "I happen to have one of my flutes in the car.â€
It would probably make Vasili happy but that was not why she offered to join. It sounded like fun. Impromptu sessions were some of the most interesting and rewarding. Playing with new people, making up accompaniment as you went along took a well trained ear, a willingness to listen, to be a part of a musical group and the ability to adapt.
Nasya came up and gushed over Andrei in a display that left a few of his companions snickering quietly , little shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth. She wondered idly if the woman knew how much she was embarrassing her son.
The blond then set upon the young man in the tuxedo, fawning and flirting in an unseemly display of affection. It was especially in poor taste coming from a newly married woman. One whose very large husband was in attendance. Akahana hoped that the man was not blind to his wife's habits. She also hoped that he did not blame the young blond in the tuxedo for being the object of Nasya's flirtations.
The man dealt with her adeptly. Akahana was amused to notice his quick glance at Nasya's left hand. He then extricated himself from her grasp with poise and managed to thank her for her patronage.
Pouting at the young man, Nasya then turned a fake smile toward her and claimed in a voice dripping with false friendliness that Akahana was Vasili's trophy for the night. That much was quite true and she was being paid well for it. However, Nasya then went on to say that Vasili could do better.
Quirking an eyebrow, Akahana smiled and conceded her point. "Perhaps.†Her smile turned up a little more. "He seems to be doing better each time.â€
Vasili's deep chuckle could be heard behind her. "Just so.†He agreed with her statement and handed Akahana a glass of champagne. He had missed the earlier gushing display and the flirting but he had returned just in time to hear Nasya's comment and Akahana's return statement.
Handing a glass of sparkling white grape juice to Andrei, Vasili smiled. He stood up straight and spoke in a clear voice. "We are making toast to my son, Andrei Vasiliev Bobrov...†He cast a somber look at all the other children in the group. "and his fellow musicians for their fine performance tonight. May they always make such beautiful music!†Holding up his glass in the air, he then nodded to Andrei and drank down his champagne. Akahana held her glass up with Vasili but drank at a more demure pace. "Well done. All of you.†She said again.
"Well if you need a flute accompaniment to your fiddle session then I might be able to help.†It was a small instrument so she had brought it with her and left it in the Vasili's car. Akahana had learned through many centuries worth of playing the spy game to always be prepared, especially when playing a role. In this case, she was pretending to be the talented, educated girlfriend of Bobrov. He wanted her to have musical skill and so she brought a way to prove that skill if need be. "I happen to have one of my flutes in the car.â€
It would probably make Vasili happy but that was not why she offered to join. It sounded like fun. Impromptu sessions were some of the most interesting and rewarding. Playing with new people, making up accompaniment as you went along took a well trained ear, a willingness to listen, to be a part of a musical group and the ability to adapt.
Nasya came up and gushed over Andrei in a display that left a few of his companions snickering quietly , little shoulders shaking with suppressed mirth. She wondered idly if the woman knew how much she was embarrassing her son.
The blond then set upon the young man in the tuxedo, fawning and flirting in an unseemly display of affection. It was especially in poor taste coming from a newly married woman. One whose very large husband was in attendance. Akahana hoped that the man was not blind to his wife's habits. She also hoped that he did not blame the young blond in the tuxedo for being the object of Nasya's flirtations.
The man dealt with her adeptly. Akahana was amused to notice his quick glance at Nasya's left hand. He then extricated himself from her grasp with poise and managed to thank her for her patronage.
Pouting at the young man, Nasya then turned a fake smile toward her and claimed in a voice dripping with false friendliness that Akahana was Vasili's trophy for the night. That much was quite true and she was being paid well for it. However, Nasya then went on to say that Vasili could do better.
Quirking an eyebrow, Akahana smiled and conceded her point. "Perhaps.†Her smile turned up a little more. "He seems to be doing better each time.â€
Vasili's deep chuckle could be heard behind her. "Just so.†He agreed with her statement and handed Akahana a glass of champagne. He had missed the earlier gushing display and the flirting but he had returned just in time to hear Nasya's comment and Akahana's return statement.
Handing a glass of sparkling white grape juice to Andrei, Vasili smiled. He stood up straight and spoke in a clear voice. "We are making toast to my son, Andrei Vasiliev Bobrov...†He cast a somber look at all the other children in the group. "and his fellow musicians for their fine performance tonight. May they always make such beautiful music!†Holding up his glass in the air, he then nodded to Andrei and drank down his champagne. Akahana held her glass up with Vasili but drank at a more demure pace. "Well done. All of you.†She said again.
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian shook his blond curls out of his eyes and quietly observed the two couples interacting with each other. The blond who'd grabbed his lapels was accompanied by a huge guy. Julian sent up a silent prayer to whoever was watching that if Thunder there took offense, he'd leave Julian's fingers intact.
It seemed to blow over though, sort of, and Julian quietly bit his cheek trying not to laugh at the Asian woman's comeback. He was here in a professional capacity and he took his job seriously. Aside from that he was under contract.
In the interest of saving Andrei's pride, however, he decided that maybe they could begin their fun lesson a bit early. He smiled at the Asian woman who offered to play the flute.
"It would be fun to have a flute with us," he said. "I'm Julian, by the way. Julian Stephenson."
He didn't say it for the recognition; he had no idea if she would know his name or not. It was just polite, particularly if they were about to play together. Julian pointed to a far corner of the opera house, away from most of the conversations taking place.
"I'll meet you all over there," he said.
Watching to make sure the kids headed in the right direction Julian hurried off to get his violin. He carried it out in its case, joining his group, which consisted not only of violinists but also kids who played other instruments. Tucking his violin up under his chin Julian stroked the bow over the strings, checking the tuning. Still good.
Meanwhile, some more people, kids and adults alike, had gathered as well. Julian was sort of well known for the fiddling thing. Holding the instrument between his chin and shoulder he flexed the fingers of his left hand. It had become habit and he still feared, on some level, that they would lock up on him. They hadn't so far but he was terrified of it.
He continued to talk, ignoring the fact that Andrei's parents and his mother's significant other were quietly sniping at each other not quite out of earshot. Crouching in front of his small audience, Andrei included, Julian showed them how to do double-stops, and how to finger several different chords on his violin.
He couldn't help that the adults were being childish, but he could try to be an example of how a respectable adult should behave.
It seemed to blow over though, sort of, and Julian quietly bit his cheek trying not to laugh at the Asian woman's comeback. He was here in a professional capacity and he took his job seriously. Aside from that he was under contract.
In the interest of saving Andrei's pride, however, he decided that maybe they could begin their fun lesson a bit early. He smiled at the Asian woman who offered to play the flute.
"It would be fun to have a flute with us," he said. "I'm Julian, by the way. Julian Stephenson."
He didn't say it for the recognition; he had no idea if she would know his name or not. It was just polite, particularly if they were about to play together. Julian pointed to a far corner of the opera house, away from most of the conversations taking place.
"I'll meet you all over there," he said.
Watching to make sure the kids headed in the right direction Julian hurried off to get his violin. He carried it out in its case, joining his group, which consisted not only of violinists but also kids who played other instruments. Tucking his violin up under his chin Julian stroked the bow over the strings, checking the tuning. Still good.
Meanwhile, some more people, kids and adults alike, had gathered as well. Julian was sort of well known for the fiddling thing. Holding the instrument between his chin and shoulder he flexed the fingers of his left hand. It had become habit and he still feared, on some level, that they would lock up on him. They hadn't so far but he was terrified of it.
He continued to talk, ignoring the fact that Andrei's parents and his mother's significant other were quietly sniping at each other not quite out of earshot. Crouching in front of his small audience, Andrei included, Julian showed them how to do double-stops, and how to finger several different chords on his violin.
He couldn't help that the adults were being childish, but he could try to be an example of how a respectable adult should behave.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Nasya's new husband came looking for her. He had practically knocked a few people over in his haste to join their little group. Akahana noticed that Mitch, she thought that was right, held high two champagne glasses and he pushed through the crowd. When he reached their group, he thrust one toward Nasya like a proud puppy with a paper.
The blond woman didn't take it. She looked down her nose at it and then gave him a long displeased look. Poor guy, all he had wanted was his reward for playing fetch. Nasya informed him in the tone one used to scold a dull witted child that she did not want champagne and that he should have gotten her wine. He knew that she preferred wine, why would he get her champagne, is stupid, if he was not certain then he should have asked first.
Mitch trudged away with his extra glass of champagne and went to go get her a glass of wine, which she preferred. Now everyone knew this.
Akahana turned to the man in the tux and smiled. He introduced himself as Julian Stephenson, which sounded vaguely familiar to her but she was not sure. She thought perhaps he was with the Nachton Orchestra. She seemed to remember his face from a concert she had seen not long ago. Something about him stood out.
They had a series of violinists filling the slot of third chair. It had been hastily vacated right after the bombing of Hillsdale House and then several more times since then. No one seemed to stay in the position for very long. Some of the more superstitious musicians were even saying that the position was cursed. There had certainly been a lot of different tux clad butts warming that particular seat but since they all seemed to leave for different reasons, and none had died while occupying the chair, Akahana did not think you could truly call it a curse.
She gave him a small bow and smiled. Moving away from Vasili and his ex-wife, Akahana gave the man her full name in a voice that would not carry to the people behind them, especially not with them arguing loudly. "Akahana Yoshida but just Hana, if you please.†She did not give her full name to clients very often though it was no trouble to make sure that it was not remembered.
Looking to the place where he said that they were to meet, Akahana nodded. "I shall return shortly.†She quickly found Vasili and told him in a quiet voice where she was headed and for what purpose. He smiled proudly at her, patted her on the shoulder and assured her that this 'indulgence', as she had termed it, was no trouble at all. Akahana hastened out of the building with a slight smile upon her very red lips. It was more than he could possibly have asked for. Look at my new girlfriend; she is the picture of culture and talent. What do you do? Pose like a doll in front of cameras.
Akahana held no disdain for Nasya's occupation. She had done it from time to time herself. She had also owned and operated various brothels and entertainment houses over the ages so posing for pictures seemed rather tame. She did hope that Nasya had some other talent. Akahana thought the girl was pretty but that would only last for so long.
Upon returning with her flute, she smiled once at Vasili and then joined Julian on the stage. Akahana took out her flute and quickly put it together, playing a few experimental notes before nodding to Julian that she was ready.
"What song did you have in mind?†She knew a lot of the more popular songs and what she did not know she could always listen to and pick out an accompaniment for after a verse or two.
((OOC: The reason Julian probably stood out from the other violinists was probably due to having a solo. However she doesn't seem to remember that part as the reason why she is connecting him with the orchestra. Ah, memory, such a fickle thing. ))
The blond woman didn't take it. She looked down her nose at it and then gave him a long displeased look. Poor guy, all he had wanted was his reward for playing fetch. Nasya informed him in the tone one used to scold a dull witted child that she did not want champagne and that he should have gotten her wine. He knew that she preferred wine, why would he get her champagne, is stupid, if he was not certain then he should have asked first.
Mitch trudged away with his extra glass of champagne and went to go get her a glass of wine, which she preferred. Now everyone knew this.
Akahana turned to the man in the tux and smiled. He introduced himself as Julian Stephenson, which sounded vaguely familiar to her but she was not sure. She thought perhaps he was with the Nachton Orchestra. She seemed to remember his face from a concert she had seen not long ago. Something about him stood out.
They had a series of violinists filling the slot of third chair. It had been hastily vacated right after the bombing of Hillsdale House and then several more times since then. No one seemed to stay in the position for very long. Some of the more superstitious musicians were even saying that the position was cursed. There had certainly been a lot of different tux clad butts warming that particular seat but since they all seemed to leave for different reasons, and none had died while occupying the chair, Akahana did not think you could truly call it a curse.
She gave him a small bow and smiled. Moving away from Vasili and his ex-wife, Akahana gave the man her full name in a voice that would not carry to the people behind them, especially not with them arguing loudly. "Akahana Yoshida but just Hana, if you please.†She did not give her full name to clients very often though it was no trouble to make sure that it was not remembered.
Looking to the place where he said that they were to meet, Akahana nodded. "I shall return shortly.†She quickly found Vasili and told him in a quiet voice where she was headed and for what purpose. He smiled proudly at her, patted her on the shoulder and assured her that this 'indulgence', as she had termed it, was no trouble at all. Akahana hastened out of the building with a slight smile upon her very red lips. It was more than he could possibly have asked for. Look at my new girlfriend; she is the picture of culture and talent. What do you do? Pose like a doll in front of cameras.
Akahana held no disdain for Nasya's occupation. She had done it from time to time herself. She had also owned and operated various brothels and entertainment houses over the ages so posing for pictures seemed rather tame. She did hope that Nasya had some other talent. Akahana thought the girl was pretty but that would only last for so long.
Upon returning with her flute, she smiled once at Vasili and then joined Julian on the stage. Akahana took out her flute and quickly put it together, playing a few experimental notes before nodding to Julian that she was ready.
"What song did you have in mind?†She knew a lot of the more popular songs and what she did not know she could always listen to and pick out an accompaniment for after a verse or two.
((OOC: The reason Julian probably stood out from the other violinists was probably due to having a solo. However she doesn't seem to remember that part as the reason why she is connecting him with the orchestra. Ah, memory, such a fickle thing. ))
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian did his best to ignore the bitchy blond and the deal with the champagne. Andrei seemed to follow his lead and do the same. The Asian lady, who introduced herself as Hana, went to get her flute, retuning as Julian was showing the kids a few interesting chords.
When she asked him about the song he thought for a moment. Julian knew a vast number of songs, classical and folk and then some. He chose a fairly common one that could be easily ornamented and elaborated upon a simple melody. Not only would it not insult his partner, as they could do what they pleased with it, but the tune was not complex, so the kids could pick it up as well.
"Swallowtail jig," he suggested to Hana.
When she nodded at him Julian turned to the kids. "We're going to do it nice and simple at first," he said, "then we'll have some fun. So listen and try to figure out what we're adding and where."
There was no sense in playing a slow jig, really, not when you were dealing solely with instruments. So Julian tapped out a quick rhythm with his foot and launched right into the song. His fingers moved impeccably over the fingerboard of his violin, the tone bright and cheerful.
The song was quite short, and he was glad to hear Hana's flute join in quickly, in perfect tune and perfect time. He glanced at her and grinned as they finished playing through one verse. Then, as promised, Julian let rip on the second. Instead of a simple jig, suddenly the swallow took flight. The notes fairly flew from his fingertips, flourished and ornamented with grace notes and appropriate phrases.
As was somewhat typical when playing music this style with more than one musician, he finished the second verse and then nodded to Hana, backing off on his part so that she could steal the spotlight with her flute if she wanted for a verse.
In the meantime, he was moving. Tapping his feet, not so much dancing since his hip didn't lend itself to graceful movement - with the right partner he might attempt it but he didn't think this was a good crowd to go acting like an idiot in. But he encouraged the people watching to dance, which many of them did. He kept his own eyes open but in reality he was already lost in the music. That didn't mean he couldn't engage his audience though, and he did, with bright smiles and little flourishes that drew them in.
It was plain that Hana was a professional with her own instrument, and it took Julian no time at all to stop worrying about playing around her and actually play with her. She was fantastic. The young musicians watched, enraptured, and Julian could tell just by looking which ones were going to go home and try this themselves.
When she asked him about the song he thought for a moment. Julian knew a vast number of songs, classical and folk and then some. He chose a fairly common one that could be easily ornamented and elaborated upon a simple melody. Not only would it not insult his partner, as they could do what they pleased with it, but the tune was not complex, so the kids could pick it up as well.
"Swallowtail jig," he suggested to Hana.
When she nodded at him Julian turned to the kids. "We're going to do it nice and simple at first," he said, "then we'll have some fun. So listen and try to figure out what we're adding and where."
There was no sense in playing a slow jig, really, not when you were dealing solely with instruments. So Julian tapped out a quick rhythm with his foot and launched right into the song. His fingers moved impeccably over the fingerboard of his violin, the tone bright and cheerful.
The song was quite short, and he was glad to hear Hana's flute join in quickly, in perfect tune and perfect time. He glanced at her and grinned as they finished playing through one verse. Then, as promised, Julian let rip on the second. Instead of a simple jig, suddenly the swallow took flight. The notes fairly flew from his fingertips, flourished and ornamented with grace notes and appropriate phrases.
As was somewhat typical when playing music this style with more than one musician, he finished the second verse and then nodded to Hana, backing off on his part so that she could steal the spotlight with her flute if she wanted for a verse.
In the meantime, he was moving. Tapping his feet, not so much dancing since his hip didn't lend itself to graceful movement - with the right partner he might attempt it but he didn't think this was a good crowd to go acting like an idiot in. But he encouraged the people watching to dance, which many of them did. He kept his own eyes open but in reality he was already lost in the music. That didn't mean he couldn't engage his audience though, and he did, with bright smiles and little flourishes that drew them in.
It was plain that Hana was a professional with her own instrument, and it took Julian no time at all to stop worrying about playing around her and actually play with her. She was fantastic. The young musicians watched, enraptured, and Julian could tell just by looking which ones were going to go home and try this themselves.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Akahana nodded and smiled when Julian picked a piece that they could both play. She waited for him to start and listened to how he was going to play it clean and simple for the kids for the first round. The first run through had no embellishments of any kind. She played along with the simple melody effortlessly, watching the crowd and the children while she played.
The second round was done with more pizzazz. Julian was amazing and when he really got into it his fingers flew across the fingerboard. He was an animated fiddle player and she wondered if he had this same energy when he played for the orchestra. Fiddle music allowed for more outgoing behavior; at least that was what she suspected. Over the years she had seen some eccentric soloists in classical music but for the most part musicians that were part of an orchestra tended to play with a certain decorum and restrain...at least in their larger movements.
The third verse was her time to shine and Akahana filled it will trills and a flurry of extra riffs that were woven into the main melody, some over it and some below it, like a swallow climbing high and then swooping low.
They finished the piece on the fourth round. Julian joined back in with the same exuberance he possessed for his section and they both played with all the extras that they could manage to reasonably pack into the tune, keeping the energy high. Toward the end of the fourth verse they, by mutual unspoken accord, cleaned it back up again, finishing with the same simple notes they started with.
"That was wonderful.†She smiled and gave him a small bow.
The second round was done with more pizzazz. Julian was amazing and when he really got into it his fingers flew across the fingerboard. He was an animated fiddle player and she wondered if he had this same energy when he played for the orchestra. Fiddle music allowed for more outgoing behavior; at least that was what she suspected. Over the years she had seen some eccentric soloists in classical music but for the most part musicians that were part of an orchestra tended to play with a certain decorum and restrain...at least in their larger movements.
The third verse was her time to shine and Akahana filled it will trills and a flurry of extra riffs that were woven into the main melody, some over it and some below it, like a swallow climbing high and then swooping low.
They finished the piece on the fourth round. Julian joined back in with the same exuberance he possessed for his section and they both played with all the extras that they could manage to reasonably pack into the tune, keeping the energy high. Toward the end of the fourth verse they, by mutual unspoken accord, cleaned it back up again, finishing with the same simple notes they started with.
"That was wonderful.†She smiled and gave him a small bow.
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Playing with someone who was just as into it as you were was amazing, no matter who it was. Julian, however, was very much aware that his current partner was a rather engaging, charming, beautiful Asian woman. Hana's skills were obvious and the song seemed to fly by like the bird it was named for.
Some of the children watched, fascinated; others danced, trying to imitate Irish dancers with their hands and arms still, bouncing around on their little feet. A few just danced wildly, which was the way Julian personally thought such music was meant to be danced to. If he could dance to it, anyway, he'd do it that way.
When they were finished he was slightly out of breath. It should be that way. If your fiddler couldn't do so with enthusiasm he wasn't really worthy of the name. He lifted his bow off the strings of his violin with a flourish and gave a little bow as their small audience clapped.
Turning to Hana he returned her bow as well, smiling, eyes twinkling. "It was. You're an amazing musician, Hana. Do you play professionally, or just for enjoyment?"
He raised his arms as he asked, as three or four of his young violinists were now tugging at his coat asking him to teach them the jig. Holding his instrument out of the way he smiled at them, a little wary of being knocked off balance. "Yes, of course, go, get your violins."
They ran off, leaving him with mostly adults for a minute or so. He politely waited for Hana to answer the question, doing his best to studiously ignore Nasya's burning gaze and the pointed looks she and her ex were still shooting at each other.
Honestly, it felt like Hana was the only sane one in the bunch. What did she see in her date, anyway? It was idle speculation; Julian felt uncharitable for thinking it, too. He was sure all the people here had plenty of redeeming qualities. Putting two people together who had 'history' behind them was bound to be somewhat awkward no matter how wonderful you were. He felt bad for the respective partners, though. No one wanted to be caught in the middle.
Which was why he would happily spend another hour teaching four young violinists to play the swallowtail jig; honestly, Nasya's eyes were making him feel naked, and not in a good 'I'm about to shag a hot blond' way. He glanced at the bar and wished he weren't here in a professional capacity. He could really use a drink or five.
Some of the children watched, fascinated; others danced, trying to imitate Irish dancers with their hands and arms still, bouncing around on their little feet. A few just danced wildly, which was the way Julian personally thought such music was meant to be danced to. If he could dance to it, anyway, he'd do it that way.
When they were finished he was slightly out of breath. It should be that way. If your fiddler couldn't do so with enthusiasm he wasn't really worthy of the name. He lifted his bow off the strings of his violin with a flourish and gave a little bow as their small audience clapped.
Turning to Hana he returned her bow as well, smiling, eyes twinkling. "It was. You're an amazing musician, Hana. Do you play professionally, or just for enjoyment?"
He raised his arms as he asked, as three or four of his young violinists were now tugging at his coat asking him to teach them the jig. Holding his instrument out of the way he smiled at them, a little wary of being knocked off balance. "Yes, of course, go, get your violins."
They ran off, leaving him with mostly adults for a minute or so. He politely waited for Hana to answer the question, doing his best to studiously ignore Nasya's burning gaze and the pointed looks she and her ex were still shooting at each other.
Honestly, it felt like Hana was the only sane one in the bunch. What did she see in her date, anyway? It was idle speculation; Julian felt uncharitable for thinking it, too. He was sure all the people here had plenty of redeeming qualities. Putting two people together who had 'history' behind them was bound to be somewhat awkward no matter how wonderful you were. He felt bad for the respective partners, though. No one wanted to be caught in the middle.
Which was why he would happily spend another hour teaching four young violinists to play the swallowtail jig; honestly, Nasya's eyes were making him feel naked, and not in a good 'I'm about to shag a hot blond' way. He glanced at the bar and wished he weren't here in a professional capacity. He could really use a drink or five.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Akahana loved the way the children were responding to the music. She could not really remember very well a time when she was a carefree child like the ones in front of her. She envied their freedom to be themselves, to do as their mood struck them without fear of looking foolish, being too loud, or offending anyone. They laughed and enjoyed the moment.
When they were done Julian turned and complimented her, asking if she played professionally. Akahana smiled and shook her head slightly. "I have not had much time lately but sometimes.†It was hard to say that she was busy with several businesses without sounding egotistical. Explaining what most of those businesses were would be hard to explain, at least in detail without outing Vasili as a man who bought a date.
The children wanted to learn the song that they had played. Julian had a small group of violinists crowded around him. Akahana was surprised to have her own little group. A couple of flutists and a clarinet player. She pulled her phone out of the clutch she had with her. Searching the web, Akahana found the sheet music for the swallowtail jig.
"Does this place have a printer or a fax that you can get to?†She held up the phone to Julian to show him what she was requesting.
Vasili came over and told her that she played very well. He then pulled up a chair and sat near her but out of the way. Andrei was one of the violinists that wanted to learn the jig so his parents had a reason to hang around. She was not keeping Vasili and he seemed interested in watching, perhaps as a show of interest in her but Akahana suspected that he wanted to watch his son.
When they were done Julian turned and complimented her, asking if she played professionally. Akahana smiled and shook her head slightly. "I have not had much time lately but sometimes.†It was hard to say that she was busy with several businesses without sounding egotistical. Explaining what most of those businesses were would be hard to explain, at least in detail without outing Vasili as a man who bought a date.
The children wanted to learn the song that they had played. Julian had a small group of violinists crowded around him. Akahana was surprised to have her own little group. A couple of flutists and a clarinet player. She pulled her phone out of the clutch she had with her. Searching the web, Akahana found the sheet music for the swallowtail jig.
"Does this place have a printer or a fax that you can get to?†She held up the phone to Julian to show him what she was requesting.
Vasili came over and told her that she played very well. He then pulled up a chair and sat near her but out of the way. Andrei was one of the violinists that wanted to learn the jig so his parents had a reason to hang around. She was not keeping Vasili and he seemed interested in watching, perhaps as a show of interest in her but Akahana suspected that he wanted to watch his son.
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
As the kids all scattered to get various instruments, Julian turned to see Hana's upheld cell phone. He winced and shrugged at her, looking around.
"I have no idea," he said apologetically. He didn't play here at the Opera House all the time, and he certainly didn't know if there was a fax machine or printer... probably wherever the administrative office was.
Holding a finger up in a 'one second' gesture he limped off to find one of the ushers, who were still there to guide people around. He explained what they were looking for quickly, and the woman accompanied him back to where Hana waited.
It only took a couple of minutes to get the sheet music printed out, and they returned to find their group had grown even more as the kids told their friends what was happening.
Julian turned to Hana, who had to be earning some kind of special heavenly award for sheer niceness to children.
"I wish I had their energy," he said. Truth be told, he'd probably still do the same. Julian adored music. It was the thing he'd feared most when he'd woken up in the hospital and realized he was badly injured; that he would never be able to play again.
Before too long he and Hana had organized the kids and begun to teach them the song. It wasn't hard; they all read music well and had talent. Julian found his eyes drawn to Hana several times. She was talented and pretty. No wonder she was with Andrei's father. He was also sort of charismatic. It was odd, though. It was difficult to get the sense that they were together as a couple. Julian didn't know what it was... maybe a lack of significant glances, or little gestures, or... he didn't know what. They'd obviously come together.
Maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part. He'd had a few dates here and there but he was still looking for a certain something, he guessed. A woman like Hana was out of his league but he could dream, right?
It didn't take much time to teach the aspiring professionals, and Julian and Hana both stepped back and let them go. They were too full of energy to be still for very long, and the playing sort of expanded out from their little group as everyone moved around to friends, to family.
It left the two of them standing together for a few moments, and Julian was free to turn to Hana again since she hadn't immediately gone back to her date. He was just being professionally friendly, he thought to himself.
"So where did you learn to play?" he asked her, smiling as he lowered his violin and placed it back in the case, which sat on a nearby table.
"I have no idea," he said apologetically. He didn't play here at the Opera House all the time, and he certainly didn't know if there was a fax machine or printer... probably wherever the administrative office was.
Holding a finger up in a 'one second' gesture he limped off to find one of the ushers, who were still there to guide people around. He explained what they were looking for quickly, and the woman accompanied him back to where Hana waited.
It only took a couple of minutes to get the sheet music printed out, and they returned to find their group had grown even more as the kids told their friends what was happening.
Julian turned to Hana, who had to be earning some kind of special heavenly award for sheer niceness to children.
"I wish I had their energy," he said. Truth be told, he'd probably still do the same. Julian adored music. It was the thing he'd feared most when he'd woken up in the hospital and realized he was badly injured; that he would never be able to play again.
Before too long he and Hana had organized the kids and begun to teach them the song. It wasn't hard; they all read music well and had talent. Julian found his eyes drawn to Hana several times. She was talented and pretty. No wonder she was with Andrei's father. He was also sort of charismatic. It was odd, though. It was difficult to get the sense that they were together as a couple. Julian didn't know what it was... maybe a lack of significant glances, or little gestures, or... he didn't know what. They'd obviously come together.
Maybe it was just wishful thinking on his part. He'd had a few dates here and there but he was still looking for a certain something, he guessed. A woman like Hana was out of his league but he could dream, right?
It didn't take much time to teach the aspiring professionals, and Julian and Hana both stepped back and let them go. They were too full of energy to be still for very long, and the playing sort of expanded out from their little group as everyone moved around to friends, to family.
It left the two of them standing together for a few moments, and Julian was free to turn to Hana again since she hadn't immediately gone back to her date. He was just being professionally friendly, he thought to himself.
"So where did you learn to play?" he asked her, smiling as he lowered his violin and placed it back in the case, which sat on a nearby table.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Vasili listening to his son excitedly explain the difference between classical violin and the fiddle. This explanation came with animated instructions. Akahana did not want to interrupt father son time, especially since Andrei's mother was the one with custody. She thought that Vasili had taken the loss of his son worse than the loss of the mother. He might not have spent as much time with his son as he would have wanted but he could always see him, at least briefly every night. Now the opportunities to be a part of his son's life were far more sparse. Vasili seemed to be determined to make the most of them.
She turned away from the family scene and smiled at Julian. They had a moment of calm without children tugging on them. It was suddenly quite peaceful. Akahana had a feeling that Nasya would be back before long. The new Mrs. Mitchell Campbell seemed to have taken an intense interest in the violinist.
"I learned my first instrument in a temple in Japan.†Akahana smiled softly. "I was to be a part of the seminary there. However...things did not work out.†She had been dragged out of the temple and beaten to death. If a vampire had not found her then it would have been a permanent death. "The flute. Obviously not like this one. A bamboo flute.â€
Gesturing to his violin, Akahana smiled. "And you, how did you come to dedicate your whole life to music, Mr. Stephenson?â€
A waiter paused and asked if they would like any drinks. She asked for a glass of water with ice. Akahana loved ice in her drink when it did not ruin the taste. It still seemed like such a novelty after all this time. She liked the sound it made tinkling against the glass and the convenience of finding it any time of the year.
She turned away from the family scene and smiled at Julian. They had a moment of calm without children tugging on them. It was suddenly quite peaceful. Akahana had a feeling that Nasya would be back before long. The new Mrs. Mitchell Campbell seemed to have taken an intense interest in the violinist.
"I learned my first instrument in a temple in Japan.†Akahana smiled softly. "I was to be a part of the seminary there. However...things did not work out.†She had been dragged out of the temple and beaten to death. If a vampire had not found her then it would have been a permanent death. "The flute. Obviously not like this one. A bamboo flute.â€
Gesturing to his violin, Akahana smiled. "And you, how did you come to dedicate your whole life to music, Mr. Stephenson?â€
A waiter paused and asked if they would like any drinks. She asked for a glass of water with ice. Akahana loved ice in her drink when it did not ruin the taste. It still seemed like such a novelty after all this time. She liked the sound it made tinkling against the glass and the convenience of finding it any time of the year.
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian listened attentively to Hana as she briefly described her education to him. It only raised more questions, which he couldn't exactly ask further about in polite company. First he addressed her question. It was only polite.
"Just Julian, please," he said first, with a smile. "I've always loved it," he explained. "I picked up my grandmother's violin when I was very young. She showed me a few things; I ran with it. It was a little tough when I went through school. A lot of the other violinists were girls so I got teased a lot. Until college. Then I got a lot of dates."
He grinned a bit sheepishly and shrugged. It was true. Male violinists didn't get hot until they matured, apparently. Maybe there had to be some kind of trial period to prove they weren't gay. Of course, Julian got plenty of that too. People tended to assume. Maybe it was his perfect manicure, or the time he spent on his hair... whatever.
"Anyway, it was all I ever wanted. I worked hard and got into Julliard on my first audition, and that was it. I've never known anything else."
Hana didn't seem like she was about to fall asleep. That was a bonus. Sometimes he wondered if he got too intense with the music thing for some people.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out for you," he said. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?"
Obviously something interesting; here she was, in the US instead of Japan. Her English was impeccable; she must have been studying for quite some time. Julian couldn't help his curiosity.
He smiled and shook his head at the waiter; he didn't have to serve Julian since they were both employees, although the waitstaff were directed to bring water to the musicians when they needed it. He didn't think the guy had to wait on him though.
In the meantime he continued to attend to Hana. He was hoping she'd elaborate for him. He had done a good deal of traveling himself but he had never been to Japan. The culture intrigued him. It was so very different from his own.
"Just Julian, please," he said first, with a smile. "I've always loved it," he explained. "I picked up my grandmother's violin when I was very young. She showed me a few things; I ran with it. It was a little tough when I went through school. A lot of the other violinists were girls so I got teased a lot. Until college. Then I got a lot of dates."
He grinned a bit sheepishly and shrugged. It was true. Male violinists didn't get hot until they matured, apparently. Maybe there had to be some kind of trial period to prove they weren't gay. Of course, Julian got plenty of that too. People tended to assume. Maybe it was his perfect manicure, or the time he spent on his hair... whatever.
"Anyway, it was all I ever wanted. I worked hard and got into Julliard on my first audition, and that was it. I've never known anything else."
Hana didn't seem like she was about to fall asleep. That was a bonus. Sometimes he wondered if he got too intense with the music thing for some people.
"I'm sorry it didn't work out for you," he said. "What happened, if you don't mind my asking?"
Obviously something interesting; here she was, in the US instead of Japan. Her English was impeccable; she must have been studying for quite some time. Julian couldn't help his curiosity.
He smiled and shook his head at the waiter; he didn't have to serve Julian since they were both employees, although the waitstaff were directed to bring water to the musicians when they needed it. He didn't think the guy had to wait on him though.
In the meantime he continued to attend to Hana. He was hoping she'd elaborate for him. He had done a good deal of traveling himself but he had never been to Japan. The culture intrigued him. It was so very different from his own.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
"All right, Just Julian.†Akahana smiled.
She listened as he explained how he came to love music and the violin. It seemed to her that family was a good part of that reason; maybe Julian didn't think of it that way but she thought that the original appeal and good memories that he had for the first attempts at the violin might be associated with his family. So often children have a fleeting interest in something but if their family helps them with it and reinforces the positive of a thing then a child would likely continue it beyond that first passing interest.
Or Julian could have simply loved it from the start and was lucky enough to have a family who supported that love.
Putting a hand to her mouth, she chuckled softly as he explained that it was hard carrying the classical instrument to school in the early years but the dedication appeared to have paid off in more ways than simple talent. Akahana personally thought that he might have gotten dates whether he played the violin or not. They might not have been the same ones, but Julian was quite handsome in a way that seemed approachable. She suspected he would have had girls coming up to him in that time of his life, one way or the other.
"That is very impressive dedication. It is rare to meet someone who has known what they wanted for so long and had the will to go after it with all their heart.†Akahana gave him a respectful bow.
Julian asked her what happened. She waved a dismissive hand back and forth in front of her. No, she did not mind him asking. "I got very sick.†Akahana said simply. "It brought on a seizure and that is when I found out that I had epilepsy.†Only they did not call it that back then. It was a demon living inside her and the villagers felt compelled to get it out, one way or the other. "My mother took me from the temple then and was responsible for much of my schooling afterward.†Mai taught her a lot of things about the new world she found herself in.
"Since then I have danced, done some modeling and other things.†Several life times worth of other things. "Now I manage a few businesses such as a modeling agency and an event coordinator business. It started small. I took what interested me and tried to make a living out of it. I collected other people who enjoyed it and helped them make a living. Before I knew it, I had a business.†She shrugged and smiled. That was mostly how it had gone. Akahana had done small things, wandering with Mai, learning to be a useful member of Anantya. When she went back to Japan to live for a while she found young girls and gave them a home, starting one of the first Okiya. She also started a spy ring, a circle of thieves and a group of assassins but that was beside the point.
Her water arrived and she took it from the waiter and thanked him. "So, Julian, you have always wanted to be a musician and you accomplished that goal very well. What do you do for fun?â€
She listened as he explained how he came to love music and the violin. It seemed to her that family was a good part of that reason; maybe Julian didn't think of it that way but she thought that the original appeal and good memories that he had for the first attempts at the violin might be associated with his family. So often children have a fleeting interest in something but if their family helps them with it and reinforces the positive of a thing then a child would likely continue it beyond that first passing interest.
Or Julian could have simply loved it from the start and was lucky enough to have a family who supported that love.
Putting a hand to her mouth, she chuckled softly as he explained that it was hard carrying the classical instrument to school in the early years but the dedication appeared to have paid off in more ways than simple talent. Akahana personally thought that he might have gotten dates whether he played the violin or not. They might not have been the same ones, but Julian was quite handsome in a way that seemed approachable. She suspected he would have had girls coming up to him in that time of his life, one way or the other.
"That is very impressive dedication. It is rare to meet someone who has known what they wanted for so long and had the will to go after it with all their heart.†Akahana gave him a respectful bow.
Julian asked her what happened. She waved a dismissive hand back and forth in front of her. No, she did not mind him asking. "I got very sick.†Akahana said simply. "It brought on a seizure and that is when I found out that I had epilepsy.†Only they did not call it that back then. It was a demon living inside her and the villagers felt compelled to get it out, one way or the other. "My mother took me from the temple then and was responsible for much of my schooling afterward.†Mai taught her a lot of things about the new world she found herself in.
"Since then I have danced, done some modeling and other things.†Several life times worth of other things. "Now I manage a few businesses such as a modeling agency and an event coordinator business. It started small. I took what interested me and tried to make a living out of it. I collected other people who enjoyed it and helped them make a living. Before I knew it, I had a business.†She shrugged and smiled. That was mostly how it had gone. Akahana had done small things, wandering with Mai, learning to be a useful member of Anantya. When she went back to Japan to live for a while she found young girls and gave them a home, starting one of the first Okiya. She also started a spy ring, a circle of thieves and a group of assassins but that was beside the point.
Her water arrived and she took it from the waiter and thanked him. "So, Julian, you have always wanted to be a musician and you accomplished that goal very well. What do you do for fun?â€
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
"Thank you," Julian said to Hana, returning her bow. "I feel very lucky to have been able to follow my dream. In spite of a few setbacks."
He gave her his full attention as she told him a little bit about herself, leaving him slightly wide-eyed. She was pretty impressive too. Julian felt like an underachiever in comparison.
"Wow," he said, when she finished. "You've overcome your own setbacks and... excuse me, but you seem so young to manage your own businesses. That's amazing. I don't think I could do that."
She could hardly be more than twenty or so, this small woman in front of him. "That's dedication, if you ask me. And plenty of flute practice too!"
Her next question surprised him, but only slightly, and he hid it under his professional face. He tried not to glance around for her date. Hadn't he just almost sort of slithered away from Andrei's mother? He wasn't out to steal anyone's date.
"Well," he confessed, "Almost anything. I'm a little bit of an insomniac so I like to go out, check out the city, see what's happening when I'm not rehearsing or performing. Yourself? I'm amazed you can find the time for, well, free time. You must be so busy."
He gave her his full attention as she told him a little bit about herself, leaving him slightly wide-eyed. She was pretty impressive too. Julian felt like an underachiever in comparison.
"Wow," he said, when she finished. "You've overcome your own setbacks and... excuse me, but you seem so young to manage your own businesses. That's amazing. I don't think I could do that."
She could hardly be more than twenty or so, this small woman in front of him. "That's dedication, if you ask me. And plenty of flute practice too!"
Her next question surprised him, but only slightly, and he hid it under his professional face. He tried not to glance around for her date. Hadn't he just almost sort of slithered away from Andrei's mother? He wasn't out to steal anyone's date.
"Well," he confessed, "Almost anything. I'm a little bit of an insomniac so I like to go out, check out the city, see what's happening when I'm not rehearsing or performing. Yourself? I'm amazed you can find the time for, well, free time. You must be so busy."
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Akahana smiled at Julian and shrugged her shoulders modestly when he said that she had overcome difficulties and succeeded. She couldn't explain that she had plenty of time to accomplish all those things and that given several thousand years to work on it that she had not done anything very impressive.
She considered him very carefully when he said that he was an insomniac who liked to check out the city when he couldn't sleep. It was only a matter of time before he came in contact with a vampire that wanted take advantage of him, either permanently or merely as a meal. In fact it could have already happened and he not remember it. He could even be a familiar for all she really knew; the only way to know that would be to bite him and see if he recognized it for what it was. Or she could simply tell him she was a vampire and see what his reaction was to that seemingly absurd statement.
That was for later though. The first question to answer was did she want to make him a familiar if he did not already belong to someone else. Akahana thought he was interesting, intelligent and obviously capable of extreme dedication. That was enough to make her want to see him again and give the idea of Julian as a familiar some further consideration.
She reached for her flute and spoke quietly, "Well I stay up fairly late myself with work. If you ever need company for one of these outings then you can 'give me a call'.†Akahana tried not to look like she was flirting with him and that it was simply a friendly offer for some coffee and conversation and not a date. She would not mind it being more but she could not explain that while they were here.
Julian asked her what she did with her own free time, expecting that she did not have much of it. That was true, even with other people to help her run the various businesses that she owned. Keeping up with those, doing some of that work herself and being an active member of the Order of the Night, one that was currently undercover, left her with little time to really pursue the things that she considered hobbies. "Well I love to take photographs. Those can be done anywhere and any time. It is a great, very flexible hobby. You can spend a lot of money and a lot of time on it or sometimes you can get something truly wonderful in mere moments. You simply have to have a camera on you when you are in the right place at the right time.â€
Smiling, she looked down at her lap and added. "My other hobby is more time consuming. I do not get as much chance to work with it as I do music or photography. It is also...messy.â€Akahana looked up at him and grinned. "I like to make pottery.â€
((OOC: Command in red. Julian commanded with full knowledge and permission of Julian's scribe. She's such a mean lady. ))
She considered him very carefully when he said that he was an insomniac who liked to check out the city when he couldn't sleep. It was only a matter of time before he came in contact with a vampire that wanted take advantage of him, either permanently or merely as a meal. In fact it could have already happened and he not remember it. He could even be a familiar for all she really knew; the only way to know that would be to bite him and see if he recognized it for what it was. Or she could simply tell him she was a vampire and see what his reaction was to that seemingly absurd statement.
That was for later though. The first question to answer was did she want to make him a familiar if he did not already belong to someone else. Akahana thought he was interesting, intelligent and obviously capable of extreme dedication. That was enough to make her want to see him again and give the idea of Julian as a familiar some further consideration.
She reached for her flute and spoke quietly, "Well I stay up fairly late myself with work. If you ever need company for one of these outings then you can 'give me a call'.†Akahana tried not to look like she was flirting with him and that it was simply a friendly offer for some coffee and conversation and not a date. She would not mind it being more but she could not explain that while they were here.
Julian asked her what she did with her own free time, expecting that she did not have much of it. That was true, even with other people to help her run the various businesses that she owned. Keeping up with those, doing some of that work herself and being an active member of the Order of the Night, one that was currently undercover, left her with little time to really pursue the things that she considered hobbies. "Well I love to take photographs. Those can be done anywhere and any time. It is a great, very flexible hobby. You can spend a lot of money and a lot of time on it or sometimes you can get something truly wonderful in mere moments. You simply have to have a camera on you when you are in the right place at the right time.â€
Smiling, she looked down at her lap and added. "My other hobby is more time consuming. I do not get as much chance to work with it as I do music or photography. It is also...messy.â€Akahana looked up at him and grinned. "I like to make pottery.â€
((OOC: Command in red. Julian commanded with full knowledge and permission of Julian's scribe. She's such a mean lady. ))
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian heard Hana's invitation and was about to open his mouth and respond with the usual polite "thank you, maybe I will," but there was something in her voice. An urge came over him to drop the formality for just a moment and he found himself saying, "What's your number? I'll give you a call tomorrow night."
She wasn't giving him the looks that Nasya was, even from across the room. Hana didn't seem to be interested in him for sex... not outwardly anyway. And she was an interesting person. Julian had had a few dates here and there; he wasn't opposed to it. Some of them had been good and some not, and one or two of them he'd followed up with a second date. He wasn't looking for romance, but it would be nice to have someone to spend some time with.
Julian smiled and nodded when she said she liked photography. "You're right, that's a great hobby," he said. "Perfect for someone who has so much on her plate. The flute too," he gestured to the little instrument. "You can play anywhere you have a moment."
It was one of the things he liked about his violin; Julian had yet to find a place where his playing was unwelcome. Naturally, there were some venues he hadn't tried at all, but for the most part a well-played violin was appropriate for just about every occasion.
Her last statement, spoken with a pretty grin, made him smile again. "Now that's something I've always wanted to try. Just for fun."
It seemed like a good time, even if he never managed to make anything but a lopsided bowl or something. And he didn't mind messy. Maybe he should try to find a class or something. His schedule was pretty set; Julian knew what he was doing and when for the next few months. He probably could find a class of some sort to fill the time.
She wasn't giving him the looks that Nasya was, even from across the room. Hana didn't seem to be interested in him for sex... not outwardly anyway. And she was an interesting person. Julian had had a few dates here and there; he wasn't opposed to it. Some of them had been good and some not, and one or two of them he'd followed up with a second date. He wasn't looking for romance, but it would be nice to have someone to spend some time with.
Julian smiled and nodded when she said she liked photography. "You're right, that's a great hobby," he said. "Perfect for someone who has so much on her plate. The flute too," he gestured to the little instrument. "You can play anywhere you have a moment."
It was one of the things he liked about his violin; Julian had yet to find a place where his playing was unwelcome. Naturally, there were some venues he hadn't tried at all, but for the most part a well-played violin was appropriate for just about every occasion.
Her last statement, spoken with a pretty grin, made him smile again. "Now that's something I've always wanted to try. Just for fun."
It seemed like a good time, even if he never managed to make anything but a lopsided bowl or something. And he didn't mind messy. Maybe he should try to find a class or something. His schedule was pretty set; Julian knew what he was doing and when for the next few months. He probably could find a class of some sort to fill the time.
Akahana Yoshida
12 years ago
Akahana opened her small purse and found one of the business cards for the modeling agency. She handed him that one and smiled. "The receptionist will get the message to me and I will call you back on my cell.†She could simply give him her cell number but that would look far more suspicious than her simply handing him a business card. They had played music together and obviously had mundane interests in common; it was not scandalous that they swap contact information but she did not want to push the boundary of propriety when here as the date of someone else.
She smiled and nodded her head. "That is true of the flute. It is harder to take a koto with me. I am also learning the guitar...when I have the spare time.†The lessons were actually coming along fairly well. It had some things in common with a shamisen but many more different; however, after a few instruments the rest become easier because the foundation has already been learned.
"I have a lovely blue guitar though.†Akahana smiled and thought of Rowan, wondering how he was doing with his own guitar lessons. "It was something of an impulse buy but it does have some sentimental value and I love the way it sounds."
Julian said that he always wanted to try pottery making. She looked down at his nimble hands and then back up at him. "You would likely do very well at it.†Akahana smiled. "Using a wheel takes a deft touch, gentle and patient. As a musician you would be no stranger to timing and getting a feeling for a piece.†Her praise could have easily been applied to other things and she did not shy away from his gaze when she spoke. Let him decide whether she was simply speaking of an innocent hobby or another hobby that was entirely different.
It was true that you had to have a plan in your head, at least a rough one, when starting to make something on a pottery wheel, otherwise you were just as likely to collapse your clay as to make something worth firing. There had been times when she had been 'in the moment' and let the piece form up out of the clay seemingly of its own accord but those moments were more rare and took the correct state of mind. It was much like getting lost in a piece of music and playing from your heart instead of your head. Julian would understand that also.
"I would be happy to teach you sometime. In exchange for...†Akahana looked at him thoughtfully. He has said she was a busy woman and that was true. Her time was not cheap therefore she could not give it away. She could make a trade for it. "Your musical services, perhaps?†She could always use someone so talented for special events, if he was willing to make the trade. "Obviously I am not speaking of an ongoing arrangement. Only once or twice. Whatever we agree upon and it would, of course, be around your existing schedule.†Akahana smiled and stuck out her hand. "Do we have a deal?â€
She smiled and nodded her head. "That is true of the flute. It is harder to take a koto with me. I am also learning the guitar...when I have the spare time.†The lessons were actually coming along fairly well. It had some things in common with a shamisen but many more different; however, after a few instruments the rest become easier because the foundation has already been learned.
"I have a lovely blue guitar though.†Akahana smiled and thought of Rowan, wondering how he was doing with his own guitar lessons. "It was something of an impulse buy but it does have some sentimental value and I love the way it sounds."
Julian said that he always wanted to try pottery making. She looked down at his nimble hands and then back up at him. "You would likely do very well at it.†Akahana smiled. "Using a wheel takes a deft touch, gentle and patient. As a musician you would be no stranger to timing and getting a feeling for a piece.†Her praise could have easily been applied to other things and she did not shy away from his gaze when she spoke. Let him decide whether she was simply speaking of an innocent hobby or another hobby that was entirely different.
It was true that you had to have a plan in your head, at least a rough one, when starting to make something on a pottery wheel, otherwise you were just as likely to collapse your clay as to make something worth firing. There had been times when she had been 'in the moment' and let the piece form up out of the clay seemingly of its own accord but those moments were more rare and took the correct state of mind. It was much like getting lost in a piece of music and playing from your heart instead of your head. Julian would understand that also.
"I would be happy to teach you sometime. In exchange for...†Akahana looked at him thoughtfully. He has said she was a busy woman and that was true. Her time was not cheap therefore she could not give it away. She could make a trade for it. "Your musical services, perhaps?†She could always use someone so talented for special events, if he was willing to make the trade. "Obviously I am not speaking of an ongoing arrangement. Only once or twice. Whatever we agree upon and it would, of course, be around your existing schedule.†Akahana smiled and stuck out her hand. "Do we have a deal?â€
Julian Stephenson
12 years ago
Julian took Hana's card from her, looked at it briefly, and then tucked it away in his violin case. He nodded at her and smiled, already looking forward to talking to her again. Neither of them could really linger here; they both had obligations to attend to. She was fun to talk to though and he wouldn't mind getting together on their own.
He smiled when she mentioned her guitar on top of everything else. "Not a moment lost," he observed, nodding. He was the same. Julian hated to sleep more than he had to. He'd take up just about any hobby rather than close his eyes and lie there tossing and turning, waiting for sleep to just happen.
When she glanced down at his hands Julian followed her gaze. He wasn't sure how deft they would be. The left one was hopelessly scarred like the rest of him. He briefly wondered if that would effect any pottery he tried. Surely not? But the way Hana said what she said... he suddenly wondered if she might be talking about more than pottery. He couldn't assume that; she, too, was here with a date tonight. It might have been wishful thinking on his part.
"I can try," he said, more than willing. He did want to. So when she offered a trade he was perfectly happy to go with it. Not only did he enjoy playing for people, particularly in smaller settings, he also thought the barter was a fair one. A skill for a skill.
He took her hand in his unscarred right one and shook. "Definitely, it's a deal," he said with a grin.
Even if he never threw a decent looking pot, playing would always be fun. It was a win-win for him. Possibly not for Hana, who would have to deal with a clay-slinging newbie at her pottery wheel.
He smiled when she mentioned her guitar on top of everything else. "Not a moment lost," he observed, nodding. He was the same. Julian hated to sleep more than he had to. He'd take up just about any hobby rather than close his eyes and lie there tossing and turning, waiting for sleep to just happen.
When she glanced down at his hands Julian followed her gaze. He wasn't sure how deft they would be. The left one was hopelessly scarred like the rest of him. He briefly wondered if that would effect any pottery he tried. Surely not? But the way Hana said what she said... he suddenly wondered if she might be talking about more than pottery. He couldn't assume that; she, too, was here with a date tonight. It might have been wishful thinking on his part.
"I can try," he said, more than willing. He did want to. So when she offered a trade he was perfectly happy to go with it. Not only did he enjoy playing for people, particularly in smaller settings, he also thought the barter was a fair one. A skill for a skill.
He took her hand in his unscarred right one and shook. "Definitely, it's a deal," he said with a grin.
Even if he never threw a decent looking pot, playing would always be fun. It was a win-win for him. Possibly not for Hana, who would have to deal with a clay-slinging newbie at her pottery wheel.