Voice Test

[darkmaestro]

So, you've decided that I'm the better. Well, that's one decision I can't disagree with. The other isn't a wholly unpleasant fellow but a bit trite, I'll agree. He's me, but certainly not me.

Overall I'm quite glad to be pulled from the catacombs for a while. It's a might brighter in your headspace, though I'll admit, I really had quite a send-off. I'd rather keep that memory, and if you take it from me, it might get unpleasant for the both of us.

[I might have to...]

...You may wish to reconsider that.

[It's going to depend on the pull-point.]

I don't care. You really should think twice about taking something like that from me.

Well then, I'm glad we've had this little chat. I'm certain things will be interesting.

Comments

[darkmaestro]

So...you mentioned music earlier, and "art" is a rather broad term. What part of the musical realm do you collect?

[nobodys_king]

Beautiful instruments, sheet music, rare recordings...alas, it's impossible to bottle the music itself.

[darkmaestro]

That's part of the beauty of music. The soul that can't be contained by any vessel.

I've collected quite a repertoire of music myself. Scripts, scores, even instruments. And I can perform it all.

[nobodys_king]

Ah, wonderful!

[darkmaestro]

I take no small measure of pride in my music.

Tell me, do you allow musicians to play your collection?

[nobodys_king]

Only those worthy of the instruments.

[darkmaestro]

Pray tell, how does one determine a musician's worthiness to handle such legendary instruments?

[nobodys_king]

I'm not certain. It's never come up before.

[darkmaestro]

[He stops cold at that, considering the implications and finally giving voice to them.]

You mean to tell me they have gone unplayed since you acquired them?

[nobodys_king]

Of course. I wouldn't dare risk them in my lowly hands.

[darkmaestro]

[Erik just looks downright horrified. His eyes, already framed in black, go wide before they fill with an indignant rage. He doesn't care if the man can't play, certainly he could have loaned it to ones who could for even private performances.]

What beauty is there in an instrument at rest?! Without sound how can you appreciate the craftsmanship?!

[nobodys_king]

[Jirarudan seems oblivious to the hostility, and keeps talking]

You've hit upon the tragedy of collecting such things. Unless one also captures the finest of musicians, the instruments are destined to remain unplayed.

[darkmaestro]

[Erik can't tell if he's being goaded or actually dismissed, but visible even behind the mask, his jaw clenches in irritation. He sees a (potential) trap in all this, but can't help himself. The idea of masterpieces going unplayed is almost painful to think about.]

Monsieur, I - [He hesitates, forming a proposal in his mind before speaking it aloud.] - I happen to have a say in the running of a world-class opera house. Perhaps if you'd be willing to bring your instruments to her halls, we would undoubtedly find only the best in the world to lay hands upon them for a brief time. You would finally be able to experience their full majesty, in person.

And perhaps, we may even treat you to a few instruments that you can't collect. Our singers are second-to-none.

[nobodys_king]

That certainly, if you'll pardon me, sounds ideal. However, I would have to hear them beforehand to determine if they're worthy of that opportunity. Think of it as a...matchmaking, of sorts.

May I assume that your opera house is in Kalos?

[darkmaestro]

But of course. [Someone second-guessing Erik's opinion? Goodness this is going to be a strain on the relationship. Still, he holds his tongue for the sake of the opportunity.]

My mun - they inform me that Kalos is not somewhere within my realm, but they would gladly facilitate the transportation of you and your collection to the halls of the Paris Opera House.

[nobodys_king]

Ah, of course. I tend to forget that the outside is a bit...unpredictable. I'm able to reach it on my own then.

[darkmaestro]

Excellent! I will arrange a preview and from there we'll select the performers and a repertoire.

[nobodys_king]

I look forward to it.