You Are Invited (Open)

[stonebird]

Who: Sansa Stark/Dali & Open
What: Party!
When: September 6th
Where: Dali's Temple.
Warnings: TBD

❅ (Come) ❅

The path leading to Dali's tower is lined with softly flickering lanterns. You might encounter a small goat with a bell collar as you walk, but do not worry; he is only curious. The sound of music will swell as you near the tower's doors and within there is a large room, lit by glowing hearths and candlelight. Around the room's edge, there are tables ladened with food and plenty of places to sit. And, if you require a more private venue, there are smaller tables on the second floor.

Flower garlands are draped along the walls and there is a nook with a real tree. Do not be surprised to find other animals wandering about, either. While Sansa is rather fastidious and tidy, her experience as Dali has helped her appreciate nature so much more. She does not wholly mind cleaning up after her furred visitors, though, strangely, they all seem to mind their manners fairly well.

❅ (Be Merry) ❅

Once a crowd has gathered and the music is in full swing, Sansa will encourage her visitors to do as they please. Do not be frightened if you are pulled into an impromptu dance! Otherwise, let the wine flow, partake of any dishes that catch your fancy and try not to do anything that will damage her tower.

Comments

A

[stonebird]

(Her voice is beautiful. Sansa might be a little teary-eyed - yet smiling! - when she approaches at the end.)

You have a gift, Lady Maria. (She notices the preoccupation and steps closer, head tilting.) Was I wrong in sensing some sadness behind your song?

[declamando]

[While it's always a good sign that she's inspired emotion with her music, it still strikes her a little to see the tears. She smiles a little reassuringly at Sansa, though it falls a bit at the question.]

Thank you. And...no, you weren't. [She muses for a moment on how much to say before deciding to come clean. Tsubasa is no longer in danger from it, no matter how much she says.] In my world, that song was a duet. The person who would have sung it with me was here for a while as a shinki, but she disappeared these few days past.

[stonebird]

(Sansa knows all about "terrible hell"s. Loving sometimes makes those hells far harder to bear. She can't help remembering her family and the handful of others she might have loved if circumstances had been different.)

Yet you have the strength to sing. I think you will be just fine. (All the same, she offers Maria a small plate with a sweet on it.) But if you ever want to talk - or reminisce - I will listen.

[declamando]

[That gets a somewhat weak laugh from Maria.] I suppose I'm just used to singing when things get difficult.

[Singing to the memory of Serena, of Nastassja...and now to Tsubasa. It's becoming a habit, however unfortunate. But she takes the sweet gratefully, trying to take her mind off the fact.] Thank you. I think it might take me a little more time to be able to talk about it. Singing is...easier, in some ways.

[stonebird]

I can barely find my voice when I feel defeated. (She used to sing frequently. Then Kings Landing happened...with Joffrey...Cersei...Tyrion...Baelish...)

Then sing all you like. Just do not tire yourself.

[declamando]

[There's a soft smile of understanding in answer to that admission.] Believe it or not, I know the feeling. But I'll do my best.

[She's not "defeated" any more, so to speak...but it'll take time for it to stop hurting.]

[stonebird]

I admire you. (Those quiet words are genuine and Sansa hopes she lends strength with them.) You have made a...ah...fan? out of me.

[declamando]

[Maria's smile widens into something more genuine at that. She's not unused to that kind of admiration, but it's still nice to hear.] Thank you. I hope this isn't the only time I get to perform for you.

[stonebird]

I hope not either. (If she could listen to music everyday, she would do so. Someone get this girl an MP3 player!) Once I practice more on my harp, I will play for you in return.

[declamando]

You play the harp? [It's a lovely instrument, but Maria doesn't know that it's a very common one in her time outside of orchestras. And she doesn't work with a lot of those.] I'd be honoured to hear it.

[stonebird]

The high harp. (It is a beautiful instrument with a lovely range; perfect for small dinners or intimate gatherings.) I will be glad to play for someone other than the sheep!

[declamando]

It's still a well-known instrument in my time, but not one you often see played outside a theatre. [Or opera house, or whatever else. That follow-up makes her laugh, though.] I'll do my best to be a better audience.