1st Tune

[keepsmehonest]

So, I've got to say, I feel a little silly doing this. Talking to a notebook isn't exactly commonplace where I come from. I've been told I can write into it too, but that almost makes it feel a little too personal. Like I'm writing in a journal instead of... broadcasting on the radio or making a phone call to group of people. I'm not exactly much of a writer, either. That'd be my brother, Christy.

[He laughs a little awkwardly before pausing. Yeah, he feels more than a little ridiculous talking to a book. It's part of the reason he's waited so long before addressing Luceti. Aside from taking the time to settle into the extra room in Jilly's studio. And searching the store for his fiddle.]

I'm Geordie Riddell. From Newford. New York. That's in North America. On Earth. [Then, muttered under his breath:] ...I can't believe I'm saying this. [He clears his throat and continues in a louder voice.] Uh, 1979.

I just arrived here a few days ago, but apparently my best friend has been here a lot longer. Some of you may know her. Jilly Coppercorn? Terminally cheerful artist that almost always has some paint stains on her person?

She's the one who suggested I use this... whatever it is... to try and locate my fiddle. It's an old Czech fiddle, manufactured around the turn of the century. Worn but well taken care of, recently restrung, and the initials G.R. are on the left part of the lower bout. The last time I saw it, it was in its case - scruffy, black with a picture of a blonde Victorian woman in her mid-twenties and a list of Irish drinking tunes inside.

They're very important to me - fiddle and case both - so if you've seen anything fitting the description, let me know?

Thanks.

Comments

[voice]

[simplestgift]

Why, it's Jilly's fiddling Irishman! Welcome to the village.

[He met Geordie once. He's rather worried the man remembers.]

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

[He should get used to this. It's Jilly. Knowing her, she's probably friends with the whole village by now.]

Thanks. Uh...?

[Maybe fortunately for Archie, Geordie doesn't remember ever meeting him before.]

[voice]

[simplestgift]

Archie Kennedy. [A beat.] Royal Navy, 1802.

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

Archie. She mentioned you.

It's good to put a face to the name.

[action]

[theoniongirl]

[when he's finished, she looks up from her easel with a smile]

Terminally? That's not fair. I'm pretty sure I haven't cheered anyone to death.

[action]

[keepsmehonest]

[He laughs, smiling back from his seat on the couch.]

If anyone could, it'd be you.

[action]

[theoniongirl]

I'm not sure whether to be flattered or offended.

[action]

[keepsmehonest]

I'd consider it a compliment.

[thedicearecast]

Might want to get used to it. That people come from all sorts of places and times you can't imagine is one of the easier things to deal with here.

I'm assuming Jilly told you to check the item shop.

[keepsmehonest]

She did and I have. Daily.

[It's much easier to talk about his missing fiddle and Jilly than some of the stranger things he's seen around here. Much easier.]

I take it you're another friend of hers?

[thedicearecast]

It can take time.

Probably one of the man. I'm Amelia.

[keepsmehonest]

[He chuckles a little.] More than likely.

Nice to meet you, Amelia.

[ voice ]

[herotypical]

Should I still be apologizing? I feel as though I should still be apologizing.

[ voice ]

[keepsmehonest]

You were looking out for Jilly and your other housemates.

[In other words, as much as his male ego might not have liked it, he understands. No apology necessary.]

[ voice ]

[herotypical]

Full-time job, that. Still. It's definitely against the code to just go around threatening innocents.

[ voice ]

[keepsmehonest]

Probably. But there was no harm done, promise. My ego will survive.

voice;

[etudes]

.. You play a violin..?

[ despite her usual blank tone, there's almost something.. really happy or excited mixed in it, actually. ]

voice;

[keepsmehonest]

I do. [His own tone is gentle, welcoming.] This is the first time I've been anywhere without it since I was fifteen.

[etudes]

That's so amazing. I can't believe there's someone else here who likes playing it too.. ah, I'm so glad.

[voice]

[doubleppk]

Well, you're in luck. The item shop is mildly less cluttered for once.

I haven't seen a fiddle though, but if it doesn't turn up, you might be able to do missions to get points for it.

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

Jilly mentioned the missions briefly, but she didn't say anything about points.

[A pause, and then a light-natured chuckle.] To be honest, I can't imagine that shop looking any more cluttered than it already is.

[voice]

[doubleppk]

It's how they "pay" us for following them successfully without interfering with the Malnosso directly.

Oh really~? The shop's already back to a disaster zone? Hm~! I'll have to check it out then!

[voice]

[captainhornblower]

You'll get used to the Journal.

Sort of.

[A pause.] Or you might not. I still hate the damned thing. And it does tend to turn itself on at random moments, so you will want to be careful about what you say when it's anywhere near.

Captain Horatio Hornblower. I believe I will not overstep if I call myself a friend of Miss Jilly's.

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

I know I haven't exactly been here very long, and that it's my first time really trying to use it, but I don't know if I'll ever get used to the journal.

Books just aren't meant to be this interactive.

[He laughs a little awkwardly.]

But it's good to meet you, Captain. Jilly spoke highly of you.

[voice]

[captainhornblower]

I'm not keen on them myself, I admit.

Miss Jilly is very kind to speak well of me. I have heard only the best about you, as well, sir.