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.]

[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.

[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.]

[action]

[keepsmehonest]

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

If anyone could, it'd be you.

[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.

[voice]

[simplestgift]

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

[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?

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

Archie. She mentioned you.

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

[voice]

[simplestgift]

And it's good to see you here. She's been here some time, and positively pining for her friends back home, especially her fiddler.

[No memory of that day, then. The one where Geordie almost smashed his violin over Archie's head for being found in Jilly's flat.]

[thedicearecast]

It can take time.

Probably one of the man. I'm Amelia.

[voice]

[keepsmehonest]

[It's not the first stab of guilt Geordie's felt since arriving in Luceti. He doubts it'll be the last.

The grin sobers for a moment.]

Trust me, if I knew she was here, I would've done my damnedest to get here sooner.

[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.

[thedicearecast]

There's probably other instruments you can play in the meantime. Or you can figure out how to make the battle dome make a fiddle.

Same.

[ voice ]

[keepsmehonest]

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

[keepsmehonest]

...Jilly pointed out the dome. She didn't mention anything about someone inside being able to craft instruments.

[thedicearecast]

I'm surprised she mentioned it. I usually have to drag her there.

Technically, you wouldn't have a real instrument. The chambers create--[Amelia pauses, needing a second to remember the word.]--holograms. They look and feel real, but they aren't.

[keepsmehonest]

It was in passing. During her grand tour of the town. But I don't think you can touch holograms, let alone play one.

[action]

[theoniongirl]

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

[action]

[keepsmehonest]

I'd consider it a compliment.

[action]

[theoniongirl]

I guess if murder was inevitable, being killed with kindness would be the way to go.

[action]

[keepsmehonest]

If I had a choice in my death? [A nod.] I'd definitely prefer kindness over hate.

[thedicearecast]

That sounds about right.

I might be using the wrong word, but these you can touch. And they can touch you, depending on what the program is.