Chapter 4-7: Prodigious Talent
Of course, the welcome party continues on.
Marja calls out, "The party's just getting' started! How about a little music to liven things up?"
And soon, Marja begins to play a pipe organ, and play some music. Briar and the others notice how Marja is playing the pipe organ.
Amazed, Grim says, "Wow, look at her go! Granny's playin' that pipe organ like a pro!"
"She's amazing," Sereia says.
"She's even a talented musician? I'm realizing just how wrong I was about you, Marja!" Sebek says.
"Look, Sebek has such a warm regard for humanity now. What a wonderful development," Jade says with a smile.
"Uh, it's clearly the opposite. He couldn't care less about humans and you know it," Idia responds.
"Our parties tend to involve lots of singing and dancing. Everyone loves playing music— doesn't matter if they're any good at it!" Epel says.
Marja then asks, "Do you kids play any instruments? You're welcome to join in."
"I can play the concertina," Epel says.
"That's like an accordion, yes?" Jade asks.
"Yeah, they're both free-reed instruments," Epel says and soon begins to play the instrument, and he is good as well.
Sebek is impressed, "Ohoh, you certainly know your way around one of those.
"You think? It's probably 'cuz I used to play 'em at parties since I was a kid," Epel replies, "I can't play anything complicated, but it's fun jammin' with everyone. Though most often I'd dance while the grown-ups played music. Or sometimes I'd clap along with the beat!"
Then Jade says, "I'd like to play something. It's the least I can do as a thank you for everyone throwing this party in our honor," And Jade looks around and soon finds a flute that is shaped like a fish, "I'll take this fish-shaped flute here."
And soon, Jade begins to play a mysterious tone, which is actually impressive.
Epel is amazed, "Wow, you're good! I didn't know you played the flute.
"I've been using a bear whistle on my forays into the mountains, and it's given me a knack for woodwinds," Jade says
"You got that good from playing a BEAR WHISTLE? You must possess a prodigious musical talent!" Sebek says.
"Uh, I think Jade's messing with us," Epel responds.
"Who's to say?" Jade says and lets out a chuckle, "Heh heh."
"Well, I can't let myself be outdone by Jade of all people. I shall play the violin," Sebek says and picks up a violin.
"Oh, how long have you played?" Epel asks.
And Sebek answers, "This will be my first time."
Epel becomes dumbfounded, "Wait, what?"
"I've listened to Malleus play a great deal, and I've always wanted to try it for myself. That way, we can have something to talk about. I mean, how hard could it be?" Sebek says.
"Uh Sebek, playing a violin can be more tricky than you think," Briar says.
"I think I can handle it," Sebek says, and begins to play it.
However, Sebek's playing is so bad that everyone covers their ears.
Epel cries out, "AUGH, HOW CAN IT SOUND THAT BAD?!"
"It's really ear bleeding!" Briar cries out.
"It's like nails on a chalkboard!" Jasper cries out.
Grim cries out, "Knock it off! You're makin' my ears ring!"
"There are some instruments you shouldn't play without practicing first," Epel says.
Sebek feels embarrassed by it, "Rgh… That was so embarrassing, I wouldn't dare broach the topic with him. But at least I've gained new insight into how proficient Malleus truly is! I never knew playing the violin was so difficult. My liege is simply incredible!"
"Yes, it takes some people years to learn how to play the violin," Briar says.
Then Epel asks, "Would you like to try another instrument?"
Sebek looks and picks up a flute, "Hmm, I think I'll try the flute, like Jade. Surely I can redeem myself with this…"
However, when Sebek tries to play it, it's not any better than the violin.
Epel cries out, "So loud! Talk about lung capacity!"
Then Jade advises, "You have an aptitude for the flute, Sebek. Would you care to practice with me later?"
Sebek scoffs, "Hmph. Malleus's specialty is stringed instruments. There's no point in me learning woodwinds."
Soon, Marja walks to Idia and asks, "You should join in, Idia. Don't worry, no one cares if you're good or not!"
"Uh, that's kind of a big ask…" Idia replies, nervous.
But Marja says, "Oh, come on, none of that. Get on over here!"
Idia groans, "Ugh, I can tell this prompt isn't gonna go away 'til I accept… What a pain," He then approaches Sebek and asks, "Sebek, give me that violin."
"Really? Very well," Sebek says and gives Idia the violin.
Idia takes the violin, "Okay, here goes nothing."
And Idia begins playing it. To everyone's surprise, Idia plays it very well.
"Mrow, you can really play!" Grim says, amazed.
"You're amazing, Idia," Sereia says, amazed.
"You're really good," Tanzanite says.
And SMy liege would still outshine you, of course, but you're almost as impressive!
Even Epel is impressed, "Wow, Idia, you've been holding out on us! You play like a pro!"
"Heh, you might want to watch more closely. His bow isn't quite in sync with the music," Jade says.
But Epel notices, "… Wait a minute! That music's coming from your phone!"
Grim cries out, "Bwha?! That's cheating!"
Idia chuckles, "Whee hee, it's HD digital audio."
"No wonder it sounds so good. You really had me going there…" Epel says.
Sebek is not pleased, "I can't believe I was impressed with Idia for even a second…"
"What's the point of spending years learning an instrument when you can play a pro performance at the touch of a button?" Idia questions.
Soon, Grim happily says, " I wanna play the cymbals!"
He then grabs the instrument and begins clanging them together. However, it's so loud that everyone is covering their ears.
"Grim! Stop!" Briar cries out.
"You're playing it too loud!" Tanzanite cries out.
Sebek screams, "Cease that clanging at once! We're inside, for crying out loud!"
"Maybe go a little slower!" Epel calls out.
But Grim says, "Heh heh! Slow and steady ain't my style!" and continues clanging it.
Trinket can't stand the noise that she hides in Briar's hat.
Epel calls out, "Uh… Here, Grim, why don't you try these castanets?" and presents the instrument.
"Mrah?" Grim responds and turns to the instrument, "Ooh, sure! I can really jam out with these puppies."
Grim takes the instrument and begins playing it.
"He's getting rather into it," Jade says.
"At least he's having fun," Epel says.
Grim continues playing with the instrument.
Sebek soon gets annoyed, "Okay, I don't know how much more of this I can take…"
Epel then turns to Briar, "Briar, do you play any instruments?"
"Sure. I don't mind at all," Briar says.
"Really? Let's hear it!" Epel says.
Briar then picks up a violin and begins playing it a bit, surprisingly, Briar is actually at it.
Epel is amazed, "Whoa, you're good… And to think, I never knew! You should show me how to play that later."
"Thank you," Briar says, blushing.
Epel says, "Looks like each of us has got an instrument! We should all play together!"
Soon, everyone begins to play the instruments together.
Soon, Idia says, "Yeah, most people don't…"
Then Epel asks, "Wanna dance with us then? Come on, it'll be fun."
"True, every band could use a dancer," Jade says.
Soon, the villager says, "Them young'uns sure know how to play and dance!"
Another villager says, "We've still got plenty of moves ourselves! C'mon, y'all, let's kick up them feet!"
Grim laughs, "Wahahah! I hope you're ready for these moves! WOOHOO!"
"Well, I'll be! Them city cats sure are somethin' else!" The villager says.
Grim is shocked, and angrily says, "Mrah! I ain't a cat!"