I Want To Play

Writers: AL, Vix
Date Posted: 9th April 2008

Characters: Kitali, Disaca
Description: Kitali is approached by one of her students who is seeking gitar lessons.
Location: River Bluff Weyr
Date: month 9, day 17 of Turn 4

The sound that came from the gitar as Kitali plucked the string was so flat that it was almost painful. At any rate, it made Kitali wince to hear it. She fiddled with a peg and continued to pluck the string until it finally tightened to the right note. "Ah, much better." She then continued to check the others until she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. Class had ended and it was still a little before dinner. She wasn't expecting anyone.

"You play really well." Disaca moved forward nodding toward the gitar.
"I really like to listen."

"Well, thank you." Kitali smiled at the girl and set aside her gitar.
"Did you come to hear me play then?"

The girl hesitated briefly. "Mostly."

"Mostly." Kitali leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Is there another reason?"

"I want to be able to play."

Kitali smiled slowly. "You want to play the gitar? Would you like me to teach you?"

"Could you do that?" The child frowned. "I'm not good at singing, so I probably won't do this very well either."

"Don't say that!" Kitali gently flicked Disaca's chin. "Like anything, being able to sing or play requires work and practice. I'd be happy to teach you, but you have to promise to practice a lot and not quit even when it's hard."

"I can practice," the girl told her. "I could practice all the time, even skip classes."

The harper couldn't help but laugh at the child's vehemence. "Well, now, I wouldn't go quite that far." Kitali shook her head. "No, you have to go to all your classes, and of course, you have to eat and sleep and do your chores. All I ask is that you practice a half hour or more every day."

"I can do that." Disaca's voice reflected her confidence. "How long will it take me to learn to play?"

"Well, some of that depends on how often you practise." Kitali reflected. "It's not a quick process by any stretch of the imagination.
It can be rather frustrating, but when you finally are able to start making music, it will be rewarded. I suggest at least a one turn commitment. If after a turn you decide that you aren't enjoying it, then you may stop. You should be able to play at least a few pieces reasonably well by then. Is that fair?"

"A turn?" The girl blinked her eyes in surprise. She had been thinking of a few weeks, a month or two at most and a turn seemed like such a long time. But still, she did want to play. "Yes, I guess that's fair."

"Then, it's a deal?" Kitali held out her hand for the girl to take.

Disaca started to take her hand, but stopped, her eyes going wide. "Oh.
I'll have to pay you for the lessons and I don't have any marks. I'll have to ask my mum and dad."

"Well, ask. If they aren't able to, then if you're willing, you can assist me with some things in repayment, okay?"

"Could I do that?" Her voice became softer, afraid that now she would be refused. "My dad would probably be alright with it, but my mum . . . I'm not sure if she'd approve."

"I can talk with her if you like, but I would suggest you ask her first." Kitali crossed her arms over her chest, regarding the child.
"If she doesn't, come get me and we'll have a conversation."

"Do I have to tell her at all?" the girl asked. "My mum. . . I think she'd see harpering as more what my dad's other family does."

"I think it's always best to be honest with your parents." Kitali placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder. "But if you want, I can talk with her."

Disaca sighed heavily. "No. I'd better be the one to ask her." She shook her head thoughtfully. "But I'll talk to my dad first."

Ah, so that was one way she might get around it. Kitali had no problem with that, as long as she talked to her parents. "Well then, you come and let me know and we'll get started when you're ready. Sound good?"

"I'll talk to my dad tonight." The girl's voice had regained confidence as she thought this over. "He won't mind and he'll help me convince mum."

"Good. Just let me know when you're ready and we can begin your lessons."

"I will," the girl nodded, "but I'd best go now or my mum will worry."

Kitali nodded and watched the girl hurried off. She hoped that if the girl truly did wish to learn to play then her parents would let her.

Last updated on the April 9th 2008

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I Want To Play