Opening Night (Open)

[Chaotix010]

(OOC: There will be a link for almost every intro for Estelle. If you want to know what she's playing or listening to, click it to get the full atmosphere.)

As soon as black haired woman walked out onto the stage, the musicians needed stood up and quickly checked their sheet music. Since leaving her estate, Estelle has been wanting to do this. To be able to perform on stage in Party Central, it would be the easiest way to be known. Now was her chance to put her name in lights.

To be quiet honest, it was easy for her to get a spot after the break. The director of the performances here quickly accepted her after hearing a sample of her talents, a big smile on his face as he shook her hand. Of course, this was only for one night, but Estelle wanted to make the best of it.

"Are you ready?" she asked all of the musicians, who seemed rather stiff about the performance. Estelle bit her lip as she saw this, knowing things wouldn't work as well unless they actually enjoyed playing. After all, they practiced for about a week and she was certain they could play this piece wonderfully. Her nobility didn't matter, as they laughed there way through the practices. It was the atmosphere that she wanted, both then and now.

She walked away from the microphone and to her fellow performers, wanting what she was about to say to be personal. "Listen," she said, gaining everyone's attention. "I know this is the real thing, but just because there's people in front of us doesn't mean we can't have fun like in practice. I want you to have fun, because if people see that you actually enjoy it, it'll rub off on them too."

"Ms. Nolarain--"

"Please, just Estelle," she interrupted the pianist. She didn't like to be addressed in such a fashion.

"Okay then. Estelle, we're paid performers and this is our only job. If we don't take it seriously--"

Again, she interrupted. "What's the point of having a job if you don't enjoy it? Before you got your position, didn't you enjoy playing without getting paid for it?" A lot of faces shown signs of agreeing with the noble. "I don't care what you do after this, but for now, just have some fun, okay? That's what music is about, to express yourself. So let's show it."

She turned around once more, certain everyone got the message. Once up to the microphone again, the audience was waiting patiently for the performance to start. As she readied her violin, she heard everyone behind her get ready themselves. "Have fun." Estelle turned around and noticed her Gardevoir, Trance, backstage, watching with a smile on her face. Estelle smiled back then nodded as the signal to get started.

The pianist started, the drummer falling in and guitarist joining behind him. 'Let's go,' she thought as she fell in with her violin. Playing each note felt like a joy, and anyone could noticed the smile on her face as she played. After almost a minute passed, she felt the energetically positive atmosphere, making her look back at the other performers, seeing a bunch of smiling faces. They were truly enjoying it, the very thing that she wished for.

After playing it to it's full, Estelle gave a signal to repeat the entire piece, which made everyone give even bigger smiles. It felt just like those days during practice, where the played it again and again, not just for knowing the music, but for the pure joy and entertainment they all gained from it. However, after the second time, she signaled for the close and stopped.

Applause roared throughout the house, but there was one things that made Estelle wonder as she looked over the crowd. Did the audience get bigger? She could almost swear the amount of people here doubled after the performance. Either way, she bowed and waved, taking her exit as the next person entered the stage.

"That was beautiful," Trance told her trainer as Estelle met her backstage.

The noble knew it was her own pokemon talking, but she couldn't help but blush a bit. "You really think so?"

"Have I ever lied to you?" Again, more blushing, making Trance giggle a bit.

"Trance, please, you're embarrassing me." This wasn't the first time the two had such an interaction, but it never got old. They were like best friends that could never be separated. "Either way, we need to rest up for tomorrow. This is only the beginning, you know?" With that, Estelle opened the door to a hallway leading toward the main lobby. Being new to the stage, however, she didn't expect what would happen next.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia was wandering through the streets of Party Central, still trying to find the movie theater like she had promised Harvey she would do but had ended up getting seriously lost. Considering Argus was too big to be set free in the confines of the streets, Sofia had to result to looking in every single building that she passed by. She was just starting to get worried that she would either never find the theater or would get even more lost when Sofia heard some music in a distance and thinking that the source could possibly be the theater in question, ran towards it. What Sofia found when she reached the source of the music was something else entirely unexpected ... there was a pretty woman on stage with a guitar against her chin ... which was rather funny looking really but then again Sofia wasn't quite sure about the name of the instrument. Finding a nearby seat, Sofia watched the remainder of the performance with and awe-filled expression ... the music was so beautiful and the pretty lady was so so ... so good! When the lady exited the stage, Sofia got up and bolted towards the main entrance, hoping to find some sign of the lady before she left for good. After what seemed like ages to her, Sofia finally did spot the pretty lady and ran up to her,"I saw you playing! That was amazing and sooo pretty! I don't think I've seen an instrument like that before, I know my Mom plays the piano sometimes and my brother likes the guitar but I've never heard anything like that!"Sofia said in a bright, cheerful voice, looking up at Estelle with an earnest expression on her face.[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

Estelle stared in surprise. It was only her first night, her debut, so to suddenly have someone, even if it was a girl, to come up and give so much praise to her at once was sort of overwhelming. "Sounds like you have a fan," Trance said, making Estelle blush... again. By the time she could get some peace and quiet, her face will already be as red as the sitting sun.

"Well, uh..." All of this happening at once kind of disoriented Estelle. As such, it took her a moment to get her words together. "Thank you for the compliment. It's very sweet of you to say that." Then registered the part of her never hearing the violin before, slightly surprising the noble. "But you never heard the violin before? Odd... I thought it was a universal instrument."

During her thinking, Estelle had an idea. She brought up the case of her violin to be held in one arm and placed one hand over the lock, ready to open it. "Would you like to hear some more?"

"Estelle." Trace got the noble's attention. "Aren't we in a bit of a hurry?"

"We'll be fine," Estelle replied, making the Gardevoir shrug. Once that was out of the way, she turned her attention back to the girl. "What do you say?"

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia giggled when she saw the lady blush and rocked back and forth on her toes excitedly, a habit she had formed since she was little. After hearing the lady speak, Sofia beamed and nodded before the lady talked about the violin making Sofia resist the urge to face/palm; so that was what it was! Sofia had heard of it before yes but the young girl couldn't remember a time she had actually heard the violin being played. What Sofia heard Estelle offer next made the young girl all but squeal with excitement,"You would do that?!"Sofia asked in an awe-filled voice before nodding her head fervently,"Yes, yes YES!!! I would love to hear more~! You're so good at it and it's so pretty!"she continued in an ecstatic voice, watching Estelle with rapt attention, not about to miss a moment of this.[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

(OOC: What is played here is the closest thing I could find to a Violin being the main instrument. I thought I had something for the violin alone (The theme here intended), but I was wrong.)

Estelle smiled once more as she opened the case, taking out her bow and violin. While doing this, she was shuffling through all the pieces of music she knew, thinking of the best one she could play without back-up. Then, she found one. It would be a complete one-eighty turn compared to what she just played on stage, but it was meaningful and emotional. It just felt like something she had to play.

"I'll play something a little more emotional. It will be almost like a turn-around, so I hope you don't mind." She honestly didn't wait for a reply. Instead, she just readied herself and started to play. The way she flowed through the strings of the violin gave the notes a sort of intensed feeling, making up for those other instruments that were not playing. Actually, one would almost swear a piano was playing along with her, adding more atmosphere.

During her play, Estelle started to think about the state Era was in. The way the people were torn, the violence that was happening around them, the lives that were lost... even on that one fateful day... While nearing the end, tears escaped her eyes, a couple falling on her violin, but she didn't stop. She was too connected to the music to stop. However, by the time she did finish, she felt the wet trails on her cheeks and quickly pulled out a handkerchief. "I-I'm sorry! I d-don't know where that came from." That was a horrible lie, and Estelle knew it. She did know where it came from, but the idea of it was slightly embarrassing.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia nodded when she heard Estelle speak again and waited until she began to play. As the gentle melody began, Sofia closed her eyes and imagined all the things that had happened during the time she had been away from home. They were happy memories to be sure, but Sofia still missed her family especially after hearing of so many people getting hurt the day after that big sales day. The memory of this brought tears to Sofia's own eyes even though she did her best to blink them away ... she was not ... going to cry ... but but the music was so pretty and- . Just then Estelle's voice cut through Sofia's thoughts, making the girl open her eyes and realize that Estelle was crying too; not thinking about her next actions, Sofia hugged Estelle and smiled up at her though the tears in Sofia's own eyes were still pretty evident. "It's all right,"she replied, smiling up at Estelle before releasing her and wiping the tears from her own eyes,"It's all right to cry sometimes, and your music was so pretty that was probably the reason why," Sofia continued, nodding as she spoke as if this could be the only explanation for both of them crying during the song.[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

(OOC: Since my muse is alive right now, I'm going to try to make a decent post here.)

Feeling that girl latch on to her, Estelle was surprised that she did that. She obviously cared about others, even if she just met them. Looking at her tear filled eyes even though she still carried a smile, the noble was actually touched.

Giving a quick laugh in spite of herself, Estelle smiled at the girl's statement. The naive disposistion the girl had made the noble slightly jelous. But even so, there was a comfort in knowing the innocence of a child was still here in Era. "Thank you," she said while putting up the violin. "So, I assume you enjoyed it?"

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia smiled at Estelle and nodded her head,"Mhm~, that was soo good and soo pretty! I wish I could play something like that ... ,"she replied in an excited voice as she watched Estelle put the violin away, eyes still filled with excited delight at having someone play just for her. In Sofia's opinion, right then the night couldn't possibly get any better.[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

'She wishes...' Repeating that several times in her mind, Estelle looks at Trance, who jus sighs in defeat. No words needed to be exchanged here, since the Gardevoir knew what was coming next. It was futile to try and talk Estelle out of it, and Trance knew it.

"I'll be in my Pokeball, then." Estelle nodded and then pulled out Trance's Pokeball, pressing the button to have it open and had Trance disappear in a quick flash of light. The noble put her away before then turning her attention to the little girl again.

"Well, your family seems to have a bit of musical talent," Estelle started while standing up, taking the violin case in hand. "How about we see if that same talent can be taught? What do you say?" Estelle gave a quick wink as she held the violin case up, referring to wanting to teach her that same instrument.

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia watched as Estelle returned her Gardevoir that up until that point had escaped the young teen's attention ... that is until Sofia heard what Estelle had to say. Violet eyes grew wide upon being asked and it was all Sofia could do to keep from squealing with excitement right then and there. "You mean ... I- ... and you and and that?!"Sofia stuttered in disbelief, pointing at the violin before a small shriek/squeal escaped her,"Yes, yes, yes, yes, YES!!!"she exclaimed, not caring who was probably staring at them at that point. "This is going to be so much fun! Thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU! I wasn't expecting you to teach me but you're so good and I wanna play pretty stuff like that too and and and- EEEEEEEE!!!!!! I can't wait!"Sofia continued excitedly, before hugging Estelle yet again and more or less clinging to her.[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

Estelle almost stumbled as soon as the girl clung to her. Sure, the noble could understand how excited she was that someone was willing to take time and teach her how to play an instrument, but the amount of energy she was putting into it was... almost unnatural. Then again, Estelle didn't have much of a free childhood, so how could she judge?

"Okay, okay!" she exclaimed. "Just give me a bit of room to breath here!" Estelle gently pulled away from the girl before speaking again. By the way, I don't believe we've been properly introduced. My name's Estelle. Estelle Nolarain."

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia giggled at Estelle's words and stepped back, beaming up at her before curtsying slightly,"Ohh, Estelle's such a pretty name~. I'm Sofia~ Sofia Brooke,"she replied in an upbeat voice before spinning around in a circle and laughing,"I'm so excited~! When can we start? Oh! I got a cellphone recently, do you have a cellphone? We can exchange numbers and stuff and it'd be fun, Harvey's teaching me how to type words on the phone which is cool but I'm still getting the hang of it~."[/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

(OOC: Guess who's back?)

Sofia wouldn't seem to let Estelle have time to talk. Straight away she went from proper to a giddy schoolgirl in no time flat. She even brought up the topic of exhanging numbers. This noble's got her hands full, that's for sure. However, she still said she would teach the girl. Can't go back on her word, can she?

"One thing at a time now! First, let's start with the lessons, okay?" Actually, where would they start? Out in the open may bring some unwanted attention, not to mention how loud it would be. She couldn't take her to her hotel room. That would seem too shady to some people. However, that backstage room that was loaned to her should still be hers until the night is over. It's small, quiet, and a once in a lifetime chance to be in one for Sofia probably. "Let's go to my dressing room. It should be a good place to start."

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia giggled when Estelle spoke up and nodded, rocking back and forth on her heels excitedly. "OK~!"Sofia chimed in response before falling silent as it seemed Estelle was thinking. This was going to be so much fun~ it'd be like having a big sister right...only Sofia didn't have a big sister and... Oh well~ it'd still be fun right, right! Ohhey Estelle was talking now right focus fooocccuuuussss. Returning her attention to Estelle, Sofia's eyes grew wide at the suggestion and nodded her head fervently. That was sooo cool! A real dressing room in a real theatre and just- 8DDD Sofia could hardly contain her excitement and let out a small squeak before covering her mouth with her hands and giggling. This was just soo cool!!!![/scrolly]

[Chaotix010]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i682.photobucket.com/albums/vv181/SojiRem/estelle.png);][atrb=width, 505][atrb=height, 295][atrb=style,border:0 black none,b,Table][scrolly:h(214),w(235),sy,as(padding:4px 0px 5px;margin-top:70px;margin-left:244px;color:#ffffff;)]Estelle led the way to her room, dodging some incoming performers and almost constantly making sure Sofia was still with her. Eventually, they did make it to the room, finding it was still vacant. Estelle gave a light sigh of relief, glad this option was available. It was probably the best choice, all things considered. The room wasn't as fancy as many would guess. Estelle was only a guest performer, so there was nothing here but bare necessities. Mirror, table, clothes rack with a few bags hanging on it, and some makeup. Simple, to say the least. Putting the violin case on the table, she unlocked it and smile while pulling the stringed instrument out. "Every time I put it up, I just take it back out again." In any case, she had a student to teach. So, turning around to face Sofia, she began. "Okay. The first thing one needs to know in order to play the violin is how to hold it." Estelle then demonstrated the proper way to hold it, point out the places of support and stability while explaining. "You have it on top of your collarbone, otherwise known as the shoulder, and underneath your chin. This is the part that keeps the violin stable. Now, your hand should be around the neck of it with your fingers just above the strings. Your thumb should be holding it by the side, but it should mostly be held up by the bottom part of your first finger." After explaining, she handed the violin to Sofia. The chin rest and everything should be comfortable enough for her. "Try it out and walk around a bit. It'll feel strange at first, but you should get used it." In the meantime, Estelle would sit back and let her get a feel for it. If she was holding it wrong, she would be sure to point it out and help adjust her hold.[/scrolly]

[Maid Melody]

[atrb=style,background-image:url(http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc64/Heart-of-Thorns/VC/sofiatable.png);color:553a8d;width:498;height:400;][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none,bTable][atrb=style,border-width:0; border-style: none;][scrolly:h(205),w(193),sy,as(padding:4px;margin-top:7px;margin-left:80px;)]Sofia followed Estelle easily, not losing her for even a moment. Considering how long Sofia had been travelling she had admittedly gotten used to threading through crowds and knew how easy it was to get lost. Entering the room shortly after Estelle, Sofia watched as Estelle opened up the case and smiled at the older woman's comment before listening intently to what she had to say. At the demonstration on how to hold the violin Sofia nodded even as Estelle continued to explain, her earlier giddy excitement replaced by a rather quiet calm as she concentrated on what Estelle had to say. Upon being handed the violin, Sofia carefully set it under her chin just as Estelle had shown her and repositioned her hand until she thought she had gotten it right. Violet eyes shifted to look at Estelle, silently questioning if she was doing it correctly.[/scrolly]