#rivervale_lodge

Lydia huffs, then says "You can play what you like, and you shouldn't stop music just because you're scared. That's silly."

"Well, I am a coward" He says with a shrug.

Sylvi shrugs. "We'll remind you if you do. Hey, it might be good if you practice here so people can tell you if you're doing it without noticing."

Then she frowns. "I don't think you're a coward."

"I mean....you came here, way across country, all on your own because you wanted to do better and not hurt people anymore. That's pretty darn brave for somebody your age."

He says, digging a hoof into the floor a bit... "maybe?"

Lydia still looks upset. This boy isn't proving fun at all

She sets her hands on her knees and takes a deeeeep breath, then lets it out. "There's a lot to unpack there. But... can I share a little secret with you, Jack?"

"I guess?" He says cautiously, hanging near Sylvi

Dag ducks in, smiling a little. But then, she smells of hay. That'd be why.

"First... let's just say.. you've seen what some bad folk can do with the gift. And I'm sorry you had to see that. But the thing is, it's a gift. It's supposed to be something nice, like a present. But anything can be used a bad way. Like... take Kerri's rolling pin. She could use it to make cookies. Or someone might take it to bonk someone on the head. But that doesn't make it a bad thing, does it?"

Sylvi looks up at Dagmar, and grins. She's been seeing Dag looking happier, what with the Sadie Hawkins invite being public knowledge and people still being pretty cool about it (even if they're a little bit idiotic sometimes).

She waves her over to join them.

"..hey." She drifts that-a-way.

"I guess..." The boy finally says "Maaybe"

"And..." She hesitates, and it seems like pulling teeth almost. "Even a satyr doesn't have to like music." She sighs a bit, but gives him a smile. "My cousin Zane, he's gonna be a master magician. And Lydia's pop? He's a fancy professor and writes all sorts of books. And Adam's mom composes poetry. So if you decide you don't want to play music, you don't have to. You can dance, or color, or.. or be a mountain climber. And we'll all like you just as much."

Lydia is down right sullen

"I mean, you've already chosen not to hurt people, so that's a big plus in my book." Sylvi pauses, then says, "Piper, can I try one?" Nodding to the instruments.

"Oh, of course! Pick whichever one you like. Lydia, I wanted to hear what you could tootle on that tin sandwich."

"And Jack..." She scooches over and leans in. "Even if you let any magic leak out, it's okay. I'm really good at music, and can make sure that no one does anything they don't want to. It's my own little gift, kinda." She offers him a finger with a pinky outstretched. "Promise."

Lydia breaks it out, and toots out 'Sing' by the Carpenters, inexpertly but with gusto

"Damn, kid."

Sylvi ponders a moment, then picks up a bamboo pipe, far too small for her fingers. "So, I just...." She puts it to her lips and tries to give it a toot...which comes out more like a quack.

Then she blinks at Lydia and lowers the pipe. "Uh...wow...."

A snicker from Jack Flap, "You got to take slower longer breaths"

The girl misses a few notes, then blushes "I know, I keep slipping on the bridge"

As she stops playing for a bit

"It sounded great to me, Lydia."
"Slower, longer breaths?" she says to Jack. A nod, and she takes a deep breath and tries again...

"You know, Miss Tove - that's Dagmar's mom - she's one of the best musicians I've ever met." A nod to Lydia. "Remember that tricky bit I was having trouble with on Cascada?" Lydia SURELY does. Piper must have played it for HOURS trying to find the right sound. "She helped me get over that hump."

A wince.

"Ow."

"Well, uhm... " Jack says "You know how they say if you can't say nothing nice?" Trying to reassure Sylvi

She shrugs sheepishly. "Maybe I could learn, but...I don't think it would be worth putting people through the torture." She offers the pipe to him.

He takes it, "no, you can do it, just like... this" And he plays a tune...walking in Memphis... on bamboo pipe? He's not bad

Then , he stops, "It takes time but...it's not toruture, it's just..." A bite of his lip "It's just not easy. But that's okay, because music doesn't judge people who play it.. only people judge."

OLgar is heading out

And he looks oddly loaded down

Sylvi smiles as he plays. "Well...I'll think about it. Thanks." Then she spots her father on his way out and...burdened? She frowns and rises. "'Scuse me."

"Dad?"

She goes to him as he heads to the door.

Lydia stares at Jackflap, then at Piper as if to say 'what the heck is he not playing for if he can do that?'

Olgar says "Healing supplies, food and dross to some kithain in Cookeville..." He says "Willows. Got hit with a tornado. We got a request from a troll who remembers us from pennons."

"Oh! Do you need help?" she offers.

She gives Lydia a little smile. "Sometimes things take time. I bet Sylvi could learn to play if she wanted." And a shadow crosses her face at the news. "Is there anything else we can do?"

"Actually yeah," Olgar admits "There's some introductions to be made and stuff... and your dad's face makes some folks skirt back. You mind playing packmule AND goodwill ambassador on this?" That to his daughter

To Piper , "Just let the Wayburtons know we'll be gathering up any donations they want to make to help when you get home okay?"

"Oh! Totally. Hang on, let me get the emissary sash, I'll be right down." And she rushes up the stairs.

She nods. "I'll ask Auntie M to talk to Mrs. Lee too, and then everyone will know and you'll have more help than you know what to do with."

"Appreciated, PIper" Olgar grunts.