From Silence to Sound PV @Mars T’ien

@Claudia Gears
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Mars hadn't dragged their guitar out in a while. They wandered through the castle with it in hand, trying to figure out the way to the ballroom. They had heard from someone that there was a bit of a performance going on right now and they were eager, ahem, willing to join.

But really, in all honesty, Mars had always yearned for a bit of the spotlight. Maybe it was their infatuation with music or being swallowed up in a heap of five other siblings, but secretly, they craved for a taste of stardom. It wasn't as if they enjoy interacting with people, per se, but they enjoy being able to bring a smile to someone's face. That was probably where they're sarcastic nature stemmed from anyway. They always managed to make someone laugh with their dry humor.

Finally, after a couple of minutes wandering around, they made it to the door of the ballroom. Stepping inside, a slight chill went through their bones. They looked up.

Vaulted ceilings sat high above them, edges lined with what looked like wreaths and various winter berries. A draft blew through the grand space, sending the candles that sat upon each table flickering under its touch. Said tables lined the edges of the space, the few students who sat there turned in the direction of a stage.

Mars weaved their way through the tables to one situated decently close to the stage. Propping their guitar up on a seat, they sat themselves, turning their attention to the stage. A band played and when they finished, a girl clapped on the side. Mars smiled as the leader turned to her and showed off a bit, before going back to their bandmates and continuing their set.

Mars waited for them to finish, listening with sweaty palms. They had every intention of performing and weren't overly nervous, but there was still a small sense of stage fright. It was their nature, perhaps.

When the band finally finished their set, Mars stood, picking up their guitar. The band leader smiled at them and set out a chair. Mars nodded in gratitude as they sat, one leg up on the crossbar of the wooden stool. Before they could hop off the stage, Mars asked if they could cast a light voice amplification over them. The leader did this with a smile, then left to join their mates at a nearby table.

Carefully plucking through the strings, they made sure that each was in tune before looking up and out over the audience. No one seemed particular interest or disinterested in them. They shrugged. If they were playing for the simple sake of background music, that was fine.

Pulling a pick out of their back pocket, they began a light strum over the steel strings. Starting soft, they grew louder over time, sometimes adding in a little extra flair with a bit of picking. When they felt they'd adequately built up the song, they opened their mouth.

It was a muggle song, of course. They didn't know any others, really. Sick of Losing Soulmates. It was quite haunting in the openness of the Ballroom, but Mars did their best to fill up the space with their voice.

Music always had them lost in the bliss of it all. They felt the melodies and the words blend together, nothing more than a jumbled mess as they closed their eyes. It was slowing now, quieter as they closed out the song.

They finished and then grinned, looking out over the crowd. The band that had played before clapped and hollered a little, but Mars locked eyes with the witch from before. Hmmm.

I hope it's okay that I may have changed it a bit. I didn't want Mars to be in a band considering I haven't asked my bandmates to RP nor have we really developed anything in that regard, ha.

Reducio

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@Mars T’ien

Claudia jumped as she’s heard the soft sound of a click echo over the sound of the band. Curiously, she turned her head over to the source of the noise. A single Ravenclaw had entered the ballroom, carrying a dusty guitar. Interesting, Claudia thought to herself. Are they here to play too?

Claudia resumed her attention, listening intently as the band that was currently playing drew to a close, sensing the newcomer’s arrival. They probably concluded that a change in music would be good for the crowd, as they had been listening to the same band for quite a while.

She observed the new guitar-carrying Ravenclaw as they climbed up on the stage, talking to the band politely until they finally adjusted the strings on the guitar. They plucked the strings softly as they turned their pegs.

Claudia hoped the guitarist was good, perhaps even better than the previously band. She was in need of something soft and gentle, and the guitar seemed like the perfect instrument to ease her mind off the struggles, stress, and arguments of her day. She breathed a sigh of relief as the person playing the guitar started to play quietly. Nervous perhaps? Maybe the Ravenclaw was shy of the crowd, of sharing their music to new people and that was why they played quietly.

Huh. Maybe not, Claudia wondered, licking her lips. The student had just started to build up on the music, getting louder as they went. Claudia watched as they suddenly opened their mouth and started to sing a muggle song.

The words blended in effortlessly with the music. Claudia closed her eye in sync with the singer’s and felt the music resonate in her soul. She didn’t know the song, it was strange and foreign to her, but she felt as if she could truly understand the lyrics and the crisp singing of the Ravenclaw. They were quite good, and provided an illusion of rest that effectively quieted her loud, stressful thoughts.

When the singer finished, Claudia opened her eye once more. She found herself staring directly at the Ravenclaw, who stared back at her. Both of them evidently surprised, Claudia jumped back. She collided with another student, who glared annoyingly at her, but didn’t say anything. She whispered her apologies and then turned back to the stage.

Well that was quite awkward, she thought.

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@Claudia Gears
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Mars snorted when the girl jumped back and collided with the wizard behind her. They turned back to their guitar, humming a flat note while they thought about possible songs to sing. There was a whole list of muggle songs in their head just begging to be turned into wispy melodies and strung-out tunes.

But perhaps, their audience wanted to hear something a little more magical. They weren't familiar with many wizarding songs but if someone sung it to them, they could probably figure out the chords pretty easily. Or even, another muggle song would be fine. They hadn't had much of a plan when they came up here, but seeing the looks on people's faces, they wanted to make sure it was interesting for everyone.

"Does anyone have any song requests?" they called. Subconsciously, their eyes searched for the girl from before, scanned for pale skin, black hair, and—what had it been, an eyepatch? That had to have a story behind it. Maybe she'd make a request herself.

Waiting for a reply, Mars settled back into the stool, fingers strumming the strings lightly. It was background music, sure, like the stuff an elevator plays while you're waiting, but it was also a nervous habit. Music had always calmed their nerve, since—well, probably since before they could remember. Strumming again, they glanced out at the crowd.

"If no one cares, I'll just pick one myself and let you care on with your day," they added. They found that people tended to be either shy or indecisive. It was very possible that no one would respond. That was alright though. They were fine with playing some of their favorites for everyone in the room. They had come here for themselves, after all, to perform for the sake of adrenaline and good memories. Mars had never been much of a people pleaser, but in any regard, they didn't want people to feel uncomfortable.

Reducio

Thank you for your quick response!

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@Mars T’ien

Claudia fidgeted as the ballroom grew silent. She came there to listen to music and was growing restless by the minute, as none was playing. Not even the faintest humming could be heard. As if responding to her thoughts, a soft, tuneless melody eased its way in. Claudia relaxed her rigid body, and tried to focus on the music.

Relax. It’s not like anyone’s gonna whip out a knife and stab you, Claudia reassured herself. Though, in the back of her brain, her pessimistic part of her mind was thinking of the handful of people Claudia knew carried a knife or some other sort of weapon.

“Does anyone have any song requests?” a voice called out. Claudia looked around for the source and remembered the singer. “If no one cares, I’ll just pick one myself and let you care on with your day,”

Actually, that was worse than a knife. Way worse. At least with a knife she wouldn’t be embarrassed or want to die. Because, well, with a knife you’re already dead. Claudia trembled a little before she caught herself and stopped. She had one song stuck in her mind, but she doubted that the crowd would like it. Besides, it would sound weird on a guitar. Claudia suddenly had a spark of inspiration. I got it! The song everyone will like - or at least relate to right now. Now I just need to gain a sacrifice to speak up for me.

Claudia tapped the student next to her on the shoulder. “Oh - uh. Could you maybe... erm... make a... a request for me?” The student turned to her and Claudia realized it was the one she had bumped into before. “A-actually, n-now that I think about it... that would b-be kinda dumb right? Y-yeah I should just do-it-myself.” she babbled. The student rolled their eyes and turned back around.

Now what was she going to do? Someone already knew she wanted to make a request, and they’d think she was wimping out if she didn’t speak up.

“E-excuse me!” she squeaked. Her blood rushed up to her face as other students turned to look at her. “I - erm - have a guitar. I mean - no. Not-a-guitar-that-was-dumb-of-me-to-say. That wasn’t what I meant for a request. I mean, I-I have a request?” Claudia squeezed her hands shut, clutching parts of her robe and looked down. “With th-the... you know, the pandemic. Erm. Maybe the new song by Twenty One Pilots: Level of Concern. You don’t have t-to you know. Just a... suggestion.” The suggestion part was softer Andy squeakier from the rest, as Claudia’s meager bravery dried up.

Claudia heard a few muffled snickers in the crowd as people laughed at her embarrassment. She became even more embarrassed by the minute. Please - save me! Someone please say something! she thought, as if someone could actually hear her.

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@Claudia Gears
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A slight mumble went through the crowd. They shifted on the seat, tipping their head to the side as they played with the strings of their guitar, just waiting. Finally, someone spoke up. Ah. They'd been right. The witch had actually spoken up.

“E-excuse me!” her voice came out a tight and a little high pitched, as if she were embarrassed for some reason. Maybe it was the fact that half of the room had turned to her. Regardless, she pushed on, “I - erm - have a guitar. I mean - no. Not-a-guitar-that-was-dumb-of-me-to-say. That wasn’t what I meant for a request. I mean, I-I have a request?" She paused for a moment, looking down at her robes, "With th-the... you know, the pandemic. Erm. Maybe the new song by Twenty One Pilots: Level of Concern. You don’t have t-to you know. Just a... suggestion.”

The stuttering mess of a request actually warmed Mars' heart. They knew what it was like to speak up when it felt all wrong. They were honored their played had garnered such a reaction. Unfortunately, it seemed the crowd didn't agree with them. A few snickers filtered through the seated wixes, and though they were muffled, it felt as though they echoed through the space in a cruel taunt. Mars frowned.

They resituated their guitar, crossing their legs on the stool. Surveying the crowd, they at the black-haired witch, smiling faintly. Loud enough for everyone to hear, they told her,

"Actually, I love that song. I love Twenty One Pilots in general. I'll play a couple of their tracks and everyone can just relax. That way," at their next words, they shot a hard look in the direction of the earlier snickers, "I can spare everyone else not brave enough to speak up like you did." With a nod to the girl, they started.

It really was a good song. Rather upbeat, though the message held firm. It was a bit of magic, trying to replicate it with only a guitar, but they hope they succeed well enough. They changed the mood quickly with Cancer. That one was even harder to do on guitar but the tempo lent itself to Mars' naturally haunting, sad voice. After that, they whisked through a few more. As they played, they couldn't shake the image of the witch's face. They hoped she was enjoying their music.

Reducio

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@Mars T’ien

Claudia swallowed forcibly. She knew Twenty One Pilots was sort of a rock band, but she didn’t know so many people either didn’t like rock or didn’t like the idea of a girl liking rock. Even though Claudia preferred classical or instrumental music - silence was even better - she had taken a liking to rock. The rock songs weren’t annoying or squeaky and didn’t sing about love in such a weird way. Rock was heavy, realistic, and most times even upbeat. Though most girls were prone to pop, Claudia preferred more realistic music: rock.

She squeezed her hands tighter as the snickering continued. She wasn’t exactly bothered by the laughing, but Claudia did want to return to the peaceful behavior the crowd hadn’t adopted during the performance.

“Actually, I love that song. I love Twenty one Pilots in general. I’ll play a couple of their tracks and everyone can just relax. That way,” the singer shot a glance at the snickers, “I can spare everyone else not brave enough to speak up like you did.” Claudia almost laughed at the kind words they had said.

Brave, huh? I’m not... I’m not brave at all! But I guess compared to those - Claudia adjusted her head so it was facing the people who had mocked her - those... ugh, I don’t know what they are. But I guess compared to them I could seem... brave

As if responding to her thoughts, the singer gave a slight nod her way and started to play.

Claudia’s eye widened in surprised as they played. It was only then that she realized that the singer must have a lot of guts to ask for requests from the audience. First of all, the fact that they’re might not know the song that was requested. If they didn’t know the lyrics or how to play it, there was a chance they might not be able to play it correctly. Additionally, some songs might be hard to preform on the guitar - especially as a soloist.

Claudia admired the singer-guitarist for playing a song that - as they played - Claudia realized must be very awkward to play on the guitar. However, they played so effortlessly that it seemed like the song was meant to played on the guitar! Claudia swayed slightly to the music as they shifted between multiple songs by Twenty One Pilots.

The next song after Level of Concern was one Claudia hadn’t heard before. Weird. I thought that I had heard all of their songs. As Claudia listened, she grew to like the song and the singer more. It seems I had walked in at the perfect moment, she thought. Any earlier, I might’ve not been in the mood or had already left. Any later... I would’ve missed it.

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@Claudia Gears
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Mars always preferred closing their eyes while they sang. It was easier to hear the intricacies of the melodies, to work through the chord changes and little flairs, to feel the vibration of their vocal cords as they curled around each note, growling around the low ends with an easy vocal fry. Something about music was almost colorful for them, the way a music staff might write itself out midair, squiggled and twisted but full of paint splatters and defined notes. Perfect pitch, they recalled from the book, might have had something to do with it. It was as if the frets had popped up in an interface in their mind, each note to a steely-stringed section. Butterflies to a musical sway.

Beyond the technicalities of it all was a raw sense of passion. They sang not for the finer details, for once cared not for mistakes, but poured themselves into the whole of it, to convey whatever message the lyrics spoke to them, projecting it out into the audience beyond. This is why they liked to perform. It was like giving out parts of their heart in carefully wrapped bandages, saying something, anything that they might like to hear. And if not, then it was simply something to drift off too, to enjoy for the simplicity of it all, the mindlessness of an aching tune.

Music sparked—something, like a memory long forgotten, grasping on the dredges of whatever mind they'd retained. Sometimes, it felt as if another person sang with them, building harmonies off their steady drone, the voice dripping with love eternal and—sorrow?

Mars cracked an eye open. It was better to not get lost for too long. Who knew if you'd come back. From the corner of their eye, they could see the witch in the audience. She was looking at them with—was it awe? Impressed? Mars couldn't tell. They shot a grin at her anyway and closed their eyes again, finding their niche amongst the melodies again.

Their setlist was coming to a close. They could feel an air in the crowd, drowsiness with a sense of appreciation, so they didn't mind ending here. They'd done what they'd came to do. Besides, there were probably other bands waiting, other people wanting to share their talent. As the last song ended, they held on to that haunting chord, letting their voice naturally taper it off, soft and subtle.

They sat in silence for a few moments and then got up, guitar in hand. Mars stepped off the stage. Maybe—they'd go back to the Common Room and jam in there a while longer. Or—they turned to scan the crowd. They'd like to have a word with that black-haired witch, maybe ask about the eyepatch. She seemed interesting.

So, as another band hopped onto stage, Mars made their way over to her. Sidling up to the witch, they extended an arm.

"Nice to me you. You have great music taste. I'm Mars, by the way."

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@Mars T’ien

Claudia bobbed her head to the music as the singer whipped out a few more songs. She was just getting into the beat when the song ended. Claudia inwardly groaned, as she had liked the music, but she realized that it was bound to happen. If they never stopped, eventually everyone would get tired of the music and leave. Claudia would probably be the only one left.

Not that she wanted to be surrounded by a crowd - rather the opposite in fact - but the guitarist would likely become discouraged soon and stop soon after. After all, music was meant for a crowd. Music was meant for people to hear. Besides, if Claudia was the only person that wasn’t listening then whoever was playing would want to talk to her.

And we all know how bad that would go.

Claudia watched as the singer adjusted their guitar, sitting for a while as if they didn’t want to leave an old friend. Then they suddenly got up. Someone near to Claudia let out a sigh of relief - clearly the crowd had been losing interest. A few shuffled around and picked up their stuff, ready to head out as they had finished their assignments. Claudia watched as the crowd started to thin out a little, pitying the next band that was about to play.

That’s too bad. They must have a lot of pressure already to try to beat the earlier acts, and now they have more pressure heaped on them to try to keep the crowd interested. And then there’s the nerves... Claudia didn’t envy them, that was for sure.

Since she was lost in her thoughts, Claudia was too distracted to hear the sound of footsteps approaching her. “Nice to meet you. You have great music taste. I’m Mars by the way.” a voice clipped from above. It sounded unsure... and seemed sort of rehearsed. The words just didn’t flow. But who was Claudia to judge? Her introductions to date were such a jumbled mess, she doubted anyone could tell what anything was other than her name.

Then Claudia realized the gravity of the situation: someone had talked to her. Her movements jerky and her palms sweating, Claudia looked up.

“Ahh!” Claudia yelped. She immediately covered her mouth with both of her hands. The singer - or Mars, she should say - was standing right in front of her. Desperate to recover, Claudia started to talk. “Oh - er - sorry. Didn’t see you there. Ummm... you’re the... singer, right? Y-yeah. I like Pilots. Oops, I mean th-that I like Twenty One Pilots. You know, the... band.” Claudia’s face flushed red. “Ooh! Cheese! Wait-what. Why-did-I-just-say-that? Pay-no-mind-to-what-I-just-said. I meant that I’m Claaadia* - Gears. Claudia Gears. Mhm, you know me. Y-you hate me. That’s me! Er... ignore the hate part.” Claudia was sweating and very embarrassed. Yet another one of her socially terrifying introductions that made the best cringe and the worst vomit.

Tying to cover up her embarrassment, Claudia took Mars’ hand and stood up. She realized her mistake soon afterwards: she was supposed to shake the hand, not get up with it! Ughhh, Why do I have to be so bad at this kind of stuff? she asked herself, bringing herself to shake Mars’ hand awkwardly.

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Mars grinned at the girl's introduction. Hmm. Well, Ravenclaw did seem to gather all the shy ones. They paid it no mind that the girl had used their hand to pull herself to her feet. Resourcefulness came in many forms.

They released her hand, moving it to scratch at the back of their neck. They didn't get nervous easily; there was no time for nerves in the wizarding world after all, but they were still not really one for social interactions. Still, the girl had basically saved them from the humiliation of no recommendations, so they figured they should probably say something at the very least.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. I'm glad you came, it would have been awkward if no one had spoken up," they smiled at her, a cool grin without teeth. The air around them started up again as the band that had just made their way on stage murmured to each other, carefully setting up their equipment. Mars slung the strap of their guitar over their shoulder, feeling its comforting weight press down on them.

"Are you going?" they asked, gesturing to the door and then glancing up at Claudia's standing form. They debated asking if she'd like to retreat somewhere quiet where Mars could dabble around with songs and ask questions freely. They really wanted to know what was up with that eyepatch. But then, they didn't want to impose on the witch. Perhaps she was staying, wanting to listen to the next band. They were fine with that as well. The Ravenclaw could always use new inspiration, and it would be nice to hear a real band's style.

They tapped at the side of their guitar as they waited for a response.

Reducio

I'm so sorry this took so long, I go caught up in something. I hope this works for you!