[O] Enjoying Time Away

[Llyr Lunette]

Llyr held a pleasant and dreamy look on his face as he slipped into the cafe. This look wasn't really much different from the usual pleasant expression he wore, but it still seemed particularly note-worthy to those who caught his warm bright blue eyes and couldn't help but return a warm smile. Llyr enjoyed being like this, a well of positive energy for all those about him. In certain aspects he wondered if music magic was all he was truly talented at because he seemed to have the ability to make nearly anyone flash him at least a fleeting smile. Perhaps this would change and he wouldn't have to bother his thoughts of it any more. Until then though, Llyr grinned, he would fully enjoy thinking that he might brighten someone's day for even a moment. No doubt that was better than thinking of all that paper work he would have to do once he arrived back at the school.

Llyr groaned inwardly about how much he really had to do. It was miserable how, even though he didn't have any students yet, he was still kept unreasonably busy with papers that really didn't mean anything at all. It almost made Llyr wish that he could receive some students finally, if only to have a reprieve from all that writing and signing and-- He shook his head lightly to rid himself from those thoughts. Really Llyr was happy he didn't have anyone to teach yet, not because he didn't want students, but because he was fearful what one might do with the magic he taught them. Llyr had to handle the responsibility of being the highest tier of musical magic and sometimes he didn't quite think he was up for the job. The forbidden magic he had used himself that day made him uncomfortable because while he was wielding it he could feel every detail of how dangerous it really was. In the wrong hands he constantly wondered if someone would snap under that sensation and let the magic free unintentionally. Or intentionally.

Slipping into his favorite chair at the small cafe, Llyr looked around to see if there was anyone he knew on duty today. He liked to make friends everywhere he went, but he usually didn't get to keep those 'friends' for very long. That was one particular struggle that Llyr always felt himself fighting because he wished that he could make and keep a real friend. It was challenging being such a power, a muse, and not having anyone you could escape with into normal life for a while. The other muses he could probably call his friends, but they weren't always the kind of support he secretly craved. Llyr wondered listlessly if what he really wanted was a lover. The thought made him giggle slightly under his breath. Llyr knew exactly what kind of a lover he would be and it wouldn't be the good kind! Still smiling rather genuinely from his thought, Llyr asked the waitress on duty if he could get a cup of coffee.

Llyr's voice was as pleasantly soft and silken as ever and the waitress quickly replied that she'd get that right away. The quality of Llyr's voice sometimes surprised even him, though that was probably due to the fact that he didn't find himself speaking very often anymore. Singing was even rarer. Llyr remembered when he would always sing every day just because it felt nice to sing. It seemed sometimes as if the school took all of that away from him, though he did agree to work there and often enjoyed helping kids learn music before the... promotion. Llyr wished he had his Lyre so that he could at least play to pass the time and calm himself, but he had forgotten it in his office. That was unfortunate. And reckless with how the city seems to have been lately, but at least he always had his voice as a weapon if he ever needed.

A light tune came to his lips and he began to hum quietly. It was the sort of reaction he didn't plan, it just happened when he felt it was time to hum. Many budding music musicians couldn't afford such a thing because they still didn't have control over what tunes could bring forth their new skills, but Llyr was practiced beyond what he would wish to be in such a subject. It was a good thing too, because if every time Llyr tried to make music he summoned his special brand of magic he would have destroyed half of the city. On accident, sure, but the facts remained the same. The waitress came back with Llyr's coffee and commented that he was humming a lovely tune, though Llyr didn't catch the exact words. "Thank you. I enjoy music as much as the rest of us in this city so a compliment even on humming is always pleasant," His words were gentle and his eyes were filled with joy. For all intensive purposes he really was that man, full of happiness and smiles for pretty ladies in cafe's, but it wasn't exactly the most factual version of himself.

That was fine. No one had to be perfect in expressing their inner selves all the time. In fact many people quest their whole life trying not to be that person. It really wasn't so bad to put on a show for a pretty waitress every once and a while. Was it just a show every once and a while? The question played at the back of his mind as he took a sip of coffee and leaned back in his chair. Now would have been a good time to actually plan a day out with perhaps even another Muse. At least then he wouldn't be so lost within his mind on a perfectly lovely afternoon. The sun was out and everyone looked rather happy in Percussion, so Llyr wondered why he couldn't be the exact same way. More honestly happy.

A particular musician caught his eye and Llyr watched in awe, forgetting all that was about him. The musician was just a normal young man, but he held such superior control over his instrument that Llyr couldn't keep himself from staring a bit. The young man's hands glided along his guitar so swiftly and elegantly that Llyr's longing to play music intensified. The Muse noted that he may just have to leave and head back to the school sooner than he had planned to play his Lyre a little. Hand wrapped about his cup, Llyr continued to stare out the window as if he was only seeing a musician for the first time.

[Marshell Artyn]

Marshell has made today to be a day for her self. She decided to go shopping, maybe hit the spa, who knows? But one thing was for certain, that the previous four hours at the Polyphony sure did make her thirsty. This is where she decided to either go to the Cantabile and have one of their amazing organic lattes, stay in Percussion and grab a drink at the Motif, or maybe even go to the Simplistic Medley... But... It was too early to have fun there. All the action is at night time. Mulling her options carfully while walking down the sidewalk, Shel eventually rested on going to the Soprano District for a peaceful walk and drink at the Cantabile. However, to see if her decision was a good one, she planned her course around to the Motif so see if it were busy or not.

Shel turned the corner sharp and still had a ways to go, with her gears cranking the whole way. She noticed some people looking at her as she passed. Was her hair messed up? No. It always was. Was her outfit torn or something? HELL NO. As if that will ever happen. She couldn't think of why people are staring until she finally heard someone say, "...Ritz Ditz..." and continued on their conversation out of earshot. She slowed her pace down, in a somewhat saddened step. It's not... My fault. They just cannot accept me for who I am. I am Marshell. Take it or leave it. and thinking this, she picked up her pace and briskly walked towards the Motif and it's hopeful emptiness.

She turned yet another corner and instantly saw the Motif in the distance. There were tons of people outside, so there should be just as many inside. Her shoulders sank as she kept walking towards the cafe where the sweet smell of aromas wanted her to just forget about the wait and waltz in and grab a cup, but she decided not to and that she would continue on to the Cantabile.

She passed the front bay window and glimpsed inside to double check the popularity of the cafe, when she caught a royal blue glimpse. She turned back and kept walking. Wait. Double take! She ran backwards and stared in the window. Shel furrowed her brow and squinted with her hands above her eyes and right up against the glass so she could see. It was Llyr Lunette, another Muse!

She hadn't known much about Llyr, other than he's devastatingly powerful and so is his smile, and they've only worked together for say... a year now? Shel stared at him for a good couple seconds, waiting for those gears of her to kick it up a notch. They finally did and she jumped back squealing with her notable jump-and-clap routine. Her long blonde hair bobbed with her body as she then waved, from outside, screaming to Llyr through the window, "LLYR!!! LLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!" Not thinking she started walking towards him, running into the window. All eyes were on her as she bumped her nose on the glass, then recoiled with her hands on her nose. She stopped for a second, smiled then walked around to the front door ignoring all of the snickers and insults the customers were whispering under their breath.

Once Marshell was inside, the techie-motif of the cafe caught her eyes and she looked around mouth wide open. The Motif had changed their decor since she was here last, so she made a promise to herself to visit more often. Her gaze wandered from corner to corner until it reached Llyr again. She then remembered that she had come here to see him in the first place. She beamed her typical Marshell Smile and walked over towards Llyr and his chair, taking her place in the chair closest to his.

"Hello Llyr! How are you today?" She paused for a bit as her smile faded. She looked out the bay window at the others gawking at her. Some were smiling and laughing amongst themselves. She turned back to Llyr and endearingly said, "Oh... Oh my.. Llyr I'm so sorry... I hope I didn't embarass you... I mean I just recognized you and thought it would be a somewhat good time to get to know each other? I dunno. I'm sorry. If it's awkward.. I can leave if you'd like." She expressed sadly in her elegant face the full extent of her sorrow, but mostly it was an apologetic face. She waited for his reply with this expression on, hoping he wasn't too upset.

[Llyr Lunette]

The trance that he found himself at the bright young man playing music did not let up. Llyr would have enjoyed sitting out there, playing with the enthralling young man, but he tore his attention away and looked down to his cup of coffee. Llyr could almost see his reflection in the dark dark liquid. The young man knew that if he could see his own eyes clearly he would not really enjoy the look that must have been in them today. That dreamy quality tended to frustrate him more than anything because he knew better than anyone else how that meant his mind was wandering. Wandering in probably the least pleasant sense of the term. Just as people called him The Sea because he was a well of emotional information, Llyr felt as if he often got lost in the Sea that was his mind.

And then there came a reprieve, as alarming and ridiculous as it was. One moment Llyr could feel himself drowning in his thoughts and the next he heard what sounded like an animal squeal before the muffled sounds of his name being cried beyond the glass windows. Looking up from his cup, Llyr caught the sight of his fellow Muse just moments before she plowed face-first into the window. Ah, yes, that was most certainly his fellow Muse Marshell. She was always like that, but he supposed it made her... special. Llyr always did think she seemed like a lovely person, though rather slow on the uptake occasion-- always. The Sea couldn't hold back the wry smile that passed his face as Marshell quickly managed to recover and trot about into the cafe. At the very least, the young woman had that going for her.

Llyr took in how lovely his co-worker looked even beyond her embarrassing act and silently told himself to remind her of it at some point in their conversation. She wasn't shy in the sense that she would avoid him like many people might when they see someone they know, so he supposed he could drop the shy pretense if only for that single act. Marshell walked over briskly and sat before him, happily starting conversation. It was a pleasant thing to hear someone else addressing him, Llyr realized with an almost entirely genuine smile. It seemed as if it was rarer with each passing day that Llyr actually had conversations with someone. Real conversations that lasted beyond 'what would you like sir?' or a passing 'hello! how are you?' Marshell sounded upbeat at first, but when her smile faded it became clear that she worried she was making Llyr feel negative. It was a shame, he thought, that she should have to worry like that.

Llyr wasn't shy about this part of the conversation as he gave a dismissive wave of the hand and muttered, "They can think what they like, Marshell. Please don't leave for fear of embarrassing me. I would rather enjoy some company if you wouldn't mind." Pulling his cup closer, Llyr came to the realization that Marshell must like something to drink as well. "What would you like to drink? Whatever it is I'm buying." He smiled brightly- infectiously. It was nice to the young man that he could already feel himself relaxing and pulling out of the endless pit that was his observational mind. Casting his deep blue eyes to Marshell he absorbed the apologetic look she had on her face and tried to pull forth the proper experience from within to ease her worries.

Then he quickly recalled what he wanted to do earlier and thought it would be a lovely thing to ease he worries. Pushing a bit of hair from his face, Llyr leaned forward and placed his elbows on the table casually. Warmly, he said, "You look lovely today by the way." In the end, Llyr really didn't care what others had to say. People could be shallow and foolish and even cruel if they wished, but that didn't need to change who he was. It didn't even need to change who Marshell was, which she seemed to understand rather well when it only concerned herself. She did worry for others though, which was an admirable trait. Llyr hoped that while he was thinking he didn't betray his emotions through facial expressions, though he couldn't tell if he did after wondering of it.

[Neku Sakuraba]

He looked straight ahead, looking at no one in particular. That was the way he was. He didn't even pretend to be interested in anyone. No one else mattered. However, it couldn't be said that he didn't actually notice and wasn't aware of his surroundings. He would be a dumb shit to plead ignorence. Besides, as it was his job, he often played music for people, if they were lucky or he was bored. If there was one thing that he liked about this place, it was that there was no lack of music anywhere.

And the people were pretty chill, for the most part. The city was home to alot of eccentrics, but for the most part, he was left alone, and that suited him. He had lived alone most of his life until he met his friends in....

Shibuya...

Damn, he missed it so much. Unfortunately he couldn't remember what happened to him for him to be away from it. It was random. He just...appeared. Almost like another instance that he still remembered. Or at least, thought he remembered....

Anyways what he could remember was that he was sitting and chatting to his friends, and all of a sudden a loud noise. Then nothing, then he was here. It was all so strange....

He stopped looking around, bobbing his head to the flow and beat of the high tempo music on his headphones. He tapped his foot and tucked his hands in his pockets. In truth, for the moment, he was looking for a place to chill. Grafiti didn't appeal to him...today. He was just in the mood to chill, get something to drink or eat. He was more thirsty than anything right now. He looked over across the street and found a decent looking place. He sighed inwardly and then continued walking.

He walked in silently. Many of the nicer citizens sent him a smile, however he just briefly looked t them gave a small grunt while closing his eyes and continuing to his small table. Many took at his rude, and some were just confused, but either way they went with what they were doing. Which was fine with him, he didn't want to deal with any of their crap today. As he sat, he continued to move his head to the flow of music from his headphones. He looked out the window, not even paying attention to anything at the moment. He soon felt the presence of someone near him and he turned slightly looking up at her. she was his waitress.

"Hiya! What would like to drink?"


"Coffee. Two sugars please."

He was short and blunt. To the point. She looked slightly dissapointed that he didn't say more but she nodded and went to go make his order. He waited and within a couple minutes he noticed she was fiddling with the coffee maker and looked slightly distressed. She came over to him and looked quite apologetic.

"I'm sorry sir, the coffee machine is on the fritz, I should have it ready if you wait a few more minutes."

He closed his eyes and looked somewhat annoyed but he simply nodded. As she left to go take care of the machine he looked over to a nearby fellow musician playing some tunes on the guiter. Neku blinked for several moments, eyeing his fingers play on the guitar. Neku simply scoffed.

That kid has nothing on me....nothing better to do...

He suddenly stood up and walked nonchalantly across the cafe. Over to the other musician, and looked down as he played a pretty good melody.

I've gotta give him props, guys good.

"Hey, give me a try at that."

The musician looked up at him stopping his melody. He gave him a brief smile and the held up the guiter to Neku.

"Go ahead, be my guest."

Neku took the guitar in his hands and simply nodded and as the guy shifter over to a nearby seat, Neku took his place, plucked a few strings as a warm up, and then began playing a pretty nice tune. It was pretty catchy as far as Neku thought, and he played it quite nicely, he was all over the place, playing it masterfully in his seat. All he did was close his eyes and bob his head to the music he was playing. The musician looked at Neku wide eyed not expecting such a catchy and moving tune. As Neku tapped his foot the young guy smiled and just sat there listening to him play. Neku felt his stare, and perhaps several others listening to the music he was playing. He didn't really care, perhaps a little though, that they did enjoy what he could play.

By the time his coffee came he was still playing, almost not noticing his coffe going from hot to cool.

[Marshell Artyn]

The disposition Llyr gave Marshell when he said "They can think what they like, Marshell. Please don't leave for fear of embarrassing me. I would rather enjoy some company if you wouldn't mind." made her extremely happy that he was not offended by her stupidity. She smiled brightly at the fact that this man was not like the others. He definitely lived up to his name as "The Sea" being much deeper emotionally and mentally than he looked physically. She agreed with him with a nod and when he offered for a drink she remarked with,"Just water, please. I would feel horrible if you spent any money on me."

Marshell's easily distracted attention was averted as the cafe's door was opened and a young teenager with a purpleish-blue shirt and white shorts walked in. He had flamboyantly spiked orange hair and as he walked his head bobbed to the loud music that eminated from his headphone. She shot him a smile immediately. the typical routine for Marshell: All smiles, stranger or no. As the teeanger walked by she watched and when she turned her head she caught Llyr smiling. Something about Llyr's smile compelled her to feel better about herself. It was a great smile, that's for sure, but however no matter how happy he seemed, she noticed a small amount of sadness in his eyes that his smile denied. She decided to keep that to herself. She may not be bright, but she knew her boundaries and was too afraid of opening an old wound to ask.

Nonetheless, her worries faded with what the young man said next. "You look lovely today by the way." She felt highly enlightened, while her smile beamed brighter than before. She leaned in and set her elbows on the table like her counterpart Muse and said back to him "Thank you very much, Llyr, it means alot to me. Usually around town I get laughs and others ridicule me. I'm glad to know there is some sanity in this town." She winnked at him and smiled as she stood up and walked to the counter.

About a minute or so later, she came back with a small plastic cup of complimentary water that the cafe hands out for free, and sat back down in her chair across from Llyr. She took a sip of her water and then remarked on Llyr's missing instrument. "Oh hey, why aren't you playing anything? I always pass by your room on my way in and out of the Sanctuary and hear such amazing melodies, and not to mention at the Binary Animato." She chuckled at this then stopped and set her water down quick and replied excitedly "We live four apartments apart and work in the same building, and apparently we both like the Motif here... But... We HARDLY know each other. What's up with that? I mean, maybe we should spend more time together and get to know each other better cause if there were monster attacks--" she interrupted herself by some eyes drawn on her when the word "monsters" left her mouth. She leaned in and said more quietly, "We may need to work together soon, and I haven't seen any other Muse in a while, so if we're the only ones around... Well... I just want to be ready is all. I mean what if right now a mon-- Nevermind. I won't say it again. But really you never know--" Marshell was victim to her floating attention again as that same teenager from before walked by again, gaze fixed on a musician in the corner. She watched as he took the guitar from the man and started to play. Marshell was stricken with the trance that she originally found Llyr in when she got here.

She found herself tapping her foot to the rhythm that the boy was playing and randomly jumped back to her original topic with Llyr. "Sorry, Llyr. You know I'm distracted. I'm sure you've heard enough stories about me... Anyways, the only reason I was distracted was because of that kid's large headphones. The music was so loud! Then he just randomly asked to play a guitar and is great. Sorry. Like I said I get distracted easily." She gave an awkward face to him before looking back at the teenager, then back at Llyr and smiling.

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[Llyr Lunette]

Marshell was as pleasant as ever. It wasn't unexpected with how he knew her to be usually, but somehow it was still weird to see someone handle such embarrassing situations so well when it came to her personally. She didn't look embarrassed or upset that people were talking of her. After his offer of getting her a drink, she declined anything of value saying she didn't want him to spend money on her, which he somewhat expected but still frowned slightly at. Llyr enjoyed spending on friends occasionally and Marshell was as close to a friend as he had these days. It was still a difficult concept for Llyr to bring himself closer to other muses like himself, no matter how he wished to have friends. Magic was his passion and his vice. Marshell said something quickly before getting up to grab some water for herself and Llyr smirked slightly with a shake of the head. She was amusing, that was for certain.

The few short moments that Marshell was away from the table, Llyr felt his mind and gaze wandering freely. It felt nice within the cafe, he thought with a fleeting smile of peace. There was a soft guitar being played within that left a different tone to the steam-punk cafe, and Llyr always did appreciate having music in the background. Soon his unexpected guest came back over and sat down happily, continuing where she left off without falter. It was a little surprising to him that she should notice he was without his instrument, though it brought a smile to his face. "I forgot my Lyre in my office this evening, which is disappointing for me. Haha. Well no matter. I do wish I had some form of instrument with me though for those musical cravings."

She remarked on how she often heard him when he was in his office or at home and played. It did come as a bit of a surprise to him that they lived so close because that part at least he had never noticed. Llyr recalled living near her, and of course they worked together, but to live only four apartments away from each other? He nodded at her surprise, feeling it a bit as well, though he always knew why he wasn't close with the muses. Any of them.

Marshell continued to speak, though she soon found herself distracted by an abrupt change in music. Llyr's deep blue eyes suddenly skipped to the young man who seemed to catch Marshell's attention as well and he wondered who it was. The orange hair was most likely something he would have remembered, Llyr noted silently. For such a young man, Llyr knew he was rather talented. Probably couldn't have been traditionally trained by the strings either or he would lack a certain something. Llyr's eyes narrowed in observation as he wondered why he felt like the young man was missing something in a different sense. A spark.

Marshell managed to tear herself away and apologized for her distraction, which brought Llyr back from his observations as well. "No need to apologize really. He does seem to be rather good..." Llyr drew out his words as his brain pried for what he felt was missing. With a slight frown he realized that it wasn't going to come to his lips no matter how much he bothered himself over it. A light hum escaped Llyr while he thought, carrying on with the guitar song as well. The music came too easily and he couldn't much hold it back. Music was in his brain like the impulse to breath. Suddenly Llyr felt his desires for music bloom into the desire to sing along with the pleasant guitar, lyrics that have never been written before.

[Neku Sakuraba]

Neku was jamming it out pretty well, making odd awesome sounds with it that were modern from his world. The riffs and bridges were absolutely outstanding. People took notice. It was almost, uncomfortable. A man with odd blue hair and eyes looked at him briefly along with the young woman he was sitting with.

For some odd reason, he couldn't shake the feeling, but those two were strange. Though he really couldn't say much. Neku probably looked strange to the people around here as well. He couldn't help but stare at them both as he finished the song. No doubt they would notice. He sensed something in them...what was it? Was it beyond his comprehension? His thoughts were immediately interupted by the guy he had borrowed the guitar from.

"Hey! Guy! Your awesome!"

"It's Neku."

"Well your really awesome Neku! Are you in a band?"

"No. Uninterested."

"Oh c'mon! Do you realize how famous you could be around here? People here take music seriously, and your just...just a genius. I've not heard any of that around here before."

"Don't think so. A musical oriented city, means more competition. Besides, I work better alone."

Neku was remaining steadfast in decision. The kid next to him sighed solmnly but then quickly perked up.

"Well if it counts, I think you caught the attention of those two from the Sanctuary."

Neku looked at him slightly confused.

"Eh?"

The kid smiled and then nodded over to the two Neku was looking at earlier.

"Those two? Whats their deal? Who are they?"

"They're from the Sanctuary. Its an academy here where they teach the extremely talented in the arts of music."

Neku cocked an eyebrow curiously and then closed his eyes, taking the guitar and handing it back to the kid. The guy simply smile and strummed on the notes again.

"Perhaps you should talk to them."

"Meh, they probably don't want me anyways."

He looked back over at them and then slowly got up and walked over to the waitress, giving a peace sign towards the kid as a 'see ya later'.

"Your coffee is ready sir."

Neku made a smalled nod and a grunt and then took a sip. It was warm, and sweet, with a slightly bitter taste to it. It was still good and it warmed him up in the cold weather. He thought more about the two from the Sanctuary the guy with the guitar mentioned. Should he try it? What would he be able to do? And more importantly...why was he wasting his time being interested in this? What was it to him? Unless it was getting back to Shibuya, he shouldn't be wasting his time learning about music, a concept he already grasped quite well. But he couldn't help but feel a sudden want to do it. He once again shook his head. Why would they want him? He was nothing special, and besides being in a school would mean he would have to be around other people. Other people trying to stuff their ideals down his throat. Could he really deal with that?

[Marshell Artyn]

Marshell was still tapping her foot while she noticed that Llyr was humming to the music. She wished that she could sing like him. He was set for a fight, with an instrument or two AND his voice. Shel just has her castanets. If those were lost, she was defenseless. SHe shook the thought and went back to Llyr. This was really the first time she had ever heard Llyr sing before, and the rumors were just right. He had a dangerous voice on two levels. It was sultry and, foot still tapping, she lost her eyes to his enamouring voice. Marshell has finally experienced what Llyr can do, and now it was no wonder why they all fell for his voice. The scary part was that he was just humming. She thought silently to what he would sound like in full-out singing, then smiled. The second level of danger in his voice was the Forbidden Magic he commanded so well. She wondered again what his victims felt when his magic voice rang beauty in their ears, then death fell upon them instantly. She smiled again, after a quick shudder. I think I'll stick to how I already know him. Sweet and shy Llyr Lunette. She beamed another smile as her attention was then re-averted to the boy playing the guitar.

She wanted to get up and dance, but calmed herself at the expense of Llyr's popularity. Even though he said he didn't care about her being an embarassment, and that everyone should think what they want, she still felt liek she wouldn't do it because at least he has areputation to save. That's why she didn't care what they thought about her. It's already long gone, but at least she can presever someone else's. Nonetheless, for someone to express through music such divinity that gets two Muse to tap their feet or hum along is no easy feat. The teenager had some odd air about him. He seemed like he belonged here, but seemed more like he didn't. Something in him while he played gave Marshell an... Off feeling about him. He most certainly was not normal. She started to stand up and went to grab Llyr's hand. She meant to drag him over to the teenager so she could dance, Llyr would sing and the teenager would play, however, the boy stopped playing and her hand only grazed Llyr's as she fell back into her chair. "Darn. I really wanted to dance. His beat was gorgeous. Don't think I didn't catch you humming either, Llyr. I was gonna drag you up there and we were gonna dance, sing, play, and rock the cafe! She smiled at her company with her most endearing smile, then watched as the boy walked back over to his coffee.

Marshell couldn't help but notice that the teenager was glancing at her and Llyr from time to time after his performance. She knew that the man he borrowed the guitar from was explaining to him who they were, but the boy didn't seem interested. This right here is what intrigued Marshell. Most tones jumped at the fact a Muse was around especially if they wanted in the Sanctuary. Much less tow Muse were interested in what someone was playing. Anyone else would have freaked out? Maybe lost their cool? It differs from tone to tone, but for him to be completely uninterested was the most notable part to her. Come to think of it, she's surprised that no one has come forth as of yet, especially with Llyr, the final and strongest of the Muse. Not to mention he's dreeeaaaammmyyyy~

So if not a Beat from the school, or an aspiring student, where were the fangirls? Shel was sure that some girls around were giving Llyr "the eye" and hoped that he never caught her doing that to him. He was attractive, yes, but no one really wants Marshell and she's content with that. Oh well. Marshell had no complaints because peace was nice for once. No people meant no insults or remarks that she had to seemingly brush off. She was sure Llyr enjoyed it as well. She jumped to herself slightly as she snapped back to thinking about that kid. "Llyr. Should we go talk to him? I mean... I don't know where it would go, but.. I think he wants to know something. He looks like he's chock full of questions. She looked at Llyr with a sincere expression, showing she was somewhat curious and a pinch of worried for the teenager. He looked rather lonely sipping his coffee by himself.

[Llyr Lunette]

As the music came to an end, Llyr felt his mind clearing. It was a bit frustrating that music could have him so smitten that he has a harder time accessing all of the depths of his mind. Certainly most people didn't often have that ability even at their calmest, but it was something that Llyr prided himself on. He was The Sea. Calm. Collected. Wise. Llyr was beginning to get frustrated that it was harder to touch on his true self, though he smoothed that frustration for the sake of appearance. No one really wanted to see an angry muse, and he imagined that was doubly so for the highest rank of them all. A slight chuckle overwhelmed him as he pictured himself rampaging over something silly. That would have been rather unprofessional indeed.

Pushing some hair from his face, Llyr turned his focus back to Marshell. The young woman had looked to rapt when listening to the music and she made it clear she was disappointed to hear it end. Llyr smiled at her idea, that she intended to drag him over there so they could all participate and secretly wanted to a little even if it wouldn't have been the best. People got weary when Muses began to make music sometimes, and that did go especially for him unfortunately. There were pointed aspects to being such an important teacher and they seemed so constantly present that Llyr wondered if he'd survive it all. Not just the battles of magic and wit, but battles of emotion and tire. And oh was Llyr so very tired.

"Yes I was humming. I just can't help myself it seems," The light-hearted comment was accompanied by a soft laugh that made Llyr's heart ache a little. Such laughs were so un-befitting of someone such as he, Llyr always thought, because The Sea could not cry or laugh and sometimes he felt as if he should not either. He would not allow this to keep him from what he needed to focus on though, so Llyr cast his eyes to the young man once more. Something was certainly peculiar about him. The man he had borrowed the guitar from spoke with him a little and Llyr wondered why he looked so disinterested. Most people at least pretended to take interest in the words of another, even if they did want out of the conversation. Catching pieces of the conversation only served to further perplex Llyr though.

Most people held very strong opinions of the Muses and the Elegies for that matter, but this young man didn't so much as bat an eyelash at the names. If anything, he seemed not to know who they were at all. Everyone in the city of Symphony at least knew that the Muses were intimidating figures of vast magic, but this one... Llyr furrowed his brow and quickly tried to look away. No. He could not invest himself too deeply into this young man because he was almost certain of what he was now. A deserter. A cast off among the summoned. Llyr didn't have to agree with the muses, but he knew he shouldn't meddle in matters such at this child, a missing link in the protection of the city.

Marshell spoke again and her expression was enough to stab through Llyr's heart. Damn. He would have to speak with this boy after all it seemed because Marshell had such a heart of gold. It was admirable, but it was also against their job. They were there to protect the city. They followed the Elegies and taught students. They did not, absolutely not, support those who chose against protecting the city. With a look of sorrow, Llyr thought that perhaps she didn't know. When she did would it change matters? Llyr assumed not. Marshell was, of course, a lovely person. Running a hand through his hair, Llyr leaned forward and tried to put on his most comforting face for Marshell. He didn't want to upset her, but he was certain she wouldn't much enjoy what he was about to say. "Are you sure that we should meddle in someone else's business? It's possible he's quite content being alone. I'm not very sure about it myself." That was a lie. Llyr was very sure of it. Llyr was The Sea. A well of information and emotional support. Llyr didn't want to know anymore.

[Marshell Artyn]

Llyr pushed hair away from his face while looking at Marshell. He seemed to do that alot. To Marshell, it seemed like he used the hair to... maybe hide from something? It gave him a mysterious vibe and something about it... She quickly shook the thought from herself and then looked back at Llyr and his seemingly worried face. Marshell questioned his expression to herself as he remarked how he was caught red-handed humming. She thought about what he said for a bit.

He couldn't help himself? Maybe that was the same compelling force she had with her dancing. It was nice to see someone who was as moved by something as she. Coincidentally, it was the same stimulus for them both, however the results were near opposites. A good beat to Marshell gets her up and moving, and she forgets she even has a voice (that is, unless it's a song she REALLY likes where she sings along), whereas Llyr's reaction was that of him using his voice. He may tap a foot or two, maybe move a little, but she couldn't see Llyr actually dancing like she does. She found it a little interesting, until he laughed.

Something was up. That was an off-laugh. Llyr's voice seemed to change and his motive for this was unclear to Marshell. As his attention went back to that teenage kid, she thought and thought on this little thing that escaped his lips. Her gaze seemed to wander when she was deep in thought. When he returned to her, she snapped, losing all train of thought. After remarking on visiting with the kid, Llyr replied as calm as his voice always is, and when she heard the response she didn't want to she slightly sank back into her chair. There it was again, he pushed his hair again. She chuckled a little and was then reminded of the topic she was thinking of earlier. His laugh.

Marshell's response was not true to her heart, but true to Llyr's. Something about that empty laugh. That laugh that sounded meaningless. The laugh that Marshell wanted to fill, so she gave a response not of her own will, but what she felt Llyr wanted. "You're right, Llyr, maybe we shouldn't invade his privacy." She slightly agreed with her mistaken reply because she hates to interfere and seem a burden. Maybe it really was a good idea to leave him alone, that way she couldn't embarass him or be in the way. Marshell turned to look out the window away from Llyr and wished for a distraction to keep her emotions from being read. Maybe she should run into the window again. A slight chuckle escaped from her when thought of how embarassing it was, and how stupid she might be, but it was no matter. She was Marshell through and through. Take it or leave it. She showed a small smile and thought that should be her Mantra. She snapped with a realization and quickly turned to Llyr.

"Take it or leave it..." A pause between her breaths. She leaned in and looked at him closely, then pushed her own hair aside mocking him. "What does that saying mean to you? I know it's random, but it means alot to me. If I'm to get to know you better, which needs to be done mister, then tell me. What does it mean? Marshell set her elbows on the table and cupped her hands to rest her chin on it. She cocked her head the the left a little, causing her hair to follow suit and swoosh with her head. "I wanna get to know you better, Llyr... I mean... Not like THAT, but like I said earlier, we might need to work together, so knowing enough about each other might help in the long run, dontcha think?" Marshell smiled again waiting for her Muse companion's response.

[Neku Sakuraba]

Neku grunted aggravated at himself. His eyes were closed and he was beginning to get a headache from his damn mind running aorund into circles. Why could he get his mind off that damn man with the blue eyes and blue hair. Why? He thought for several moments.

This Sanctuary. It seems to be well respected. If it was the reason that he was here in the first place, then it was likely the way that he would be able to get home? Wouldn't it? Neku didn't know, nothing was ever for certain. But what he did know, is that by talking to those two guys over there. He would end up knowing more information then he had known previously. Regardless of if he actually was able to gain admittance into the Sanctuary. He would know more and in turn could have more knowledge on how to get back to his friends.

An image of his friends popped into his head. There were blonde kids one an older guy and the other a small girl. They both were adorned with skull caps. They were both smiling.

Beat...Rhyme...

Then next to them was black haired girl, with glasses. A small smile played across her face. Smiling at him. In her arms...her little stuffed piggy whom when they first met, freaked Neku the hell out. Next to her another girl with pink hair and hazel eyes, wearing a green cap and skirt smiled and stood next to the black haired girl, them both smiling and giggling.

Shiki...Eri...

Finally there was a silver hair kid, with gray eyes, giving a very patronizing smile, the one that always pissed him off, and a wink before turning and walking away and fading from Neku's mind.

....Joshua....

Neku shook his head and gave a determined look in the distance grabbing the tip of his hair and placing one hand on his hip.

...I can't just wait around like I've been doing the past few months.

With that he took one more sip of his coffee and then tossed it behind him landing it perfectly in the trash. He then turned around and began walking toward the two from the Sanctuary. He didn't seem nervous, however, deep inside, he didn't know what to expect. He finally arrived to their table, his hands were down and he was looking down, his orange spikey hair obscuring his blue eyes.

"Excuse me. You two are from the Sanctuary."

It was more of a statement than a question but nonetheless it made him seem more strong despite he was looking down. He then looked up and put his hand behind his head, his other in his pocket trying to look casual.

"So...I was wondering what you all could tell me about it?"

[Llyr Lunette]

Llyr was relieved when Marshell decided against fighting him. He really didn't want to meddle in business of the deserter. Or at least the one that he presumed to be a deserter. It didn't matter because either way he knew that he shouldn't meddle in that life, and that went exponentially if he was the deserter he thought him to be. Just as the relief began to settle in, Marshell seemed to change gears. She didn't really feel the way Llyr did, he knew she didn't, but she had gone along with him. Something of the way she spoke left Llyr a little unsettled though, as if she was on to him. Realizing his feelings. That was a very unwanted concept though. Llyr was supposed to remain mysterious and awe-inspiring. Having the ability to dive into others' feeling and not bother with his own. When the woman decided to begin speaking again Llyr decided to pay careful attention so he could figure this out.

It was a game, seemingly at his expense. She asked a question and pushed her hair back, a gesture surely meant to mock him. Well now that wasn't very polite at all, Llyr thought with a slight inner sigh. Handling Marshell was usually a handful because of her slightly slowed though process, but now it appeared to be much more complicated. She was laying out a game and Llyr was to play with her. Perhaps she did just wish to learn more about him, but there was certainly a better way of doing it rather than mocking him and asking questions that seemingly meant everything cloaked in nothing. Llyr didn't much find a desire to speak anymore. The young man resisted the urge to push hair from his face as he leaned back and calculated out an answer for Marshell. He wasn't even sure what she wanted to hear.

"We probably should learn more of each other if we're to work together effectively," Llyr started softly, using a tone that was mostly masked. At this point, Llyr couldn't afford to go too much into detail of his mind's goings on because then he would seem to suspicious. It was frustrating that he should always be hiding and masking himself, but with such a responsibility on his shoulders he just couldn't afford to be anything but calm and collected. Everyone was counting on his strength and he refused to falter. Especially in the sight of a fellow muse. No, it most certainly wasn't the time nor place to have a little truth-fest. "I suppose that..." Llyr suddenly trailed off just as he began speaking and his eyes shifted to an oncoming figure. Damn Llyr cursed silently as the young orange haired man walked over. There was no avoiding the subject now, though at least he didn't have to play that specific game with Marshell anymore.

And he was asking of the Sanctuary. That was probably the most peculiar of all. Llyr wondered why a deserter would have any interest in the academy when they cast off those responsibilities some time ago. Perhaps Llyr was wrong, but he rarely was on such matters, even when he really wished he could be. Llyr's soft blue eyes set on the boy and he tried to grasp what was going on. "You haven't heard much of it?" Llyr's voice was cool and calm, and he was sure not to reveal any of his hidden emotions. "It is a lovely place really. Full of rather talented students trying to learn interesting things." Llyr let his voice trail off, as if he was lost in thought.

The slack that Llyr left on the subject he knew would be where Marshell could pick up. No doubt she would be more than happy to speak of their home away from home. She seemed to enjoy things like that. And she was getting her wish, being able to talk to the peculiar young man. In the end it was working for her in every matter other than the fact that she wouldn't get to pry at Llyr for a short time. He was sure she'd pick it back up when her mind wandered back to it, but hopefully by then he would have a good response to throw out rather than the one he was stumbling on putting together when the boy had walked over. Llyr decided to silently observe the conversation for a time, as Marshell was simply friendly enough to involve the young man in ways he figured he could not do.

[Marshell Artyn]

Marshell was a harmless creature, unless threatened. Really she just wanted to learn more about Llyr as a friend, but as she rested her head in her hands, she realized that the question she brought up really DID have a deeper meaning. Depending on what he said would shed so much more information than Marshell had originally intended. Once that thought crossed her, she smiled, showing her perfect white teeth at the man across from her. Llyr was that one guy who everyone knew, but no one actually KNEW. Marshell felt like she was one of the original Elegies establishing the grand city of Symphony. Something that hadn't been done. She was a pioneer and questioned someone that usually isn't questioned. Oh the rush of new ground to explore. It was like hearing a new song that had never been danced to before, and she was taking her first steps to it by dipping her toe into The Sea.

Invigoration rushed through her as he began his response. Every word he spoke rang clear to her and the world around her seemed to fade to black. All there was, was Llyr and his voice. This was a focusing technique taught to her by her Nurse. Constant visits by Marshell gave the Nurse company, and in return, the Nurse would teach Marshell various things. May it be about life, how to live it, love, how to spot it, anything of the sort. Marshell came to her one day and asked to help bring focus to her life as a Muse. The Nurse simply replied with "Focus on one thing, Marshell, one thing only, but be aware of others." She hadn't gotten this down completely yet, so as of now, the Motif had completely vanished. Marshell. Llyr. That was it. In her eyes right now, her elbows rested on nothingness and Llyr sat on air where his words echoed and rang in her head as she analyzed each and every sound, down to the letter. Time itself seemed to slow giving her as much time needed to think about his response. His final word rang and she knew that whatever came next would start revealing what she wanted to know, which now became everything.

Snap. The Motif came forth from the shadows, Marshell's table reappeared, and Llyr's chair formed itself under him. The only one surprised by this was Marshell since it was her own little world that had changed. She jumped and quietly screamed to her startled self as the boy from earlier approached. Before he arrived, she muttered a curse word, Damn to herself, not realizing she said it the same time as her counterpart. Not for the same reason though. She cursed the fact that she was focusing perfectly, then lost it all, whereas Llyr must have noticed the boy approaching and did not want to intervene as she learned earlier. I was sooooo close. So so close. She turned her face to the side away from the two young men to hide her discontent with losing focus.

She didn't return to the boys until after she had realized that a quesiton had been asked, and Llyr had already answered. Marshell was down before, but not out for the count at all. She re-focused on Llyr as he answered and conversed with the boy. I'll get him this time. I'll find out just how deep this Sea is. She watched as things began to fade somewhat black again, however this time she closed her eyes and listened to only the voice of Llyr. If there was anything hidden, she'd find it, for sure. Time slowed like the last occurence for her. She listened. Each noise that came from him was analyzed... But... To no avail. She opened her eyes as Llyr finished his response. He sounded... Normal... I thought I had him this time... Oh.. Oh well. I'm sure there will be other times where I can listen in and figure him out.

[/color] Marshell wiped the focus off her face quickly to prevent anyone from finding out what she was doing. She didn't want to show any source of anything that she was up to, so as she cleared herself she emerged as the bubbly Marshell that everyone loved to spread rumors about.

"Oh! Oh oh oh! Are you thinking about joining the Sanctuary? There's no doubt in my mind you would work wonders with your music! The way you play would be simply astounding, and I'm sure your mastery over Music Magic would be superb!" Marshell stood up and walked to the young man, shaking his hand and saying, "I am Marshell Artyn. Tier Four Muse. I command Tempo Magic and teach the students the same subject. Of course, there are three Muse before me, so before you take my class, you have to go through them first." She looked at Llyr as she finished shaking her hand. She was going to introduce him as the Tier One Muse, the best of the best, but felt that may be improper. He may not want him to know who he was? Or may not want to dapple with the boy at all. If she caught anything that Llyr meant, it was this, and she went off of this statement as well. "This here is Llyr." She felt somewhat empty saying this because she wanted to express that he was the strogest around. That he was her friend and that he didn't care she was slow and ditzy. She wanted to go on about Llyr, but knew he would feel uncomfortable, especially since it was this random boy that he felt uncomfroable even looking at, in the first place. Nonetheless she turned her gaze back to the teenager, but not before giving Llyr a look tha expressed "Let loose!". She continued, "He works at the Sanctuary as well. I think you may find that the Sanctuary has all of your needs. We have a cafeteria so you don't have to cook. A full library, a mess hall, and the dorms are amazingly comfortable. If anything goes wrong, the wellness center can cover it. They've got amazing Tonics coming in and out of the place so it's always bustling with ways to fight injury and sickness. The gardens are magnificent, and there's even an observatory... But... The observatory hasn't been used much, other than I heard the other day, some fisherman kid was there and another kid with a giant key, why I don't know." Marshell shrugged and giggled when she spoke of an interesting trio. Stars, fish and keys. It's not that it was awkward or anything, just... unexpected.

"So what do you think? Doesn't it sound just simply outstanding?" Marshell smiled at the boy as she took a step back to give him his room, waiting for his reply.

[/size][/justify][/blockquote]

[Neku Sakuraba]

"Hey gee thanks," he said in reply to her compliment regarding his music. He had always been pretty great with music. Neku was a kid of many talents despite being only 15.

She seemed quite the excited/eccentric type. Though she was pretty cool and pretty nice Neku thought. She brought up alot of things he didn't really know about, Tier Four Muse, Tempo Magic, it all sounded pretty iffy to Neku. But then again, this wasn't the first time weird things had happened to him. She then refered to the guy with the blue hair as Llyr. It was an odd name but it sounded pretty cool as well. He worked at this Sanctuary as well. He seemed mysterious, and perhaps even cut-off. There was certainly something different with that guy.

She then went onto explain the campus, which sounded pretty good to him. And then brought up a kid with a giant key, which Neku didn't really see any relevance to him with that. Though it did sound pretty well interesting. After he dwelled on it a couple seconds Marshell then proceeded to ask him what he thought about it. At which Neku instinctively put his hand on his hip and touched a tip of his bright orange spikey hair.

Well it certainly doesn't sound bad...and if anything all I could do is learn more about this world I'm in....

"Sound okay to me Ms. Artyn. Where can I sign up?"

[Llyr Lunette]

Marshell spoke as Llyr knew she would when it came to the school. Her passion for the cause was inspiring and Llyr wished he could match it in enthusiasm. She shook the boy's hand then went to proper introductions, hers of Llyr a little less proper. It seemed as if she caught on to his reserves and chose against mentioning his status, to which he could only smile faintly. Perhaps later he could properly introduce himself, but it didn't seem right at the time. Not with the feelings that Llyr had generated about a child he didn't even know. It felt almost like a disservice. Llyr remained silent as Marshell finished speaking of the Sanctuary, having covered some basic things. He looked to the boy for his reply, expecting the worst.

Llyr couldn't believe his ears. A child who had chosen to become a deserter so readily saying he wanted to join the academy? That was peculiar enough to cause the elder some suspicion. It was possible that Marshell was just that good at convincing others of the benefit of the academy, but Llyr still had his reserves. It had never before been so easy to convert the ones who had declined the Elegies requests. "Y-You mean it?" The look on Llyr's face was mostly incredulous. He was still somewhat in shock at the concept. His soft blue eyes traveled to Marshell, whom he could only look at astounded.

Such open emotion had become so like Llyr lately. As pathetic as it was he was having a harder time containing his feelings lately, which frustrated the man to no end. He was supposed to be better than that. The man felt his hands running through his hair again against his will and he wondered if Marshell would make fun of him for it. She had already noticed it many times over and mocked him for it a little. In fact she seemed to be getting dangerously close to digging deep into his very core. Was it her goal to get that deep? If it was she would be disappointed to learn that even Llyr didn't tread those depths for long. It was simply too much to take in all at once.