xavier_institute_logs | First Trial - The Sound of Music [OPEN]

WHO: Anyone
WHAT: Alric playing some music and/or chatting with whoever drops in
WHERE: Music room
WHEN: A few days during the week, after or between classes
WARNING(S): None

Now that he's pretty well settled in and met some people ~~and had some things to stress out over~~, Alric has taken some time to slip into the music room with his guitar when the coast seems to be clear, and play some music. Some rock, but a lot of emotive classical music, mixing clean guitar with heavy distortion that produces crunchy, rumbling low tones and crisp, sharp high notes, but he definitely plays it like a classically instrument despite the modern sound.

His playing, however, while not always technically precise, is skilled, and in particular, very expressive--some anger and frustration, in places like wide swaths of Vivaldi, but a great deal of longing, as in pieces like Faure's Pavane, or especially the juxtaposition of yearning and tempest in the theme from Swan Lake. Depending on when someone happens to come by and take an interest, they could hear a dose of either or both.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Alric smiles reassuringly and nods.

"I'm certain you're not alone, in those respects. And there are far worse things, I assure you, than being one of those few remaining bastions against the encroachment of American popular culture."

He grins somewhat at his deliberately overdramatized description.

"What, if I might ask, have you read, predominantly--if you have some particular areas of interest, that is."

Soren, meanwhile, does not grin. He considers pointing out that since he happens to be American, he can't very well be a bastion against the encroachment of his own country's pop culture. But he decides that isn't worth picking a fight over, so he shrugs and waits for what else Alric has to say.

"..." He is quiet for a moment, as answering it requires a bit of thinking. Is there an area that has dominated his reading? He isn't sure. When he was younger, yes, certain things grabbed his attention more than others, but lately, well... He supposes there are a few things. "Mostly I've been catching up on schoolwork... but ... I like science, especially physics."

Even if his understanding is still fairly rudimentary.

Alric would have debated that point, anyway, but that's neither here nor there. He waits patiently, assuming that pause indicates broad-ranging interests, and smiles to himself, then nods when Soren answers.

"Mm. I'm no expert, myself, but I've studied the sciences quite a bit, as well. ...partly to better understand my, ah, abilities, of course, but my family felt a solid background in the sciences would be important. And I'm inclined to agree."

"I see."

He stands in awkward silent for a few moments before offering a little more.

"... I want to understand my abilities better, too. But I don't know enough math for fluid mechanics yet."

Alric nods at that, with a bit of an understanding smile.

"Hydrodynamics is certainly one of the more mathematically challenging areas. I've... dabbled, but I've certainly got more to learn, myself."

Soren shakes his head. "Not hydrodynamics. I can't do anything with actual liquids. Aerodynamics."

Still no smile in return. Instead, Soren is still watching Alric carefully, guardedly. He's been here for a few months shy of a year, and he still hasn't learned how to really relax around others. But then again, that isn't entirely uncommon here.

Alric's briefly puzzled--then snaps his fingers, chuckles lightly, and nods.

"Ahh, yes, apologies, you're right... archaically, 'hydrodynamics' referred to the entire field of what's generally called 'fluid mechanics,' now. Plasmas are governed by 'magnetohydrodynamics,' so that's the terminology I've grown accustomed to thinking of. Entirely my mistake."

Still staring at Alric - but this time in confusion.

"If... you meant it archaically then... why are you apologizing? It's not a mistake...."

Alric smiles graciously and inclines his head appreciatively.

"A most charitable point of view, but the apology was for fostering confusion on a point of terminology--the modern term is more proper, after all, and you were quite right to us it. At any rate, please let me know if I can be of any assistance, when you do begin to pursue fluid mechanics."

Soren nods once, slowly. And he seems almost like he's going to leave to get going to his next class, but he pauses first to give Alric a searching look.

"... one question. Why do you smile so much?"

Alric blinks and laughs a little quizzically at that.

"Is there a reason I oughtn't smile?" He pauses a moment. "I suppose I was raised to sustain a positive outlook on things... for my own sake, and for the sake of those around me."

He raises an eyebrow, tilting his head slightly.

"Does it bother you, somehow..?"

First Trial - The Sound of Music [OPEN]

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject